Without culture there can be no growth; without exertion, no acquisition; without friction, no polish; without labor, no knowledge; without action, no progress; and without conflict, no victory. The man who lies down a fool at night, hoping that he will waken wise in the morning, will rise up in the morning as he laid down in the evening.

The Federal Government was never, in its essence, anything but an anti-slavery government.

I have no protection at home, or resting place abroad. ... I am an outcast from the society of my childhood, and an outlaw in the land of my birth. I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner as all my fathers were.

I didn't know I was a slave until I found out I couldn't do the things I wanted.

Truth is proper and beautiful in all times and in all places.

The more I read, the more I was led to abhor and detest my enslavers.

I am a Republican, a black, dyed in the wool Republican, and I never intend to belong to any other party than the party of freedom and progress.