
I have often been utterly astonished, since I came to the north, to find persons who could speak of the singing, among slaves, as evidence of their contentment and happiness.
β Frederick Douglass
β
THE LIBRARY
Words to return to, with the context behind them.

I have often been utterly astonished, since I came to the north, to find persons who could speak of the singing, among slaves, as evidence of their contentment and happiness.

The body is to everyone the proper measure of its possessions, as the foot is of the shoe.

A man thinking or working is always alone, let him be where he will.

The wisest and best of men,--nay, the wisest and best of their actions,--may be rendered ridiculous by a person whose first object in life is a joke.

Then it was that Margaret, sitting alone with tears dropping often on her work, felt how rich she had been in things more precious than any luxuries money could buyβin love, protection, peace, and health, the real blessings of life.

Be mostly silent, or speak merely what is needful, and in few words.

There were times when I could not afford to sacrifice the bloom of the present moment to any work, whether of the head or hands.

To yield readily--easily--to the persuasion of a friend is no merit with you.

They throw their shadows before them who carry their lantern on their back.

And to me it is one of the most odious things in a girlβs life, that there must always be some supposition of falling in love coming between her and any man who is kind to her, and to whom she is grateful.

I have no accurate knowledge of my age, never having seen any authentic record containing it.

A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies.

The course and nature of things is such that What was in front is now behind; What warmed anon we freezing find.

The power of doing anything with quickness is always much prized by the possessor, and often without any attention to the imperfection of the performance.

Yet unless the exchange be in love and kindly justice, it will but lead some to greed and others to hunger.

I cannot choose the best. The best chooses me.

Be thankful if they have good hearts.

It is silly of you, for there is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.