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
People might not get all they work for in this world, but they must certainly work for all they get.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Hard work is essential to achieving anything in life, even if outcomes aren't guaranteed.
This quote by Frederick Douglass emphasizes the importance of effort and diligence. It suggests that while people may not always receive rewards equal to their endeavors, it remains crucial to put in the work necessary to attain whatever success they can achieve. This perspective encourages perseverance and commitment, highlighting that the mere act of striving is valuable in itself.
Themes
WorkEffortSuccessDiligencePerseverance
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech for students to emphasize the importance of studying hard.
More from Frederick Douglass
All quotes βWe may explain success mainly by one word and that word is WORK! WORK!! WORK!!! WORK!!!!
Frederick DouglassRead
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.
Frederick DouglassRead
To suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the rights of the hearer as well as those of the speaker.
Frederick DouglassRead
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.
Frederick DouglassRead
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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I am always for the man who wishes to work.
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We are faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. Procrastination is still the thief of time. Over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words βToo Lateβ.
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And - of course! - the Non-people. The whole freaking world was full of people who were bound to tell you they weren't qualified to do this or that but they were determined to go ahead and do just that thing anyway.
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Mediocrity is my biggest fear. I'm not afraid of total failure because I don't think that will happen. I'm not afraid of success because that beats the hell out of failure. It's being in the middle that scares me.
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It is not too late. You are not too old. You are right on time-And you are better than you know.
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