10 Powerful Quotes From Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass, who was born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, was a fugitive slave who became a prominent activist, author, and public speaker. His mother was of Native American descent, and his father of African and European descent. Although his mother passed away when he was young, he carried her name, Bailey. Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in or around 1818 in Talbot County, Maryland. In September 1838, he ran and escaped from slavery. He would later change his name to Frederick Douglass and work with the abolitionist movement.

I've gathered 10 quotes of Frederick Douglass which I hope inspire you in your journey of greatness.

1. Without a struggle, there can be no progress.
2. It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.
3. A man is worked upon by what he works on. He may carve out his circumstances, but his circumstances will carve him out as well.
4. Right is of no sex, Truth is of no color, God is the Father of us all, and we are all Brethren.
5. Nothing valuable shall be obtained without labor and agony.
6. Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.
7. I prayed for freedom for twenty years, but received no answer until I prayed with my legs.
8. I didn’t know I was a slave until I found out I couldn’t do the things I wanted.
9. I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.
10. Frederick Douglass once told a group of African American students from a school in Talbot County, Maryland, "What was possible for me is possible for you. Do not think because you are colored you cannot accomplish anything. Strive earnestly to add to your knowledge. So long as you remain in ignorance, so long will you fail to command the respect of your fellow men."

To learn more on the man and his legacy, consider checking out the links below.