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
Experience demonstrates that there may be a wages of slavery only a little less galling and crushing in its effects than chattel slavery, and that this slavery of wages must go down with the other.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that wage slavery can be just as oppressive as chattel slavery.
Frederick Douglass emphasizes that the suffering and constraints imposed by wage labor can be comparable to the physical and psychological toll of traditional slavery. He argues for the abolition of both forms of slavery, highlighting the need for true freedom and dignity in labor, rather than mere financial compensation that keeps individuals in subjugation.
Themes
SlaveryWageFreedomLaborOppression
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on workers' rights, one might reference this quote to illustrate the struggles faced by laborers.
More from Frederick Douglass
All quotes →We 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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