Political Quotes

W.E.B. Du Bois: “Above all, they cannot see why they should take unusual pains to make the white man’s land better, or to fatten his…”

On the recordJanuary 1, 1903
Above all, they cannot see why they should take unusual pains to make the white man’s land better, or to fatten his mule, or save his corn.
Said by
W.E.B. Du Bois

Editor's note · Context

This statement powerfully articulates the lack of incentive for Black laborers to invest extra effort into improving property that is not their own, highlighting the impact of systemic exploitation.

Share

More from W.E.B. Du Bois

Jan 1, 1903

So long as the world stands meekly dumb before such questions, shall this nation proclaim its ignorance and unhallowed prejudices by denying freedom of opportunity to those who brought the Sorrow Songs to the Seats of the Mighty?

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1903

If somewhere in this whirl and chaos of things there dwells Eternal Good, pitiful yet masterful, then anon in His good time America shall rend the Veil and the prisoned shall go free.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1903

Such an assumption is the arrogance of peoples irreverent toward Time and ignorant of the deeds of men.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1903

Let the ears of a guilty people tingle with truth, and seventy millions sigh for the righteousness which exalteth nations, in this drear day when human brotherhood is mockery and a snare.

gutenberg.org