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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The Constitution embodies the principles of freedom and equality, excluding slavery as part of its core purposes.
In this quote, Frederick Douglass emphasizes the idea that the United States Constitution is a document that champions liberty and human rights. He urges readers to examine the preamble and the fundamental intentions behind the Constitution, questioning whether slavery is aligned with its purposes. Douglass suggests that slavery has no place within the framework of the Constitution, encouraging a profound reflection on the coexistence of such an institution with the ideals of freedom that the document represents.
Themes
ConstitutionLibertyFreedomSlaveryEqualityRights
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about civil rights to illustrate the importance of freedom in American society.
More from Frederick Douglass
All quotes →We 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
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
A great man, tender of heart, strong of nerve, boundless patience and broadest sympathy, with no motive apart from his country.
Frederick DouglassRead
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