I distinctly saw his human nature asserting its conviction against the slave system, which made cases like mine possible; but, as I have said, humanity fell before the systematic tyranny of slavery.
In his autobiography, Douglass reflects on his master's initial reaction to his suffering, noting how the system of slavery ultimately suppressed human empathy.
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The friendless and hungry boy, in his extremest need, found himself in the strong protecting arms of his mother.
I wished it was possible I could remain small all my life, knowing that the sooner I grew large the shorter would be my time to remain with them.
Treason had shot its poisonous roots deeper, and had spread its death-dealing branches further than any northern calculation had covered.
It was perhaps better for the country and for mankind that the good man could not know the end from the beginning.