Has the God who made the white man and the black left any record declaring us a different species? Are we not sustained by the same power, supported by the same food. . . . And should we not then enjoy the same liberty. . .?
Interpretation
The quote questions the notion of racial difference and advocates for equality among all humans.
James Forten's quote challenges the idea of racial superiority by pointing out that all humans are created by the same God and share the same basic needs and rights. He emphasizes the importance of liberty and equality, suggesting that the arbitrary distinctions made between races are unfounded and unjust.
In practice
During a panel discussion on racial equality, this quote can be used to emphasize shared humanity.
Whilst so much is being done in the world, to ameliorate the condition of mankind, and the spirit of Freedom is marching with rapid strides and causing tyrants to tremble, may America awake from the apathy in which she has long slumbered.
This moment! - this here-now - is forgotten when you start thinking in terms of achieving something. When the achieving mind arises, you lose contact with the paradise you are in.
Philanthropy can be integrated into business. I believe strongly that companies can be incredible agents of good in the world.
Flaubert was right when he said that our use of language is like a cracked kettle on which we bang out tunes for bears to dance to, while all the time we need to move the very stars to pity.
Evil comes to us men of imagination wearing as its mask all the virtues.
To those who despair of everything reason cannot provide a faith, but only passion, and in this case it must be the same passion that lay at the root of the despair, namely humiliation and hatred.
The issue is privacy. Why is the decision by a woman to sleep with a man she has just met in a bar a private one, and the decision to sleep with the same man for $100 subject to criminal penalties?
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