Frederick Douglass: “Filled with the determination to learn to read at any cost, I hit upon…”

On the recordJanuary 1, 1881

Filled with the determination to learn to read at any cost, I hit upon many expedients to accomplish that much desired end.

Said by

Frederick Douglass

Source

Douglass describes his unwavering resolve to acquire literacy despite the severe restrictions placed upon him by his enslavers.

More from Frederick Douglass

Jan 1, 1881

Nothing but the shot-gun or the bull-dozer’s whip can keep them from voting their convictions.

Jan 1, 1881

None now denies the ability of the colored race to acquire knowledge of anything which can be communicated to the human understanding by letters.

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.

Jan 1, 1881

They cannot be coaxed or driven to vote with their enemies against their friends.

Frederick Douglass: “Filled with the determination to learn to read at any cost, I hit upon many expedients to accomplish that much desired…”