We may explain success mainly by one word and that word is WORK! WORK!! WORK!!! WORK!!!!
Frederick DouglassRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote illustrates how slaves express their deep sorrows through song, using music as a form of emotional release.
Frederick Douglass highlights the paradox of the slave experience, where singing serves as a poignant expression of their unhappiness and pain. The songs, rooted in the depths of sorrow, offer a momentary relief akin to the act of shedding tears, revealing the profound emotional struggle within the enslaved individuals and their quest for an outlet amid their suffering.
Themes
SlaveryMusicSorrowEmotional ReleaseTears
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about overcoming adversity, one might refer to Douglass's quote to illustrate the power of art as a coping mechanism.
More from Frederick Douglass
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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.
Frederick DouglassRead
A great man, tender of heart, strong of nerve, boundless patience and broadest sympathy, with no motive apart from his country.
Frederick DouglassRead
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