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
Life is dear to every living thing; the worm that crawls upon the ground will struggle for it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Every living creature values its life and will fight to protect it.
This quote emphasizes the intrinsic value of life across all living beings, regardless of their size or status. Solomon Northup highlights the instinctual drive for survival, suggesting that even the smallest and most overlooked creatures, such as a worm, understand the importance of life and will strive to hold onto it, demonstrating that the urge to survive is universal and not limited to humans alone.
Themes
LifeSurvivalValueStruggleExistence
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about the importance of resilience in the face of challenges.
More from Solomon Northup
All quotes βIt 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
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.
Solomon NorthupRead
What difference is there in the color of the soul?
Solomon NorthupRead
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