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
Similar quotes
The world doesn't need any more mediocrity or hedged bets.
Anne RiceRead
One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested.
E. M. ForsterRead
A professional is someone who can do his best work when he doesn't feel like it.
Alistair CookeRead
It's not like at university where you graduate. Every cyclist must start again. At the end of the season you know if you are good or not.
Eddy MerckxRead
Your audacious life goals are fabulous. We're proud of you for having them. But it's possible that those goals are designed to distract you from the thing that's really frightening you--the shift in daily habits that would mean a re-invention of how you see yourself.
Seth GodinRead
I want everyone inside of Microsoft to take that responsibility. This is not about top-line growth. This is not about bottom-line growth. This is about us individually having a growth mindset.
Satya NadellaRead