The sovereign being is burdened with a servitude that crushes him, and the condition of free men is deliberate servility.
—Georges Bataille (1897–1962) French Philosopher, Writer
It is better to be high-spirited, even though one makes more mistakes, than to be narrow-minded and all too prudent. It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love, is well done.
—Vincent van Gogh (1853–90) Dutch Painter
To relive the relationship between owner and slave we can consider how we treat our cars and dogs — a dog exercising a somewhat similar leverage on our mercies and an automobile being comparable in value to a slave in those days.
—Edward Hoagland (b.1932) American Essayist, Novelist
Slavery is no more sinful, by the Christian code, than it is sinful to wear a whole coat, while another is in tatters, to eat a better meal than a neighbor, or otherwise to enjoy ease and plenty, while our fellow creatures are suffering and in want.
—James Fenimore Cooper (1789–1851) American Novelist
Slavery is a system of the most complete injustice.
—Plato (428 BCE–347 BCE) Ancient Greek Philosopher, Mathematician, Educator
Most people seek after what they do not possess and are enslaved by the very things they want to acquire.
—Anwar el-Sadat (1918–81) Egyptian Head of State, Political leader
There’re two people in the world that are not likeable: a master and a slave.
—Nikki Giovanni (b.1943) American Children’s Books Writer, Poet, Activist, Author
My reason is not framed to bend or stoop: my knees are.
—Michel de Montaigne (1533–92) French Essayist