Frederick Douglass
B.Feb 14, 1818-Feb 20, 1895
Social Reformer

Frederick Douglass Hand-Picked Quotes

Frederick Douglass, a central figure in American history, emerged from the bonds of slavery to become one of the foremost abolitionists and reformers of his era. Despite facing unimaginable hardships as a slave in Maryland, Douglass managed to escape at the age of 20.

With his remarkable eloquence and intellect, Douglass stood out as a compelling speaker and writer, advocating for freedom, equality, and justice. His impassioned speeches reached audiences nationwide and beyond, challenging them to confront the cruelty of slavery. His renowned autobiography, "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass," provided a vivid glimpse into the harsh reality of slavery, reflecting not only his experiences but also his keen intellect.

Not limited to activism, Douglass broke barriers as an advocate for women's rights, strongly supporting gender equality as a vital component of societal advancement. His dedication was evident when he stood among the few men demanding women's voting rights at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848.

Beyond his advocacy work, Douglass advised several U.S. presidents on African American civil rights and government policy during the Reconstruction era after the Civil War. His courageous journey from adversity to influence made a lasting impact on the quest for justice and equality in America, and his legacy continues to motivate those seeking social change.

Read MoreRead Less
In the words of Frederick Douglass:
Man's greatness consists in his ability to do and the proper application of his powers to things needed to be done.
There is not a man beneath the canopy of Heaven who does not know that slavery is wrong for him.
A little learning, indeed, may be a dangerous thing, but the want of learning is a calamity to any people.
We have to do with the past only as we can make it useful to the present and the future.
People might not get all they work for in this world, but they must certainly work for all they get.
The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.
To suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the rights of the hearer as well as those of the speaker.
The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.
No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck.
When men sow the wind it is rational to expect that they will reap the whirlwind.
It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.
I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.
You are not judged by the height you have risen, but from the depth you have climbed.
In life you don't get everything you pay for, but you must pay for everything you get.
No people to whom liberty is given can hold it as firmly and wear it as grandly as those who wrench their liberty from the iron hand of the tyrant.
It is better to be part of a great whole than to be the whole of a small part.
Right is of no Sex-Truth is of no Color-God is the Father of us all, and we are all Brethren.
Who would be free themselves must strike the blow. Better even to die free than to live slaves.
What I ask for the Negro is not benevolence, not pity, not sympathy, but simply justice.
We are free to say that in respect to political rights, we hold women to be justly entitled to all we claim for men.
The law on the side of freedom is of great advantage only when there is power to make that law respected.
Every tone was a testimony against slavery, and a prayer to God for deliverance from chains.
I glory in the conflict, that I may hereafter exult in the victory. I know that victory is certain.
Going to live at Baltimore laid the foundation, and opened the gateway, to all my subsequent prosperity.
Did John Brown fail? John Brown began the war that ended American slavery and made this a free Republic.
Heaven's blessing must attend all, and freedom must soon be given to the pining millions under a ruthless bondage.
More Quotes