Slaves sing most when they are most unhappy. The songs of the slave represent the sorrows of his heart; and he is relieved by them, only as an aching heart is relieved by its tears.
Frederick DouglassRead
If I have advocated the cause of the Negro, it is not because I am a Negro, but because I am a man.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of universal humanity over racial identity.
Frederick Douglass articulates the idea that his advocacy for the rights of Black people arises from a shared human experience rather than solely from his own racial identity. He underscores a broader principle of equality and humanity, suggesting that moral duty transcends race and is rooted in our common humanity.
Themes
HumanityEqualityAdvocacyJusticeIdentity
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about human rights, you might quote Douglass to emphasize unity in the fight for justice.
More from Frederick Douglass
All quotes βWe may explain success mainly by one word and that word is WORK! WORK!! WORK!!! WORK!!!!
Frederick DouglassRead
I do not think much of the good luck theory of self-made men. It is worth but little attention and has no practical value.
Frederick DouglassRead
To suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the rights of the hearer as well as those of the speaker.
Frederick DouglassRead
The Constitution is a GLORIOUS LIBERTY DOCUMENT. Read its preamble, consider it purposes. Is slavery among them? Is it at the gateway? or is it in the temple? it is neither.
Frederick DouglassRead
Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have the exact measure of the injustice and wrong which will be imposed on them.
Frederick DouglassRead
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To become a celebrity is to become a brand name. There is Ivory Soap, Rice Krispies, and Philip Roth. Ivory is the soap that floats; Rice Krispies the breakfast cereal that goes snap-crackle-pop; Philip Roth the Jew who masturbates with a piece of liver.
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Of course all such conclusions about appropriate actions against the rich and powerful are based on a fundamental flaw: This is us, and that is them. This crucial principle, deeply embedded in Western culture, suffices to undermine even the most precise analogy and the most impeccable reasoning.
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If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.
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Unless a man gives himself entirely to the Cross, in a spirit of humility and self-abasement; unless he casts himself down to be trampled underfoot by all and despised, accepting injustice, contempt and mockery; unless he undergoes all these things with joy for the sake of the Lord, not claiming any kind of human reward whatsoever - glory or honor or earthly pleasures - he cannot become a true Christian.
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A beggar's book outworths a noble's blood.
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A great country is like the lower outlet of a river. It is the world's meeting ground, the world's female.
LaoziRead