Booker T. Washington: “I am not the one that is being degraded on account of this treatment, but those who are inflicting it upon me.”

This tenderness and sympathy on the part of those held in bondage was a result of their kindly and generous nature.

Ever since I have been old enough to think for myself, I have entertained the idea that, notwithstanding the cruel wrongs inflicted upon us, the black man got nearly as much out of slavery as the white man did.

Before the end of the year, I think I began learning that those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.

I have never seen one who did not want to be free, or one who would return to slavery.