At the beginning of the troubles of Saint Domingo, I felt that I was destined to great things. When I received this divine intimation, I was four and fifty years of age; I could neither read nor write.
Toussaint LouvertureRead
Citizens, not less generous than myself, let your most precious moments be employed in causing the past to be forgotten; let all my fellow-citizens swear never to recall the past; let them receive their misled brethren with open arms, and let them, in future, be on their guard against the traps of bad men.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and moving forward for the betterment of society.
Toussaint Louverture's quote calls for citizens to prioritize forgiveness over dwelling on past grievances. He urges individuals to embrace those who have been misled and to remain vigilant against the deception of malicious individuals, emphasizing unity and progress as essential for a healthier society.
Themes
ForgivenessUnityChangePastSociety
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used during a community meeting focused on reconciliation between different groups.
More from Toussaint Louverture
All quotes βI have undertaken vengeance. I want Liberty and Equality to reign in Saint-Domingue. I work to bring them into existence. Unite yourselves to us, brothers, and fight with us for the same cause.
Toussaint LouvertureRead
The revolution of Saint Domingo was taking its course. I saw that the whites could not endure, because they were divided and because they were overpowered by numbers; I congratulated myself that I was a black man.
Toussaint LouvertureRead
I am kind; I am humane. I open to you my fatherly arms. Come, all of you; I will receive you all - no less those of the South than those of the West, and of the North, who, gained over by Rigaud, have deserted your firesides, your wives, your children, to place yourselves at his side.
Toussaint LouvertureRead
We went to labor in the fields, my wife and I, hand in hand. Scarcely were we conscious of the fatigues of the day. Heaven always blessed our toil.
Toussaint LouvertureRead
We are free today because we are the stronger; we will be slaves again when the government becomes the stronger.
Toussaint LouvertureRead
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