On the recordJanuary 1, 1855
Human nature is so constituted, that it cannot honor a helpless man, although it can pity him; and even this it cannot do long, if the signs of power do not arise.
Said by
Frederick Douglass
Source
gutenberg.orgFrederick Douglass: “Human nature is so constituted, that it cannot honor a helpless man, although it can pity him; and even this it cannot…”
Editor's note · Context
Douglass offers a general observation on human psychology, suggesting that respect is ultimately tied to the demonstration of power and agency.
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