When one takes a broad survey of the country, he will find that the most useful and influential people in it are those who take the deepest interest in institutions that exist for the purpose of making the world better.
From his autobiography, observing the characteristics of truly useful and influential individuals in society.
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More from Booker T. Washington
Even the most ignorant members of my race on the remote plantations felt in their hearts, with a certainty that admitted of no doubt, that the freedom of the slaves would be the one great result of the war, if the Northern armies conquered.
Having once got its tentacles fastened on to the economic and social life of the Republic, it was no easy matter for the country to relieve itself of the institution.
The hurtful influences of the institution were not by any means confined to the Negro.
But taking place at the time it did, and for the reason that it did, no one could ever make me believe that my mother was guilty of thieving.