As those who believe in the visibility of ghosts can easily see them, so it is always easy to see repulsive qualities in those we despise and hate.
It was unlawful, as well as unsafe, to teach a slave to read.
Viewed from the genuine abolition ground, Mr. Lincoln seemed tardy, cold, dull, and indifferent; but measuring him by the sentiment of his country, a sentiment he was bound as a statesman to consult, he was swift, zealous, radical, and determined.
They who study mankind with a whip in their hands will always go wrong.
We are free to say that in respect to political rights, we hold women to be justly entitled to all we claim for men.
A man who will enslave his own blood, may not be safely relied on for magnamity.
Interpreted as it ought to be interpreted, the constitution is a Glorious Liberty Document!
The Federal Government was never, in its essence, anything but an anti-slavery government.
Now, take the Constitution according to its plain reading, and I defy the presentation of a single pro-slavery clause in it. On the other hand it will be found to contain principles and purposes, entirely hostile to the existence of slavery.
Neither we, nor any other people, will ever be respected till we respect ourselves and we will never respect ourselves till we have the means to live respectfully.
Allow us the dignity to fight for our own freedom.
To make a contented slave it is necessary to make a thoughtless one. It is necessary to darken the moral and mental vision and, as far as possible, to annihilate the power of reason.
The man who is right is a majority. He who has God and conscience on his side, has a majority against the universe.
Who would be free themselves must strike the blow. Better even to die free than to live slaves.
The sunlight that has brought life and healing to you has brought stripes and death to me. This Fourth of July is yours, not mine.
Opportunity is important but exertion is indispensable.
I glory in conflict that I may hereafter exult in victory.
The Constitution of the United States knows no distinction between citizens on account of color. Neither does it know any difference between a citizen of a state and a citizen of the United States.
Slaves are generally expected to sing as well as to work.
Shields Green was not one to shrink from hardships or dangers. He was a man of few words, and his speech was singularly broken; but his courage and self-respect made him quite a dignified character.