Slavery is founded on the selfishness of man's nature -- opposition to it on his love of justice. These principles are in eternal antagonism; and when brought into collision so fiercely as slavery extension brings them, shocks and throes and convulsions must ceaselessly follow.

Summary

This quote highlights the inherent conflict between slavery, which is based on the self-centeredness of human nature, and opposition to it, which stems from mankind's inherent sense of justice. The quote suggests that these two principles are always at odds with each other, and when they clash as intensely as they do in the context of extending slavery, it results in constant shocks, upheavals, and turmoil. In essence, the quote implies that the ongoing tension between selfishness and justice will inevitably lead to widespread unrest and conflict.

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