The idea, however, was too prevalent that, as soon as one secured a little education, in some unexplainable way he would be free from most of the hardships of the world, and, at any rate, could live without manual labour.
Washington critiques a widespread misconception among newly educated Black people that formal schooling would automatically exempt them from manual labor and worldly difficulties.
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More from Booker T. Washington
I cannot remember having slept in a bed until after our family was declared free by the Emancipation Proclamation.
When freedom came, the slaves were almost as well fitted to begin life anew as the master, except in the matter of book-learning and ownership of property.
The whole machinery of slavery was so constructed as to cause labour, as a rule, to be looked upon as a badge of degradation, of inferiority.
When they saw that I was not afraid or ashamed to work, they began to assist with more enthusiasm.