Meaning: This quote by William Seward, a prominent American statesman, addresses the issue of property in relation to human beings and its recognition within the framework of the Constitution. William Seward was a key figure in American politics during the mid-19th century and served as the United States Secretary of State under President Abraham Lincoln and President Andrew Johnson. His views on the issue of property in man were significant during a time when the United States was grappling with the deeply divisive and morally charged issue of slavery.

In this quote, Seward expresses his belief that the Constitution does not recognize property in man. This assertion is a direct challenge to the legal and moral justification for the institution of slavery, which was deeply entrenched in American society at the time. By stating that the Constitution does not recognize property in man, Seward is making a powerful statement against the practice of treating human beings as mere commodities or possessions.

Seward's assertion that the Constitution does not recognize property in man reflects the broader ideological and legal debates surrounding the institution of slavery in the United States. The Constitution, as the supreme law of the land, serves as the foundational framework for the governance of the country and the protection of individual rights. By stating that the Constitution does not recognize property in man, Seward is aligning himself with the growing abolitionist movement that sought to eradicate the practice of slavery and establish the legal and moral equality of all individuals.

Furthermore, Seward's reference to the "law of nature and of nations" suggests that he believed the question of property in man should be addressed in accordance with universal principles of justice and human rights. The law of nature and of nations refers to the principles of natural law and international law, which encompass fundamental rights and norms that are considered to be inherent to all human beings regardless of their nationality or legal status. By invoking these principles, Seward is emphasizing the moral imperative to recognize the inherent dignity and freedom of all individuals, transcending the limitations of legal and political constructs.

Seward's position on the issue of property in man reflects the broader historical context of the antebellum period in the United States, characterized by intense debates over the expansion of slavery and its compatibility with the nation's founding principles. The question of property in man was at the heart of these debates, as it directly confronted the fundamental contradictions between the institution of slavery and the ideals of liberty and equality enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

The quote attributed to Seward encapsulates his stance as a staunch opponent of the institution of slavery and a proponent of the recognition of the natural rights of all individuals. His assertion that the Constitution does not recognize property in man was a bold and radical statement that challenged the prevailing legal and social order of his time. It reflected his commitment to advancing the cause of abolition and promoting a more just and equitable society based on the principles of liberty and human dignity.

In conclusion, William Seward's quote regarding the Constitution's recognition of property in man serves as a powerful testament to his unwavering commitment to the abolition of slavery and the advancement of universal human rights. By asserting that the Constitution does not recognize property in man and invoking the principles of the law of nature and of nations, Seward articulated a vision of a society founded on the principles of justice, equality, and freedom for all individuals. His words continue to resonate as a testament to the enduring struggle for human rights and the ongoing pursuit of a more just and equitable world.