Frederick Douglass: “I am,” thought I, “but the sport of a power which makes no account…”

On the recordJanuary 1, 1855

I am,” thought I, “but the sport of a power which makes no account, either of my welfare or of my happiness.

Said by

Frederick Douglass

Source

Douglass reflects on his profound sense of powerlessness, believing himself to be merely an object of forces indifferent to his well-being or joy.

More from Frederick Douglass

Jan 1, 1881

None now denies the ability of the colored race to acquire knowledge of anything which can be communicated to the human understanding by letters.

Jan 1, 1881

Another ground of hope for our race is in the progress of education.

Jan 1, 1881

In any fair condition of things the men who till the soil will become proprietors of the soil.

Jan 1, 1881

Nothing but the shot-gun or the bull-dozer’s whip can keep them from voting their convictions.

Frederick Douglass: “I am,” thought I, “but the sport of a power which makes no account, either of my welfare or of my happiness.”