Frederick Douglass: “For it is not light that is needed, but fire; it is not the gentle…”

On the recordJanuary 1, 1855

For it is not light that is needed, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder.

Said by

Frederick Douglass

Source

Douglass uses vivid metaphors to convey that the nation requires a powerful, transformative force, not subtle enlightenment, to address slavery.

More from Frederick Douglass

Jan 1, 1881

We could not but believe that there existed at the South a latent and powerful Union sentiment which would assert itself at last.

Jan 1, 1881

If I have had kicks, I have also had kindness.

Jan 1, 1881

The anti-slavery platform had performed its work, and my voice was no longer needed.

Jan 1, 1881

For the moment the northern lamb was transformed into a lion, and his roar was terrible.

Frederick Douglass: “For it is not light that is needed, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder.”