Life is dear to every living thing; the worm that crawls upon the ground will struggle for it.
Solomon NorthupRead
They are deceived who flatter themselves that the ignorant and debased slave has no conception of the magnitude of his wrongs. They are deceived who imagine that he arises from his knees with back lacerated and bleeding, cherishing only a spirit of meekness and forgiveness. A day may come - it will, if his prayer is heard. A terrible day of vengeance when the master in his turn will cry in vain for mercy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the idea that oppressed individuals are aware of their suffering and injustice, and that a time will come when they may seek vengeance.
Solomon Northup's quote highlights the misconception that enslaved individuals, despite their apparent submission, lack awareness of their oppression. It underscores the notion that deep down, they harbor feelings of resentment and a desire for justice. The mention of a 'day of vengeance' suggests that there is a limit to patience, and when pushed too far, the oppressed may rise against their oppressors, reversing roles and demanding accountability.
Themes
OppressionInjusticeVengeanceResilienceAwareness
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about social justice, one might quote Solomon Northup to emphasize the awareness of the oppressed.
More from Solomon Northup
All quotes →I can speak of slavery only so far as it came under my own observation - only so far as I have known and experienced it in my own person.
Solomon NorthupRead
It is not the fault of the slaveholder that he is cruel, so much as it is the fault of the system under which he lives. He cannot withstand the influence of habit and associations that surround him. Taught from earliest childhood, by all that he sees and hears that the rod is for the slave's back, he will not be apt to change his opinions in maturer years.
Solomon NorthupRead
What difference is there in the color of the soul?
Solomon NorthupRead
Similar quotes
To cowards what advice shall I offer? - nothing whatsoever have I to say.
Swami VivekanandaRead
Getting sober was one of the three pivotal events in my life, along with becoming an actor and having a child. Of the three, finding my sobriety was the hardest thing.
Gary OldmanRead
Storm clouds of terror and dictatorship are gathering over the whole country... They must not be allowed to bring eternal night.
Boris YeltsinRead
As a woman I can't go to war, and I refuse to send anyone else.
Jeannette RankinRead
Usually, when people talk about the "strength" of black women . . . . they ignore the reality that to be strong in the face of oppression is not the same as overcoming oppression, that endurance is not to be confused with transformation.
Bell HooksRead
You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than live as slaves.
Winston ChurchillRead