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

A gentleman will not insult me, and no man not a gentleman can insult me.

Fortune may crowd a man's life with fortunate circumstances and happy opportunities, but they will, as we all know, avail him nothing unless he makes a wise and vigorous use of them.

Heaven's blessing must attend all, and freedom must soon be given to the pining millions under a ruthless bondage.

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

Beat and cuff your slave, keep him hungry and spiritless, and he will follow the chain of his master like a dog. Feed and clothe him well, work him moderately, surround him with physical comfort and dreams of freedom intrude.

My great and exceeding joy over these stupendous achievements, especially over the abolition of slavery (which had been the deepest desire and the great labor of my life), was slightly tinged with a feeling of sadness.