Frederick Douglass: “Cruel and merciless as was the motive that dealt that blow, dear…”

On the recordJanuary 1, 1855

Cruel and merciless as was the motive that dealt that blow, dear reader, the wound was fortunate for me.

Said by

Frederick Douglass

Source

In his autobiography, Douglass reflects on a severe beating from his enslaver, Covey, recognizing it as a catalyst for his eventual resistance.

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.

Jan 1, 1881

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

Jan 1, 1881

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

Jan 1, 1881

Everywhere in the south the colored man is learning to read.

Frederick Douglass: “Cruel and merciless as was the motive that dealt that blow, dear reader, the wound was fortunate for me.”