Bob,
Pretty weak historically. Slavery was said to be a great advance in warfare, because before, the losers were simply killed and sometimes eaten. To rationalize slavery, thinkers had to justify the unjustifiable. Aristotle thought slaves were made of inferior stuff, because no brave man would ever allow himself to be reduced to slavery. Like Indians in S. America, they would die first. Las Casas supported the importation of slaves from Africa, because he said that Indians would die first and depopulate the country.
Of course, in many tribes (e.g. Aztec), the ordinary people were slaves. In Thailand, until Chulalongkorn (the prince in The King and I) everyone not noble was a slave. There is a bronze statue of Chula in front of his University in Bangkok with many places kissed bright. I kissed it myself. Liberators -- people who freed slaves, are the real heroes of mankind. Better to die on your feet than live on your knees.
Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death.
--
Patrick Henry Mar 23, 1775 |
