Political Quotes

Frederick Douglass: Slaves sing more to make themselves happy, than to express their happiness.

On the recordJanuary 1, 1855
Slaves sing more to make themselves happy, than to express their happiness.
Said by
Frederick Douglass

Editor's note · Context

Douglass explains the true purpose and emotional function of singing among enslaved people.

Share

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.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1881

I believed I should get enough to eat at Covey’s, even if I suffered in other respects, and this to a hungry man is not a prospect to be regarded with indifference.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1881

Food to the indolent is poison, not sustenance.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1881

The sentiment that brings us here to-day is one of the noblest that can stir and thrill the human heart.

gutenberg.org