Any one who is willing to work ten hours a day at the brick-yard, or in the laundry, through one or two years, in order that he or she may have the privilege of studying academic branches for two hours in the evening, has enough bottom to warrant being further educated.
In his autobiography, Washington articulates his belief that a student's willingness to endure hard labor for the sake of education demonstrates the character necessary for further learning.
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More from Booker T. Washington
When they saw that I was not afraid or ashamed to work, they began to assist with more enthusiasm.
As soon as it was learned that he was not an American Negro, all the signs of indignation disappeared.
I have long since ceased to cherish any spirit of bitterness against the Southern white people on account of the enslavement of my race.