Political Quotes

Frederick Douglass: “We had both been flung, by powers that did not ask our consent, upon a mighty current of life, which we could neither…”

On the recordJanuary 1, 1881
We had both been flung, by powers that did not ask our consent, upon a mighty current of life, which we could neither resist nor control.
Said by
Frederick Douglass

Editor's note · Context

Douglass uses a powerful metaphor to describe how both he and his former master were swept into their respective roles by forces beyond their individual control.

Share

More from Frederick Douglass

Jan 1, 1881

The nation or people which shall comply with them will rise, and those which violate them will fall, and perhaps will disappear altogether.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1881

Another ground of hope for our race is in the progress of education.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1881

Still another ground of hope I find in the fact that colored men are strong in their gratitude to benefactors, and firm in their political convictions.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1881

To-day the negro, starting from nothing, pays taxes upon six millions in Georgia, and forty millions in Louisiana.

gutenberg.org