As for my individual self, it appeared to me to be reasonably certain that I could succeed in political life, but I had a feeling that it would be a rather selfish kind of success—individual success at the cost of failing to do my duty in assisting in laying a foundation for the masses.
From his autobiography, Washington describes his personal conviction that individual political success would be selfish if it detracted from his duty to build a foundation for the broader Black community.
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Despite superficial and temporary signs which might lead one to entertain a contrary opinion, there was never a time when I felt more hopeful for the race than I do at the present.
Wherever our graduates go, the changes which soon begin to appear in the buying of land, improving homes, saving money, in education, and in high moral characters are remarkable.
By it a race must rise or fall, succeed or fail, and in the last analysis mere sentiment counts for little.
The great human law that in the end recognizes and rewards merit is everlasting and universal.