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
[A] woman should have every honorable motive to exertion which is enjoyed by man, to the full extent of her capacities and endowments. The case is too plain for argument. Nature has given woman the same powers, and subjected her to the same earth, breathes the same air, subsists on the same food, physical, moral, mental and spiritual. She has, therefore, an equal right with man, in all efforts to obtain and maintain a perfect existence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Women should have the same opportunities and rights as men to realize their full potential.
Frederick Douglass emphasizes the equality of women and men, arguing that both possess the same inherent capabilities given by nature. He asserts that women hold equal rights to strive for a fulfilling life as men do, underscoring the importance of equal opportunities for personal and societal growth.
Themes
EqualityWomen'S RightsOpportunityEmpowermentPotential
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for gender equality in the workplace, one might use this quote to highlight the need for equal opportunities.
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
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He that falls into sin is a man; that grieves at it, is a saint; that boasteth of it, is a devil.
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I saw a man clothed with rags . . . a book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back.
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Man cannot become attached to higher aims and submit to a rule if he sees nothing above him to which he belongs. To free him from all social pressure is to abandon him to himself and demoralize him.
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