Frederick Douglass: “He could grow, and become a MAN; I could grow, though I could not…”

On the recordJanuary 1, 1855

He could grow, and become a MAN; I could grow, though I could not become a man, but must remain, all my life, a minor—a mere boy.

Said by

Frederick Douglass

Source

Douglass contrasts his own stunted development under slavery with the natural growth and maturation allowed to his white childhood friend.

More from Frederick Douglass

Jan 1, 1881

It was perhaps better for the country and for mankind that the good man could not know the end from the beginning.

Jan 1, 1881

Our very lack of preparation for the conflict disposed us to look for some other than the way of blood out of the difficulty.

Jan 1, 1881

The black man (unlike the Indian) loves civilization.

Jan 1, 1881

Covey succeeded in breaking me--in body, soul, and spirit.

Frederick Douglass: “He could grow, and become a MAN; I could grow, though I could not become a man, but must remain, all my life, a minor—a…”