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
Anytime someone tells me that I can't do something, I want to do it more.
Taylor SwiftRead
It's my belief that I was a writer - a very hardworking writer - well before I was published. I did care what others thought, and it was embarrassing when people asked me what I had published, so I didn't talk much about writing; rather, I just kept writing.
Min Jin LeeRead
Diligence overcomes difficulties; sloth makes them.
Benjamin FranklinRead
In high school, in sport, I had a coach who told me I was much better than I thought I was, and would make me do more in a positive sense. He was the first person who taught me not to be afraid of failure.
Mike KrzyzewskiRead
There are lots of good reasons to abandon a project. Having a little competition is not one of them.
Seth GodinRead
I do not have bad days. I don't wake up in the morning and think that I'm going to get AIDS. I don't dream bad dreams about it. If I did, I'd be giving in to the negativity.
Magic JohnsonRead