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
To make a contented slave it is necessary to make a thoughtless one. It is necessary to darken the moral and mental vision and, as far as possible, to annihilate the power of reason.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A contented slave is created by limiting their awareness and critical thinking.
Frederick Douglass highlights the importance of reason and moral consciousness in the fight against oppression. He argues that to create a submissive and contented slave, one must actively suppress their ability to think critically and morally, thus emphasizing the power of awareness and reason in the struggle for freedom and dignity.
Themes
SlaveryReasonOppressionAwarenessFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of education and critical thinking.
More from Frederick Douglass
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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.
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To suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the rights of the hearer as well as those of the speaker.
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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.
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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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