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The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppose.
Frederick Douglass
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Oppression can only last as long as the oppressed tolerate it.

This quote by Frederick Douglass highlights the power of resilience and resistance. It suggests that tyranny can only exist as long as the people subjected to it choose to endure oppression; once they refuse to accept it, the tyrant's power diminishes. It emphasizes the importance of standing up against injustice and the inherent strength of those who fight for their rights.

Themes

TyrannyOppressionResistanceCourageEndurance

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used during a speech on civil rights advocacy.

More from Frederick Douglass

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.
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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.
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