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The opposite of compromise is character.
Frederick Douglass
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Compromise can dilute one's values, while character signifies integrity and strength of principles.

This quote by Frederick Douglass suggests that compromising one's beliefs or values leads to a loss of true character. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's integrity and standing firm in one’s principles, as true character is revealed not through yielding to pressures but through the steadfastness of one's beliefs and actions.

Themes

CharacterCompromiseIntegrityValuesPrinciples

In practice

Example use cases

Using this quote during a motivational speech about leadership and integrity.

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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We may explain success mainly by one word and that word is WORK! WORK!! WORK!!! WORK!!!!
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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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