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
Who would be free themselves must strike the blow. Better even to die free than to live slaves.
Interpretation
True freedom requires action and sacrifice; it's better to die free than to live in bondage.
Frederick Douglass emphasizes the importance of taking bold actions to achieve freedom. He suggests that true liberation cannot be attained passively; individuals must be willing to fight for their rights and dignity, even if it leads to death. The quote highlights the value of freedom over the comfort of a submissive life, advocating for courageous resistance against oppression.
In practice
In a speech about civil rights, one might reference this quote to inspire action.
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.
We may explain success mainly by one word and that word is WORK! WORK!! WORK!!! WORK!!!!
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.
To suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the rights of the hearer as well as those of the speaker.
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.
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.
it's easy to stand in the crowd but it takes courage to stand alone
Women have always been the strong ones of the world.
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. β I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. β Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.
He that fights and runs away, May turn and fight another day; But he that is in battle slain, Will never rise to fight again.
I should not proceed by land to the East, as is customary, but by a Westerly route, in which direction we have hitherto no certain evidence that any one has gone.
Have you ever been hurt and the place tries to heal a bit, and you just pull the scar off of it over and over again.
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