What does Edmund ruffin say that is ironic?

Edmund Ruffin, a prominent Southern agrarian, ironically argued for the moral and economic superiority of slavery while simultaneously advocating for the preservation of agriculture in the South. He believed that the institution of slavery was essential for maintaining the agricultural economy, yet his staunch defense of slavery contributed to the very societal and economic tensions that led to the Civil War. This contradiction highlights the irony of his position, as he championed a system he thought was beneficial while ignoring its destructive consequences.