A little learning, indeed, may be a dangerous thing, but the want of learning is a calamity to any people. — Frederick Douglass
A man’s character always takes its hue, more or less, from the form and color of things about him. — Frederick Douglass
America is false to the past, false to the present, and solemnly binds herself to be false to the future. — Frederick Douglass
Fugitive slaves were rare then, and as a fugitive slave lecturer, I had the advantage of being the first one out. — Frederick Douglass
I didn’t know I was a slave until I found out I couldn’t do the things I wanted. — Frederick Douglass
I could, as a free man, look across the bay toward the eastern shore where I was born a slave. — Frederick Douglass
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. — Frederick Douglass
Man’s greatness consists in his ability to do and the proper application of his powers to things needed to be done. — Frederick Douglass
The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppose. — Frederick Douglass
Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. — Frederick Douglass
To suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the rights of the hearer as well as those of the speaker. — Frederick Douglass
We have to do with the past only as we can make it useful to the present and the future. — Frederick Douglass
When men sow the wind it is rational to expect that they will reap the whirlwind. — Frederick Douglass
The church of this country is not only indifferent to the wrongs of the slave, it actually takes sides with the oppressors…. — Frederick Douglass
It was deemed a disgrace not to get drunk at christmas; and he was regarded as lazy indeed — Frederick Douglass
It is not light that we need, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm — Frederick Douglass
I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others — Frederick Douglass
The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous. — Frederick Douglass
I recognize the republican party as the sheet anchor of the colored man’s political hopes and the ark of his safety. — Frederick Douglass
Those who profess to favor freedom and yet depreciate agitation, are people who want crops — Frederick Douglass
People might not get all they work for in this world, but they must certainly work for all they get. — Frederick Douglass