# Quotes about slavery

- Quotes: 118
- Authors: 64
- Broader topic: [Quotes about society](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/society.md)
- Topic page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery
- JSON version (same data): https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.json

## Quotes

> I thank God, I shall never again visit a slave-country. To this day, if I hear a distant scream, it recalls with painful vividness my feelings, when passing a house near Pernambuco, I heard the most pitiable moans, and could not but suspect that some poor slave was being tortured, yet knew that I was as powerless as a child even to remonstrate. I suspected that these moans were from a tortured slave, for I was told that this was the case in another instance. Near Rio de Janeiro I lived opposite to an old lady, who kept screws to crush the fingers of her female slaves. I have staid in a house where a young household mulatto, daily and hourly, was reviled, beaten, and persecuted enough to break the spirit of the lowest animal. I have seen a little boy, six or seven years old, struck thrice with a horse-whip (before I could interfere) on his naked head, for having handed me a glass of water not quite clean; I saw his father tremble at a mere glance from his master's eye. ... It is argued that self-interest will prevent excessive cruelty; as if self-interest protected our domestic animals, which are far less likely than degraded slaves, to stir up the rage of their savage masters. It is an argument long since protested against with noble feeling, and strikingly exemplified, by the ever illustrious Humboldt. It is often attempted to palliate slavery by comparing the state of slaves with our poorer countrymen: if the misery of our poor be caused not by the laws of nature, but by our institutions, great is our sin; but how this bears on slavery, I cannot see; as well might the use of the thumb-screw be defended in one land, by showing that men in another land suffered from some dreadful disease. Those who look tenderly at the slave-owner, and with a cold heart at the slave, never seem to put themselves into the position of the latter;—what a cheerless prospect, with not even a hope of change! picture to yourself the chance, ever hanging over you, of your wife and your little children—those objects which nature urges even the slave to call his own—being torn from you and sold like beasts to the first bidder! And these deeds are done and palliated by men, who profess to love their neighbours as themselves, who believe in God, and pray that his Will be done on earth! It makes one's blood boil, yet heart tremble, to think that we Englishmen and our American descendants, with their boastful cry of liberty, have been and are so guilty: but it is a consolation to reflect, that we at least have made a greater sacrifice, than ever made by any nation, to expiate our sin.

[Charles Darwin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-darwin.md) · [The Voyage of the Beagle](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-darwin/the-voyage-of-the-beagle.md) · p. 499 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-darwin/the-voyage-of-the-beagle/i-thank-god.md)

Topics: [suffering](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/suffering.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Known to God only is the amount of human agony and suffering which sends its cry from the slave markets and Negro pens, unheard and unheeded by man up to his ear; mothers weeping for their children, breaking the night-silence with the shrieks of their breaking hearts. (Chapter V)

[William Wells Brown](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-wells-brown.md) · [Clotel](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-wells-brown/clotel.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-wells-brown/clotel/known-to-god.md)

Topics: [suffering](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/suffering.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [mother](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/mother.md)

> When the master has come to do everything through the slave, the slave becomes his master, since he cannot live without him.

[George Bernard Shaw](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-bernard-shaw.md) · [Back to Methuselah](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-bernard-shaw/back-to-methuselah.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-bernard-shaw/back-to-methuselah/when-the-master.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> At twelve, she already understood many things. She accepted them as inevitable, yet questioned them all the same. Why? Why were things this way and not another? Why were some people rich and others poor? Why did people beat their slaves? Why were some masters kind and others cruel, some priests good and others evil? Why did catechism teach the things it did and why did the priests act the way they did? They said: we are all brothers, but then they bought slaves and beat or otherwise tortured them. Why should she have to hide herself in order to learn to read? Why had Rosélia, one of the neighborhood vendors, been imprisoned for hiding a runaway slave? And above all, why - knowing what could happen - had she hidden that slave, who she did not even know? (chapter I, p17)

[Marie Vieux-Chauvet](https://www.leafyquotes.com/marie-vieux-chauvet.md) · [Dance on the Volcano](https://www.leafyquotes.com/marie-vieux-chauvet/dance-on-the-volcano.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/marie-vieux-chauvet/dance-on-the-volcano/at-twelve-she.md)

Topics: [justice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/justice.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [asking questions](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/asking-questions.md)

> When I read Jefferson's disparagement of Wheatley, it felt like he had been disparaging the entire lineage of Black poets who would follow her, myself included, and I saw a man who had not had a clear understanding of what love is. When Robert Hayden gave us the ballads to remember how captured Africans survived the Middle Passage and arrived on these shores, it was an act of love. When Gwendolyn Brooks wrote about the children on the South Side of Chicago playing with one another in neighborhoods left neglected by the city, it was an act of love. When Audre Lorde fractured this language and then built us a new one, giving us a fresh way to make sense of who we are in the world, it was an act of love. When Sonia Sanchez makes lightning of her tongue, moving from Southern colloquialisms to stanzas shaped by Swahili, traversing an ocean in one breath, it is an act of love. Jefferson's conceptions of love seem to have been so distorted by his own prejudices that he was unable to recognize the endless examples of love that pervaded plantations across the country: mothers who huddled over their children and took the lash so their little ones wouldn't have to; surrogate mothers, fathers, and grandparents who took in children and raised them as their own when their biological parents were disappeared in the middle of the night; the people who loved and married and committed to one another despite the omnipresent threat that they might be separated at any moment. What is love if not this?

[Clint Smith](https://www.leafyquotes.com/clint-smith.md) · [How the Word Is Passed](https://www.leafyquotes.com/clint-smith/how-the-word-is-passed.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/clint-smith/how-the-word-is-passed/when-i-read.md)

Topics: [love](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/love.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Blind faith is just another word for slavery.

[Genevieve Cogman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/genevieve-cogman.md) · [The Burning Page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/genevieve-cogman/the-burning-page.md) · p. 338 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/genevieve-cogman/the-burning-page/blind-faith-is-just.md)

Topics: [fanaticism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/fanaticism.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> When you're a slave you dream / of either owning slaves or freeing them.

[Bernardine Evaristo](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bernardine-evaristo.md) · [The Emperor's Babe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bernardine-evaristo/the-emperors-babe.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bernardine-evaristo/the-emperors-babe/when-youre-a-slave.md)

Topics: [dreams and aspirations](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/dreams-and-aspirations.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> The seventeenth century saw the increased involvement of England, France, and the Netherlands in the Americas and in the slave trade. The eighteenth century followed the same path with a touch of perversity: the more European merchants and mercenaries bought and conquered other men and women, the more European philosophers wrote and talked about Man.

[Michel-Rolph Trouillot](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michel-rolph-trouillot.md) · [Silencing the Past](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michel-rolph-trouillot/silencing-the-past.md) · p. 75 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/michel-rolph-trouillot/silencing-the-past/the-seventeenth-century.md)

Topics: [hypocrisy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/hypocrisy.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> We followed my mother to the market-place, where she placed us in a row against a large house, with our backs to the wall and our arms folded across our breasts. I, as the eldest, stood first, Hannah next to me, then Dinah; and our mother stood beside, crying over us. My heart throbbed with grief and terror so violently, that I pressed my hands quite tightly across my breast, but I could not keep it still, and it continued to leap as though it would burst out of my body. But who cared for that? Did one of the many bystanders, who were looking at us so carelessly, think of the pain that wrung the hearts of the negro woman and her young ones? No, no! They were not all bad, I dare say, but slavery hardens white people's hearts towards the blacks; and many of them were not slow to make their remarks upon us aloud, without regard to our grief—though their light words fell like cayenne on the fresh wounds of our hearts. Oh those white people have small hearts who can only feel for themselves.

[Mary Prince](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince.md) · [The History of Mary Prince](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince/the-history-of-mary-prince.md) · p. 4 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince/the-history-of-mary-prince/we-followed-my-mother.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [indifference](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/indifference.md)

> I then saw my sisters led forth, and sold to different owners; so that we had not the sad satisfaction of being partners in bondage. When the sale was over, my mother hugged and kissed us, and mourned over us, begging of us to keep up a good heart, and do our duty to our new masters. It was a sad parting; one went one way, one another, and our poor mammy went home with nothing.

[Mary Prince](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince.md) · [The History of Mary Prince](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince/the-history-of-mary-prince.md) · p. 4 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince/the-history-of-mary-prince/i-then-saw.md)

Topics: [family](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/family.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> The farther and wider that the discovery and knowledge of such an enormous evil, as the base and villainous treatment and slavery which the poor unfortunate Black People meet with, is spread and made known, the cry for justice, even virtue lifting up her voice, must rise the louder and higher, for the scale of equity and justice to be lifted up in their defence.

[Quobna Ottobah Cugoano](https://www.leafyquotes.com/quobna-ottobah-cugoano.md) · [Thoughts and Sentiments on the Evil of Slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/quobna-ottobah-cugoano/thoughts-and-sentiments-on-the-evil-of-slavery.md) · p. 19 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/quobna-ottobah-cugoano/thoughts-and-sentiments-on-the-evil-of-slavery/the-farther-and.md)

Topics: [justice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/justice.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> It was night when I reached my new home. The house was large and built at the bottom of a very high hill; but I could not see much of it that night. I saw too much of it afterward. The stones and the timber were the best things in it; they were not so hard as the hearts of the owners.

[Mary Prince](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince.md) · [The History of Mary Prince](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince/the-history-of-mary-prince.md) · p. 5 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince/the-history-of-mary-prince/it-was-night.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [cruelty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/cruelty.md)

> I was soon surrounded by strange men, who examined and handled me in the same manner that a butcher would a calf or a lamb he was about to purchase, and who talked about my shape and size in like words—as if I could no more understand their meaning than the dumb beasts. I was then put up for sale. The bidding commenced at a few pounds, and gradually rose to fifty seven, when I was knocked down to the highest bidder; and the people who stood by said that I had fetched a great sum for so young a slave.

[Mary Prince](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince.md) · [The History of Mary Prince](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince/the-history-of-mary-prince.md) · p. 4 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince/the-history-of-mary-prince/i-was-soon.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [dignity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/dignity.md)

> As to any other laws that slave-holders may make among themselves, as respecting slaves, they can be of no better kind, nor give them any better character, than what is implied in the common report—that there may be some honesty among thieves.

[Quobna Ottobah Cugoano](https://www.leafyquotes.com/quobna-ottobah-cugoano.md) · [Thoughts and Sentiments on the Evil of Slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/quobna-ottobah-cugoano/thoughts-and-sentiments-on-the-evil-of-slavery.md) · p. 4 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/quobna-ottobah-cugoano/thoughts-and-sentiments-on-the-evil-of-slavery/as-to-any.md)

Topics: [irony](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/irony.md), [law](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/law.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> In telling my own sorrows, I cannot pass by those of my fellow-slaves—for when I think of my own griefs, I remember theirs.

[Mary Prince](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince.md) · [The History of Mary Prince](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince/the-history-of-mary-prince.md) · p. 12 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince/the-history-of-mary-prince/in-telling-my-own.md)

Topics: [empathy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/empathy.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> I am often much vexed, and I feel great sorrow when I hear some people in this country say, that the slaves do not need better usage, and do not want to be free. They believe the foreign people, who deceive them, and say slaves are happy. I say, Not so. How can slaves be happy when they have the halter round their neck and the whip upon their back? and are disgraced and thought no more of than beasts?—and are separated from their mothers, and husbands, and children, and sisters, just as cattle are sold and separated?

[Mary Prince](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince.md) · [The History of Mary Prince](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince/the-history-of-mary-prince.md) · p. 22 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince/the-history-of-mary-prince/i-am-often.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> I was not permitted to see my mother or father, or poor sisters and brothers, to say good bye, though going away to a strange land, and might never see them again. Oh the Buckra people who keep slaves think that black people are like cattle, without natural affection. But my heart tells me it is far otherwise.

[Mary Prince](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince.md) · [The History of Mary Prince](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince/the-history-of-mary-prince.md) · p. 9 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince/the-history-of-mary-prince/i-was-not.md)

Topics: [family](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/family.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Slavery is an evil of the first magnitude, ... and contrary to all the genuine principles of Christianity, and yet carried on by men denominated thereby.

[Quobna Ottobah Cugoano](https://www.leafyquotes.com/quobna-ottobah-cugoano.md) · [Thoughts and Sentiments on the Evil of Slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/quobna-ottobah-cugoano/thoughts-and-sentiments-on-the-evil-of-slavery.md) · p. 24 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/quobna-ottobah-cugoano/thoughts-and-sentiments-on-the-evil-of-slavery/slavery-is-an-evil.md)

Topics: [hypocrisy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/hypocrisy.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [Christianity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/christianity.md)

> The poor slaves had built up a place with boughs and leaves, where they might meet for prayers, but the white people pulled it down twice, and would not allow them even a shed for prayers.

[Mary Prince](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince.md) · [The History of Mary Prince](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince/the-history-of-mary-prince.md) · p. 13 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-prince/the-history-of-mary-prince/the-poor-slaves.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [prayer](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/prayer.md)

> There’s nothing like a little slavery to make a man appreciate even a modest portion of freedom.

[Keith Laumer](https://www.leafyquotes.com/keith-laumer.md) · [A Trace of Memory](https://www.leafyquotes.com/keith-laumer/a-trace-of-memory.md) · p. 166 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/keith-laumer/a-trace-of-memory/theres-nothing-like.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> The animals are our brothers; another nation living on earth, growing up beside us. They are not lesser beings; they are selves in different forms. Some of them have flippers, some wings for motivation; some have two propelling legs, some have four; we have only two. Some have thumbs, some have claws. We have manufactured claws and worse. We have no rights over these creatures; yet we exploit and imprison them. They should run wild and be on their own but we have corrupted them, enslaved them and modified their behavior and opportunities. Some of them like it, some don't. We have made friends of some and slaves of others.

[Helen Nearing](https://www.leafyquotes.com/helen-nearing.md) · [Loving and Leaving the Good Life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/helen-nearing/loving-and-leaving-the-good-life.md) · p. 162 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/helen-nearing/loving-and-leaving-the-good-life/the-animals-are.md)

Topics: [animals](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/animals.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [veganism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/veganism.md)

> Defending slavery deprived the Confederate soldier to the same claim to nobility, but not to tragedy.

[Allen Guelzo](https://www.leafyquotes.com/allen-guelzo.md) · [Gettysburg](https://www.leafyquotes.com/allen-guelzo/gettysburg.md) · p. 14 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/allen-guelzo/gettysburg/defending-slavery-deprived.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [honour](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/honour.md)

> [N]o democracy worth its name could continue to drag the burden of slavery around after it.

[Allen Guelzo](https://www.leafyquotes.com/allen-guelzo.md) · [Gettysburg](https://www.leafyquotes.com/allen-guelzo/gettysburg.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/allen-guelzo/gettysburg/n-o-democracy-worth.md)

Topics: [democracy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/democracy.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> There will always be slaves, no matter what people promise and pretend.

[Douglas Reeman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/douglas-reeman.md) · [For My Country's Freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/douglas-reeman/for-my-countrys-freedom.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/douglas-reeman/for-my-countrys-freedom/there-will-always.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Yoga teaches that whatever we want in life we can have if we are willing to provide it for others. So if yogis want to be free, they understand that to deprive others of freedom will ultimately not benefit their project—to be free themselves. Following that logic, yogis abhor slavery and examine their own lives to find ways that they themselves might be condoning slavery and then eradicate those ways of acting. The fact is that animals who are raised for food are slaves. Making kind choices when it comes to the food we eat is one of the most basic ways to begin to ensure our own happiness and freedom. The cause for our own happiness, health, and freedom lies in how happy and free we can make the lives of others. The definition of others includes other animals.

[Sharon Gannon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sharon-gannon.md) · [Simple Recipes for Joy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sharon-gannon/simple-recipes-for-joy.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sharon-gannon/simple-recipes-for-joy/yoga-teaches-that.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [animals](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/animals.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [veganism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/veganism.md)

> There are three fundamental states of social being: tyranny (you do what I want), slavery (I do what you want), or negotiation.

[Jordan B. Peterson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jordan-b-peterson.md) · [Beyond Order](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jordan-b-peterson/beyond-order.md) · p. 278 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jordan-b-peterson/beyond-order/there-are-three.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [tyranny](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/tyranny.md)

> Art thou less a slave by being loved and favoured by thy master? Thou art indeed well off, slave. Thy master favours thee; he will soon beat thee.

[Blaise Pascal](https://www.leafyquotes.com/blaise-pascal.md) · [Pensees](https://www.leafyquotes.com/blaise-pascal/pensees.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/blaise-pascal/pensees/art-thou-less.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Slaves lose everything in their chains, even the desire of escaping from them: they love their servitude, as the comrades of Ulysses loved their brutish condition. If then there are slaves by nature, it is because there have been slaves against nature. Force made the first slaves, and their cowardice perpetuated the condition.

[Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau.md) · [The Social Contract](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/the-social-contract.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/the-social-contract/slaves-lose-everything.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> We were told that violence in itself is evil, and that, whatever the cause, it is unjustified morally. By what standard of morality can the violence used by a slave to break his chains be considered the same as the violence of a slave master? By what standards can we equate the violence of blacks who have been oppressed, suppressed, depressed and repressed for four centuries with the violence of white fascists. Violence aimed at the recovery of human dignity and at equality cannot be judged by the same yardstick as violence aimed at maintenance of discrimination and oppression.

[Walter Rodney](https://www.leafyquotes.com/walter-rodney.md) · [The Groundings With My Brothers](https://www.leafyquotes.com/walter-rodney/the-groundings-with-my-brothers.md) · p. 22 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/walter-rodney/the-groundings-with-my-brothers/we-were-told.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [violence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/violence.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> ‘Amazing Grace’ is the supreme hymn of Evangelical redemption….It is therefore tempting to imagine John Newton suddenly seeing the light about slavery and turning away from his wicked profession to dedicate himself to God. But the timing of Newton’s conversion is all wrong. In fact, it was after his religious awakening that Newton became the first mate and then the captain of a succession of slave ships, and only much later that he began to question the morality of buying and selling his fellow men and women.

[Niall Ferguson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/niall-ferguson.md) · [Empire](https://www.leafyquotes.com/niall-ferguson/empire.md) · p. 78 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/niall-ferguson/empire/amazing-grace-is-the.md)

Topics: [religion](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/religion.md), [hypocrisy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/hypocrisy.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> The most insidious thing about bondage was how easy it was to grow accustomed to it.

[George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Dance with Dragons](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-dance-with-dragons.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-dance-with-dragons/the-most-insidious.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [habits](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/habits.md)

> Ask yourself, if all men must grub in the dirt for food, how shall any man lift his eyes to contemplate the stars? If each of us must break his back to build a hovel, who shall raise the temples to glorify the gods? For some men to be great, others must be enslaved.

[George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Dance with Dragons](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-dance-with-dragons.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-dance-with-dragons/ask-yourself-if-all.md)

Topics: [civilization](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/civilization.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> We feared [Ryland's Hounds] and hated them, perhaps more than we feared and hated the Quality who held us, for all of us were low, we were all Tasked, and we should be in union and arrayed against the Quality, if only the low whites would wager their crumbs for a slice of the whole cake. (p. 57)

[Ta-Nehisi Coates](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ta-nehisi-coates.md) · [The Water Dancer](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ta-nehisi-coates/the-water-dancer.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ta-nehisi-coates/the-water-dancer/we-feared-rylands.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> [A white person] was among the most fanatical agents I ever encountered on the Underground. All of these fanatics were white. They took slavery as a personal insult or affront, a stain upon their name. They had seen women carried off to fancy, or watched as a father was stripped and beaten in front of his child, or seen whole families pinned like hogs into rail-cars, steam-boats, and jails. Slavery humiliated them, because it offended a basic sense of goodness that they believed themselves to possess. And when their cousins perpetrated the base practice, it served to remind them how easily they might do the same. They scorned their barbaric brethren, but they were brethren all the same. So their opposition was a kind of vanity, a hatred of slavery that far outranked any love of the slave.

[Ta-Nehisi Coates](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ta-nehisi-coates.md) · [The Water Dancer](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ta-nehisi-coates/the-water-dancer.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ta-nehisi-coates/the-water-dancer/a-white-person.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [vanity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/vanity.md)

> There must doubtless be an unhappy influence on the manners of our people produced by the existence of slavery among us. The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous passions, the most unremitting despotism on the one part, and degrading submissions on the other. Our children see this, and learn to imitate it; for man is an imitative animal. This quality is the germ of all education in him.

[Thomas Jefferson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-jefferson.md) · [Notes on the State of Virginia](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-jefferson/notes-on-the-state-of-virginia.md) · p. 289 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-jefferson/notes-on-the-state-of-virginia/there-must-doubtless.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [upbringing](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/upbringing.md)

> And with what execration should the statesman be loaded, who permitting one half the citizens thus to trample on the rights of the other, transforms those into despots, and these into enemies, destroys the morals of the one part, and the amor patriae of the other.

[Thomas Jefferson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-jefferson.md) · [Notes on the State of Virginia](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-jefferson/notes-on-the-state-of-virginia.md) · p. 289 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-jefferson/notes-on-the-state-of-virginia/and-with-what.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> For in a warm climate no man will labor for himself who can make another labor for him. This is so true, that of the proprietors of slaves a very small proportion indeed are ever seen to labor. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever; that considering numbers, nature and natural means only, a revolution of the wheel of fortune, an exchange of situation is among possible events; that it may become probable by supernatural interference.

[Thomas Jefferson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-jefferson.md) · [Notes on the State of Virginia](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-jefferson/notes-on-the-state-of-virginia.md) · p. 174 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-jefferson/notes-on-the-state-of-virginia/for-in-a-warm.md)

Topics: [justice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/justice.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> “You’ll never get it to follow orders.”
>
> “Slaves follow orders, Colonel. You want something done a slave can’t, you don’t ask for a slave to do it.”

[Gregory Benford](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gregory-benford.md) · [Against Infinity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gregory-benford/against-infinity.md) · p. 68 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gregory-benford/against-infinity/youll-never-get.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [obedience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/obedience.md)

> A man who has placed his soul in the service of Fascism declares an evil and dangerous slavery to be the only true good. Rather than overtly renouncing human feelings, he declares the crimes committed by Fascism to be the highest form of humanitarianism; he agrees to divide people up into the pure and worthy and the impure and unworthy.

[Vasily Grossman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/vasily-grossman.md) · [Life and Fate](https://www.leafyquotes.com/vasily-grossman/life-and-fate.md) · p. 199 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/vasily-grossman/life-and-fate/a-man-who.md)

Topics: [evil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/evil.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [totalitarianism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/totalitarianism.md)

> You might as well sell yourself to slavery at once, as marry man you dislike.

[Anne Brontë](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-bronte.md) · [The Tenant of Wildfell Hall](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-bronte/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-bronte/the-tenant-of-wildfell-hall/you-might-as-well.md)

Topics: [marriage](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/marriage.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> I am not ashamed of my grandparents for having been slaves. I am only ashamed of myself for having at one time been ashamed.

[Ralph Ellison](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ralph-ellison.md) · [Invisible Man](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ralph-ellison/invisible-man.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ralph-ellison/invisible-man/i-am-not.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [shame](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/shame.md)

> There's something cursed, it seems to me, about a country where men have owned men as property. The stink of that corruption never escapes the soul, and it is the stink of future evil. (Bibikov)

[Bernard Malamud](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bernard-malamud.md) · [The Fixer](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bernard-malamud/the-fixer.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bernard-malamud/the-fixer/theres-something-cursed.md)

Topics: [evil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/evil.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> There are no tyrants where there are no slaves.

[Jose Rizal](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jose-rizal.md) · [El Filibusterismo](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jose-rizal/el-filibusterismo.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jose-rizal/el-filibusterismo/there-are-no-tyrants.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [tyranny](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/tyranny.md)

> Why independence, if the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow?

[Jose Rizal](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jose-rizal.md) · [El Filibusterismo](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jose-rizal/el-filibusterismo.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jose-rizal/el-filibusterismo/why-independence-if-the.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [tyranny](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/tyranny.md)

> Against slavery all right thinkers revolt, and though torture be the price of resistance, torture must be dared: though the only road to freedom lie through the gates of death, those gates must be passed; for freedom is indispensable.

[Charlotte Brontë](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charlotte-bronte.md) · [The Professor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charlotte-bronte/the-professor.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charlotte-bronte/the-professor/against-slavery-all.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Any labor which competes with slave labor must accept the economic conditions of slave labor.

[Norbert Wiener](https://www.leafyquotes.com/norbert-wiener.md) · [The Human Use Of Human Beings](https://www.leafyquotes.com/norbert-wiener/the-human-use-of-human-beings.md) · p. 162 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/norbert-wiener/the-human-use-of-human-beings/any-labor-which.md)

Topics: [work](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/work.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> You can be up to your boobies in white satin, with gardenias in your hair and no sugar cane for miles, but you can still be working on a plantation.

[Billie Holiday](https://www.leafyquotes.com/billie-holiday.md) · [Lady Sings the Blues](https://www.leafyquotes.com/billie-holiday/lady-sings-the-blues.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/billie-holiday/lady-sings-the-blues/you-can-be.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [racism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/racism.md)

> We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing. With some, the word means for each man to do as he pleases with himself, and with the product of his labor. With others, the same word means for some men to do as they please with other men, and the product of other men’s labor. The fullness of time, I am convinced, will prove to the world which is the true definition of the word, and my earnest hope remains that the United States of America show yet lead the way in the proving.

[Harry Turtledove](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harry-turtledove.md) · [How Few Remain](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harry-turtledove/how-few-remain.md) · p. 353 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harry-turtledove/how-few-remain/we-all-declare.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Do you say that the people of the free state have nothing to do with it, and can do nothing? Would to God this were true! But it is not true. The people of the free states have defended, encouraged, and participated; and are more guilty for it, before God, than the South, in that they have not the apology of education or custom.
>
> If the mothers of the free states had all felt as they should, in times past, the sons of the free states would not have been the holders, and, proverbially, the hardest masters of slaves; the sons of the free states would not have connived at the extension of slavery, in our national body; the sons of the free states would not, as they do, trade the souls and bodies of men as an equivalent to money, in their mercantile dealings. There are multitudes of slaves temporarily owned, and sold again, by merchants in northern cities; and shall the whole guilt or obloquy of slavery fall only on the South?
>
> Northern men, northern mothers, northern Christians, have something more to do than denounce their brethren at the South; they have to look to the evil among themselves.

[Harriet Beecher-Stowe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe.md) · [Uncle Tom's Cabin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe/uncle-toms-cabin.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe/uncle-toms-cabin/do-you-say.md)

Topics: [responsibility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/responsibility.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Is man ever a creature to be trusted with wholly irresponsible power? And does not the slave system, by denying the slave all legal right of testimony, make every individual owner an irresponsible despot? Can anybody fall to make the inference what the practical result will be? If there is, as we admit, a public sentiment among you, men of honor, justice and humanity, is there not also another kind of public sentiment among the ruffian, the brutal and debased? And cannot the ruffian, the brutal, the debased, by slave law, own just as many slaves as the best and purest? Are the honorable, the just, the high-minded and compassionate, the majority anywhere in this world?

[Harriet Beecher-Stowe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe.md) · [Uncle Tom's Cabin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe/uncle-toms-cabin.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe/uncle-toms-cabin/is-man-ever.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> A day of grace is yet held out to us. Both North and South have been guilty before God; and the Christian church has a heavy account to answer. Not by combining together, to protect injustice and cruelty, and making a common capital of sin, is this Union to be saved, — but by repentance, justice and mercy; for, not surer is the eternal law by which the millstone sinks in the ocean, than that stronger law, by which injustice and cruelty shall bring on nations the wrath of Almighty God!

[Harriet Beecher-Stowe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe.md) · [Uncle Tom's Cabin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe/uncle-toms-cabin.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe/uncle-toms-cabin/a-day-of-grace.md)

Topics: [justice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/justice.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [sin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/sin.md)

> The horrid cruelties and outrages that once and a while find their way into the papers — such cases as Prue's, for example — what do they come from? In many cases, it is a gradual hardening process on both sides — the owner growing more and more cruel, as the servant more and more callous. Whipping and abuse are like laudanum; you have to double the dose as the sensibilities decline.

[Harriet Beecher-Stowe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe.md) · [Uncle Tom's Cabin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe/uncle-toms-cabin.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe/uncle-toms-cabin/the-horrid-cruelties.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [cruelty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/cruelty.md)

> Whoever visits some estates there, and witnesses the good-humored indulgence of some masters and mistresses, and the affectionate loyalty of some slaves, might be tempted to dream the oft-fabled poetic legend of a patriarchal institution, and all that; but over and above the scene there broods a portentous shadow — the shadow of law. So long as the law considers all these human beings, with beating hearts and living affections, only as so many things belonging to a master — so long as the failure, or misfortune, or imprudence, or death of the kindest owner, may cause them any day to exchange a life of kind protection and indulgence for one of hopeless misery and toil — so long it is impossible to make anything beautiful or desirable in the best regulated administration of slavery.

[Harriet Beecher-Stowe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe.md) · [Uncle Tom's Cabin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe/uncle-toms-cabin.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe/uncle-toms-cabin/whoever-visits-some.md)

Topics: [law](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/law.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> We hear often of the distress of the negro servants, on the loss of a kind master; and with good reason, for no creature on God's earth is left more utterly unprotected and desolate than the slave in these circumstances.
>
> The child who has lost a father has still the protection of friends, and of the law; he is something, and can do something, — has acknowledged rights and position; the slave has none. The law regards him, in every respect, as devoid of rights as a bale of merchandise. The only possible acknowledgment of any of the longings and wants of a human and immortal creature, which are given to him, comes to him through the sovereign and irresponsible will of his master; and when that master is stricken down, nothing remains.
>
> The number of those men who know how to use wholly irresponsible power humanely and generously is small. Everybody knows this, and the slave knows it best of all; so that he feels that there are ten chances of his finding an abusive and tyrannical master, to one of his finding a considerate and kind one. Therefore is it that the wail over a kind master is loud and long, as well it may be.

[Harriet Beecher-Stowe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe.md) · [Uncle Tom's Cabin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe/uncle-toms-cabin.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe/uncle-toms-cabin/we-hear-often.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> That the tragical fate of Tom, also, has too many times had its parallel, there are living witnesses, all over our land, to testify. Let it be remembered that in all southern states it is a principle of jurisprudence that no person of colored lineage can testify in a suit against a white, and it will be easy to see that such a case may occur, wherever there is a man whose passions outweigh his interests, and a slave who has manhood or principle enough to resist his will. There is, actually, nothing to protect the slave's life, but the character of the master. Facts too shocking to be contemplated occasionally force their way to the public ear, and the comment that one often hears made on them is more shocking than the thing itself. It is said, "Very likely such cases may now and then occur, but they are no sample of general practice." If the laws of New England were so arranged that a master could now and then torture an apprentice to death, would it be received with equal composure? Would it be said, "These cases are rare, and no samples of general practice"? This injustice is an inherent one in the slave system, — it cannot exist without it.

[Harriet Beecher-Stowe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe.md) · [Uncle Tom's Cabin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe/uncle-toms-cabin.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harriet-beecher-stowe/uncle-toms-cabin/that-the-tragical.md)

Topics: [justice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/justice.md), [law](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/law.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> If Providence were to watch over all of us,” said Cruso, “who would be left to pick the cotton and cut the sugar cane? For the business of the world to prosper, Providence must sometimes wake and sometimes sleep, as lower creatures do.”

[J. M. Coetzee](https://www.leafyquotes.com/j-m-coetzee.md) · [Foe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/j-m-coetzee/foe.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/j-m-coetzee/foe/if-providence-were.md)

Topics: [god](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/god.md), [irony](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/irony.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> The common run of moralists complain that man is moved by his private self-interest: would to heaven it were so! Private interest is a self-centered principle of action, but at the same time restricted, reasonable and incapable of giving rise to unlimited evils. Whereas, on the other hand, the law of all activities governing social life, except in the case of primitive communities, is that here one sacrifices human life — in himself and in others — to things which are only means to a better way of living. This sacrifice takes on various forms, but it all comes back to the question of power. Power, by definition, is only a means; or to put it better, to possess a power is simply to possess means of action which exceed the very limited force that a single individual has at his disposal. But power-seeking, owing to its essential incapacity to seize hold of its object, rules out all consideration of an end, and finally comes, through an inevitable reversal, to take the place of all ends. It is this reversal of the relationship between means and end, it is this fundamental folly that accounts for all that is senseless and bloody right through history. Human history is simply the history of the servitude which makes men — oppressed and oppressors alike — the plaything of the instruments of domination they themselves have manufactured, and thus reduces living humanity to being the chattel of inanimate chattels.

[Simone Weil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/simone-weil.md) · [Simone Weil: An Anthology](https://www.leafyquotes.com/simone-weil/simone-weil-an-anthology.md) · p. 141 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/simone-weil/simone-weil-an-anthology/the-common-run.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [history](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/history.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Some of his neighbors found out what I was doing and offered him fatherly advice. It was dangerous to educate slaves, they warned. Education made blacks dissatisfied with slavery. It spoiled them for field work. The Methodist minister said it made them disobedient, made them want more than the Lord intended them to have.

[Octavia E. Butler](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler.md) · [Kindred](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler/kindred.md) · p. 236 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler/kindred/some-of-his.md)

Topics: [education](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/education.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> “He’s a fair man.”
>
> I looked at him, startled.
>
> “I said fair,” he repeated. “Not likable.”
>
> I kept quiet. His father wasn’t the monster he could have been with the power he held over his slaves. He wasn’t a monster at all. Just an ordinary man who sometimes did the monstrous things his society said were legal and proper.

[Octavia E. Butler](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler.md) · [Kindred](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler/kindred.md) · p. 134 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler/kindred/hes-a-fair.md)

Topics: [evil](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/evil.md), [conformity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conformity.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Slavery was a long slow process of dulling. (p183)

[Octavia E. Butler](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler.md) · [Kindred](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler/kindred.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler/kindred/slavery-was-a-long.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Sometimes, one must become a master to avoid becoming a slave.

[Octavia E. Butler](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler.md) · [Wild Seed](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler/wild-seed.md) · p. 11 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler/wild-seed/sometimes-one-must.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> “What were they saying?” Daly asked.
>
> “They disapprove of your profession,” Doro told him.
>
> “Heathen savages,” Daly muttered. “They’re like animals. They’re all cannibals.”
>
> “These aren’t,” Doro said, “though some of the their neighbors are.”
>
> “All of them,” Daly insisted. “Just give them the chance.”
>
> Doro smiled. “Well, no doubt the missionaries will reach them eventually and teach them to practice only symbolic cannibalism.”
>
> Daly jumped. He considered himself a pious man in spite of his work. “You shouldn’t say such things,” he whispered. “Not even you are beyond the reach of God.”
>
> “Spare me your mythology,” Doro said, “and your righteous indignation.” Daly had been Doro’s man too long to be pampered in such matters. “At least we cannibals are honest about what we do,” Doro continued. “We don’t pretend as your slavers do to be acting for the benefit of our victims’ souls. We don’t tell ourselves we’ve caught them to teach them civilized religion.”

[Octavia E. Butler](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler.md) · [Wild Seed](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler/wild-seed.md) · p. 42 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/octavia-e-butler/wild-seed/what-were-they.md)

Topics: [religion](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/religion.md), [hypocrisy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/hypocrisy.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Our liberation cannot be divorced from black consciousness because we cannot be conscious of ourselves and at the same time remain slaves -

[Nadine Gordimer](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nadine-gordimer.md) · [Burger's Daughter](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nadine-gordimer/burgers-daughter.md) · p. 164 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nadine-gordimer/burgers-daughter/our-liberation-cannot.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [racism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/racism.md)

> Imperialism and slavery are no white male monopoly, but are everywhere from Egypt, Assyria, and Persia to India, China and Japan.

[Camille Paglia](https://www.leafyquotes.com/camille-paglia.md) · [Sex, Art, and American Culture](https://www.leafyquotes.com/camille-paglia/sex-art-and-american-culture.md) · p. 239 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/camille-paglia/sex-art-and-american-culture/imperialism-and-slavery.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [colonialism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/colonialism.md)

> To be a bandit is better than to be a slave!

[Samuel R. Delany](https://www.leafyquotes.com/samuel-r-delany.md) · [Neveryona](https://www.leafyquotes.com/samuel-r-delany/neveryona.md) · p. 86 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/samuel-r-delany/neveryona/to-be-a-bandit.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Slaves are men and women who labor for no pay. Over there are men who do no labor for no pay. The similarity is enough so that they might make the mistake themselves.

[Samuel R. Delany](https://www.leafyquotes.com/samuel-r-delany.md) · [Neveryona](https://www.leafyquotes.com/samuel-r-delany/neveryona.md) · p. 147 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/samuel-r-delany/neveryona/slaves-are-men.md)

Topics: [work](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/work.md), [irony](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/irony.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Dictators during the entire history of this planet have used similar techniques. By not letting the people of their country know what conditions existed outside their boundaries, they could get the people to fight to stay in those conditions. It was the old adage: Convince a slave that he’s free, and he will fight to maintain his slavery.

[Samuel R. Delany](https://www.leafyquotes.com/samuel-r-delany.md) · [The Jewels Of Aptor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/samuel-r-delany/the-jewels-of-aptor.md) · p. 133 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/samuel-r-delany/the-jewels-of-aptor/dictators-during-the.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [tyranny](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/tyranny.md), [propaganda](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/propaganda.md)

> I have been a slave. But at least in all that time I knew my own heart. I knew what I truly thought even as I did what they wanted, whatever it took to get what I wanted from them.

[Orson Scott Card](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card.md) · [Children Of The Mind](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/children-of-the-mind.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/children-of-the-mind/i-have-been.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> All liberation depends on the consciousness of servitude, and the emergence of this consciousness is always hampered by the predominance of needs and satisfactions which, to a great extent, have become the individual's own.

[Herbert Marcuse](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herbert-marcuse.md) · [One-Dimensional Man](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herbert-marcuse/one-dimensional-man.md) · p. 7 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herbert-marcuse/one-dimensional-man/all-liberation-depends.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> The slaves of developed industrial civilization are sublimated slaves.

[Herbert Marcuse](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herbert-marcuse.md) · [One-Dimensional Man](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herbert-marcuse/one-dimensional-man.md) · p. 32 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herbert-marcuse/one-dimensional-man/the-slaves-of-developed.md)

Topics: [civilization](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/civilization.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> This is the pure form of servitude: to exist as an instrument.

[Herbert Marcuse](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herbert-marcuse.md) · [One-Dimensional Man](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herbert-marcuse/one-dimensional-man.md) · p. 33 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herbert-marcuse/one-dimensional-man/this-is-the.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> If you are not their slaves, you are rebels.

[C L R James](https://www.leafyquotes.com/c-l-r-james.md) · [The Black Jacobins](https://www.leafyquotes.com/c-l-r-james/the-black-jacobins.md) · p. 307 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/c-l-r-james/the-black-jacobins/if-you-are.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [rebellion](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/rebellion.md)

> From their French masters, [the slaves] had known rape, torture, degradation, and, at the slightest provocation, death. They returned in kind. For two centuries the higher civilization had shown them that power was used for wreaking your will on those whom you controlled. Now that they held power they did as they had been taught.

[C L R James](https://www.leafyquotes.com/c-l-r-james.md) · [The Black Jacobins](https://www.leafyquotes.com/c-l-r-james/the-black-jacobins.md) · p. 88 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/c-l-r-james/the-black-jacobins/from-their-french.md)

Topics: [violence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/violence.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> There are and always will be some who, ashamed of the behavior of their ancestors, try to prove that slavery wasn't so bad after all, that its evils and its cruelty were the exaggerations of propagandists and not the habitual lot of the slaves. Men will say (and accept) anything in order to foster national pride or soothe a troubled conscience.

[C L R James](https://www.leafyquotes.com/c-l-r-james.md) · [The Black Jacobins](https://www.leafyquotes.com/c-l-r-james/the-black-jacobins.md) · p. 13 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/c-l-r-james/the-black-jacobins/there-are-and.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Dissimulation is the refuge of the slave.

[C L R James](https://www.leafyquotes.com/c-l-r-james.md) · [The Black Jacobins](https://www.leafyquotes.com/c-l-r-james/the-black-jacobins.md) · p. 334 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/c-l-r-james/the-black-jacobins/dissimulation-is-the.md)

Topics: [lies](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/lies.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> "If physical slavery is repulsive, how much more repulsive is the concept of servility of the spirit? […] But the man who enslaves himself voluntarily in the name of love is the basest of creatures. He degrades the dignity of man, and he degrades the conception of love. But that is the essence of altruism."

[Ayn Rand](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ayn-rand.md) · [The Fountainhead](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ayn-rand/the-fountainhead.md) · p. 738 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ayn-rand/the-fountainhead/if-physical-slavery.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [dignity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/dignity.md), [altruism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/altruism.md)

> In my mind’s eye, rather as if it were mistily being projected on a screen, I began envisioning descriptions I had read of how collectively millions of our ancestors had been enslaved. Many thousands were individually kidnaped, as my own forebear Kunta had been, but into the millions had come awake screaming in the night, dashing out into the bedlam of raided villages, which were often in flames. The captured able survivors were linked neck-by-neck with thongs into processions called “coffles,” which were sometimes as much as a mile in length. I envisioned the many dying, or left to die when they were too weak to continue the torturous march toward the coast, and those who made it to the beach were greased, shaved, probed in every orifice, often branded with sizzling irons; I envisioned them being lashed and dragged toward the longboats, their spasms of screaming and clawing with their hands into the beach, biting up great choking mouthfuls of the sand in their desperation efforts for one last hold on the Africa that had been their home; I envisioned them shoved, beaten, jerked down into slave ships’ stinking holds and chained onto shelves, often packed so tightly that they had to lie on their sides like spoons in a drawer...

[Alex Haley](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alex-haley.md) · [Roots](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alex-haley/roots.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alex-haley/roots/in-my-minds.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> I can understand the poor and stupid voting for Marxism or one of its fashionable variants. If you've no hope of being other than a slave, you may as well opt for the most efficient form of slavery.

[P.D. James](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pd-james.md) · [A Taste for Death](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pd-james/a-taste-for-death.md) · p. 412 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pd-james/a-taste-for-death/i-can-understand.md)

Topics: [politics](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/politics.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Democracy and slavery are inseparable. Why. Democracy as it existed among the ancients was no more than government by a number of men large enough to be called the people. But this designation is false. The true people, in such a state, the greatest number, the majority belong to the class of slaves, and slavery inevitably develops in a country governed this way, because it is impossible that those who spend their time making laws can make shoes and clothes, plant crops, work fields, etc.

[Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert.md) · [The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert/democracy-and-slavery.md)

Topics: [democracy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/democracy.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> To believe Christianity stands in opposition to slavery is at best to think anachronistically and at worst to not understand Christianity.

[Derrick Jensen](https://www.leafyquotes.com/derrick-jensen.md) · [The Culture of Make Believe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/derrick-jensen/the-culture-of-make-believe.md) · p. 57 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/derrick-jensen/the-culture-of-make-believe/to-believe-christianity.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [Christianity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/christianity.md)

> Slavery was a central concern of governance form the time of the first nation-state. The Code of Hammurabi, the earliest known set of laws for governing an empire, prescribed death for anyone who harbored a fugitive or otherwise helped a slave to escape. The relationship between the law and bondage goes back even farther: Indeed, the oldest extant legal documents don't concern the sale of land, houses, or even animals, but slaves.

[Derrick Jensen](https://www.leafyquotes.com/derrick-jensen.md) · [The Culture of Make Believe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/derrick-jensen/the-culture-of-make-believe.md) · p. 60 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/derrick-jensen/the-culture-of-make-believe/slavery-was-a-central.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [the state](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/the-state.md)

> Much was made by abolitionists that the King James version of the Bible didn't use the word slaves, but, instead, servants. This meant, in their minds, that God didn't really approve of slavery. But that argument was linguistic at best. Slavery was codified and even sanctified in the tenth commandment, throwing slaves (and wives) in with other property belonging to one's neighbor that one must not covet. The Bible even regulated--as opposed to banning outright--the killing of slaves, stating that if a slave were beaten to death, the slave owner should be punished (though not killed himself, as would be his fate were he to kill a freeman), but if the slave didn't die until a day or two after the beating, the slave owner "shall not be punished, for he [the slave] is his money."

[Derrick Jensen](https://www.leafyquotes.com/derrick-jensen.md) · [The Culture of Make Believe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/derrick-jensen/the-culture-of-make-believe.md) · p. 56 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/derrick-jensen/the-culture-of-make-believe/much-was-made.md)

Topics: [religion](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/religion.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> In order for a slave--or, for that matter, a slaveholder--to become free, a series of successive perceptions must be realized. First, the person must perceive that the owners (and slaves) are merely human, that is, putting all rhetoric aside, that there exists a dichotomy of privilege and exploitation, and that the privilege is a result of exploitation. … The second realization is, once again, that the owners and slaves are merely human, meaning this time that the exploitation and consequent privilege are not inevitable, but the result of social arrangements and force (as well as a huge dollop of bad luck on the part of those enslaved). … The third realization is yet again that the owners are merely human, by which I now mean they are vulnerable. Wealth does not protect them.

[Derrick Jensen](https://www.leafyquotes.com/derrick-jensen.md) · [The Culture of Make Believe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/derrick-jensen/the-culture-of-make-believe.md) · p. 63 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/derrick-jensen/the-culture-of-make-believe/in-order-for.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> There is not a negro from the coast of Africa who does not, in this respect, possess a degree of magnanimity which the soul of his sordid master is too often scarce capable of conceiving. Fortune never exerted more cruelly her empire over mankind, than when she subjected those nations of heroes to the refuse of the jails of Europe, to wretches who possess the virtues neither of the countries which they come from, nor of those which they go to, and whose levity, brutality, and baseness, so justly expose them to the contempt of the vanquished.

[Adam Smith](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith.md) · [The Theory of Moral Sentiments](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith/the-theory-of-moral-sentiments.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith/the-theory-of-moral-sentiments/there-is-not.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> That we were slaves I had known all my life — and nothing could be done about it. True, we weren't bought and sold — but as long as Authority held monopoly over what we had to have and what we could sell to buy it, we were slaves.

[Robert A. Heinlein](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-a-heinlein.md) · [The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-a-heinlein/the-moon-is-a-harsh-mistress.md) · p. 31 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-a-heinlein/the-moon-is-a-harsh-mistress/that-we-were.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> I was broken in body, soul and spirit. My natural elasticity was crushed, my intellect languished, the disposition to read departed, the cheerful spark that lingered about my eye died; the dark night of slavery closed in upon me; and behold a man transformed into a brute!

[Frederick Douglass](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass.md) · [Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass/narrative-of-the-life-of-frederick-douglass-an-american-slave.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass/narrative-of-the-life-of-frederick-douglass-an-american-slave/i-was-broken.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> 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. It is impossible to conceive of a greater mistake. Slaves sing most when they are most unhappy. The songs of the slave represent the sorrows of his heart; and he is relieved by them, only as an aching heart is relieved by its tears. At least, such is my experience. I have often sung to drown my sorrow, but seldom to express my happiness. Crying for joy, and singing for joy, were alike uncommon to me while in the jaws of slavery. The singing of a man cast away upon a desolate island might be as appropriately considered as evidence of contentment and happiness, as the singing of a slave; the songs of the one and of the other are prompted by the same emotion.

[Frederick Douglass](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass.md) · [Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass/narrative-of-the-life-of-frederick-douglass-an-american-slave.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass/narrative-of-the-life-of-frederick-douglass-an-american-slave/i-have-often.md)

Topics: [music](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/music.md), [sadness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/sadness.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> The more I read, the more I was led to abhor and detest my enslavers. I could regard them in no other light than a band of successful robbers, who had left their homes, and gone to Africa, and stolen us from our homes, and in a strange land reduced us to slavery. I loathed them as being the meanest as well as the most wicked of men. As I read and contemplated the subject, behold! that very discontentment which Master Hugh had predicted would follow my learning to read had already come, to torment and sting my soul to unutterable anguish. As I writhed under it, I would at times feel that learning to read had been a curse rather than a blessing. It had given me a view of my wretched condition, without the remedy. It opened my eyes to the horrible pit, but to no ladder upon which to get out. In moments of agony, I envied my fellow-slaves for their stupidity. I have often wished myself a beast. I preferred the condition of the meanest reptile to my own. Any thing, no matter what, to get rid of thinking! It was this everlasting thinking of my condition that tormented me. There was no getting rid of it. It was pressed upon me by every object within sight or hearing, animate or inanimate. The silver trump of freedom had roused my soul to eternal wakefulness. Freedom now appeared, to disappear no more forever. It was heard in every sound, and seen in every thing. It was ever present to torment me with a sense of my wretched condition. I saw nothing without seeing it, I heard nothing without hearing it, and felt nothing without feeling it. It looked from every star, it smiled in every calm, breathed in every wind, and moved in every storm.

[Frederick Douglass](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass.md) · [Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass/narrative-of-the-life-of-frederick-douglass-an-american-slave.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass/narrative-of-the-life-of-frederick-douglass-an-american-slave/the-more-i-read.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [knowledge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/knowledge.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> You have seen how a man was made a slave; you shall see how a slave was made a man.

[Frederick Douglass](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass.md) · [Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass/narrative-of-the-life-of-frederick-douglass-an-american-slave.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass/narrative-of-the-life-of-frederick-douglass-an-american-slave/you-have-seen.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> To make a contented slave it is necessary to make a thoughtless one. It is necessary to darken the moral and mental vision and, as far as possible, to annihilate the power of reason.

[Frederick Douglass](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass.md) · [Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass/narrative-of-the-life-of-frederick-douglass-an-american-slave.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass/narrative-of-the-life-of-frederick-douglass-an-american-slave/to-make-a-contented.md)

Topics: [thinking](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/thinking.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> I say nothing of father, for he is shrouded in a mystery I have never been able to penetrate. Slavery does away with fathers, as it does away with families. Slavery has no use for either fathers or families, and its laws do not recognize their existence in the social arrangements of the plantation.

[Frederick Douglass](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass.md) · [My Bondage and My Freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass/my-bondage-and-my-freedom.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass/my-bondage-and-my-freedom/i-say-nothing.md)

Topics: [family](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/family.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> We have men sold to build churches, women sold to support the gospel, and babes sold to purchase Bibles for the poor heathen! all for the glory of God and the good of souls! The slave auctioneer's bell and the church-going bell chime in with each other, and the bitter cries of the heart-broken slave are drowned in the religious shouts of his pious master. Revivals of religion and revivals in the slave-trade go hand in hand.

[Frederick Douglass](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass.md) · [Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass/narrative-of-the-life-of-frederick-douglass-an-american-slave.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass/narrative-of-the-life-of-frederick-douglass-an-american-slave/we-have-men.md)

Topics: [religion](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/religion.md), [hypocrisy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/hypocrisy.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> It is not uncommon to charge slaves with great treachery toward each other, but I must say I never loved, esteemed, or confided in men more than I did in these. They were as true as steel, and no band of brothers could be more loving. There were no mean advantages taken of each other, as is sometimes the case where slaves are situated as we were, no tattling, no giving each other bad names to Mr. Freeland, and no elevating one at the expense of the other. We never undertook to do any thing of any importance which was likely to affect each other, without mutual consultation. We were generally a unit, and moved together. Thoughts and sentiments were exchanged between us which might well be called incendiary had they been known by our masters.

[Frederick Douglass](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass.md) · [The Life and Times Of Frederick Douglass](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass/the-life-and-times-of-frederick-douglass.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass/the-life-and-times-of-frederick-douglass/it-is-not.md)

Topics: [friendship](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/friendship.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> I assert most unhesitatingly, that the religion of the south is a mere covering for the most horrid crimes-a justifier of the most appalling barbarity, — a sanctifier of the most hateful frauds, — and a dark shelter under which the darkest, foulest, grossest, and most infernal deeds of slaveholders find the strongest protection.

[Frederick Douglass](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass.md) · [Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass/narrative-of-the-life-of-frederick-douglass-an-american-slave.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frederick-douglass/narrative-of-the-life-of-frederick-douglass-an-american-slave/i-assert-most.md)

Topics: [religion](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/religion.md), [hypocrisy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/hypocrisy.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> I know now what I should have known every moment of my life; that unless you help yourself, you die a slave. The fact is basic.

[Jack Vance](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance.md) · [The Asutra](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance/the-asutra.md) · p. 181 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance/the-asutra/i-know-now.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [independence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/independence.md)

> “I have not been tamed,” said Finnerack. “I have only been enslaved.”

[Jack Vance](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance.md) · [The Brave Free Men](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance/the-brave-free-men.md) · p. 83 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance/the-brave-free-men/i-have-not.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Those who do not think that employment is systemic slavery are either blind or employed.

[Nassim Nicholas Taleb](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb.md) · [The Bed of Procrustes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/the-bed-of-procrustes.md) · p. 30 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/the-bed-of-procrustes/those-who-do-not.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [work](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/work.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> The difference between slaves in Roman and Ottoman days and today’s employees is that slaves did not need to flatter their boss.

[Nassim Nicholas Taleb](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb.md) · [The Bed of Procrustes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/the-bed-of-procrustes.md) · p. 26 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nassim-nicholas-taleb/the-bed-of-procrustes/the-difference-between.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [work](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/work.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> It wasn't so bad being a slave when your owner was yourself and stood up for you.

[Orson Scott Card](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card.md) · [Heartfire](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/heartfire.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/heartfire/it-wasnt-so-bad.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Slavery, that was a kind of alchemy for such White folk, or so they reckoned. They calculated a way of turning each bead of a Black man's sweat into gold and each moan of despair from a Black woman's throat into the sweet clear sound of a silver coin ringing on the money-changer's table. There was buying and selling of souls in that place. Yet there was nary a one of them who understood the whole price they paid for owning other folk.

[Orson Scott Card](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card.md) · [Prentice Alvin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/prentice-alvin.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/prentice-alvin/slavery-that-was.md)

Topics: [greed](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/greed.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> She don't set no store to see a king. Her pa a king back in Africa, and they shoot him dead. Them Portuguese slavers show her what it mean to be a king—it mean you die quick like everybody, and spill blood red like everybody, and cry out loud in pain and scared—oh, fine to be a king, and fine to see one. Do them White folk believe this lie?

[Orson Scott Card](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card.md) · [Prentice Alvin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/prentice-alvin.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/prentice-alvin/she-dont-set.md)

Topics: [power](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/power.md), [death](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/death.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> I'll be dead and you'll think about this day and wonder which of us was more the slave, you or me!

[Orson Scott Card](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card.md) · [Earthborn](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/earthborn.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/earthborn/ill-be-dead.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> The people are asleep; they remain indifferent. They forge their own chains and do the bidding of their masters to crucify their Christs. (p. 304)

[Emma Goldman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emma-goldman.md) · [Living My Life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emma-goldman/living-my-life.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emma-goldman/living-my-life/the-people-are.md)

Topics: [conformity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conformity.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man, when I could get it — and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?

[Sojourner Truth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sojourner-truth.md) · [Ain't I A Woman?](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sojourner-truth/aint-i-a-woman.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sojourner-truth/aint-i-a-woman/that-man-over.md)

Topics: [women](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/women.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [women's equal rights](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/womens-equal-rights.md)

> One of the best ways of enslaving a people is to keep them from education... The second way of enslaving a people is to suppress the sources of information, not only by burning books but by controlling all the other ways in which ideas are transmitted. (11 May 1943)

[Eleanor Roosevelt](https://www.leafyquotes.com/eleanor-roosevelt.md) · [My Day](https://www.leafyquotes.com/eleanor-roosevelt/my-day.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/eleanor-roosevelt/my-day/one-of-the-best.md)

Topics: [education](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/education.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [censorship](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/censorship.md)

> Where is the weapon with which I enforce your bondage? You give it to me every time you open your mouth.

[Frank Herbert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert.md) · [Whipping Star](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/whipping-star.md) · p. 68 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/whipping-star/where-is-the.md)

Topics: [words](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/words.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> "A slave is one who must produce wealth for another," the Brain said. "There is only one true wealth in all the universe. I have given you some of it. I have given your father and your mate some of it. And your friends. This wealth is living time. Time. Are we slaves because we have given you more time to live?"

[Frank Herbert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert.md) · [The Green Brain](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/the-green-brain.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/frank-herbert/the-green-brain/a-slave-is-one.md)

Topics: [time](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/time.md), [wealth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/wealth.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Two hundred years ago Rousseau denounced the sophistic politicians and intellectuals “who search for ways to obscure the fact,” so he maintained, “that the essential and the defining property of man is his freedom. They attribute to man a natural inclination to servitude, without thinking that it is the same for freedom as for innocence and virtue. Their value is felt only as long as one enjoys them oneself, and the taste for them is lost as soon as one has lost them.” As proof of this doctrine he refers to the marvels done by all free peoples to guard themselves from oppression. “True” he says “those who have abandoned the life of a free man do nothing but boast incessantly of the peace, the repose they enjoy in their chains. But when I see the others sacrifice pleasures, repose, wealth, power and life itself for the preservation of this sole good which is so disdained by those who have lost it, when I see multitudes of entirely naked savages scorn European voluptuousness and endure hunger, fire, the sword and death to preserve only their independence, I feel it does not behoove slaves to reason about freedom.” A comment to which we can perhaps give a contemporary interpretation.

[Noam Chomsky](https://www.leafyquotes.com/noam-chomsky.md) · [Government in the Future](https://www.leafyquotes.com/noam-chomsky/government-in-the-future.md) · p. 136 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/noam-chomsky/government-in-the-future/two-hundred-years.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> Who aint a slave? Tell me that. Well, then, however the old sea-captains may order me about—however they may thump and punch me about, I have the satisfaction of knowing that it is all right; that everybody else is one way or other served in much the same way—either in a physical or metaphysical point of view, that is; and so the universal thump is passed round, and all hands should rub each other's shoulder-blades, and be content.

[Herman Melville](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herman-melville.md) · [Moby-Dick](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herman-melville/moby-dick.md) · p. 5 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herman-melville/moby-dick/who-aint-a-slave.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [acceptance](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/acceptance.md)

> You may set the Negro free, but you cannot make him otherwise than an alien to the European. Nor is this all we scarcely acknowledge the common features of humanity in this stranger whom slavery has brought among us. His physiognomy is to our eyes hideous, his understanding weak, his tastes low; and we are almost inclined to look upon him as a being intermediate between man and the brutes.

[Alexis de Tocqueville](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville.md) · [Democracy in America](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville/democracy-in-america.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville/democracy-in-america/you-may-set.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [racism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/racism.md)

> I am obliged to confess that I do not regard the abolition of slavery as a means of warding off the struggle of the two races in the Southern states. The Negroes may long remain slaves without complaining; but if they are once raised to the level of freemen, they will soon revolt at being deprived of almost all their civil rights; and as they cannot become the equals of the whites, they will speedily show themselves as enemies.

[Alexis de Tocqueville](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville.md) · [Democracy in America](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville/democracy-in-america.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville/democracy-in-america/i-am-obliged.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [racism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/racism.md)

> Uncle Tom's Cabin was no literary masterpiece but it was a culture-bearing book. It came at a time when the entire culture was about to reject slavery. People seized upon it as a portrayal of their own new values and it became an overwhelming success.
>
> The success of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance seems the result of this culture-bearing phenomenon. The involuntary shock treatment described here is against the law today. It is a violation of human liberty. The culture has changed.

[Robert M. Pirsig](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-m-pirsig.md) · [Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-m-pirsig/zen-and-the-art-of-motorcycle-maintenance.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-m-pirsig/zen-and-the-art-of-motorcycle-maintenance/uncle-toms-cabin.md)

Topics: [literature](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/literature.md), [culture](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/culture.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> I pity from the bottom of my heart any nation or body of people that is so unfortunate as to get entangled in the net of slavery. I have long since ceased to cherish any spirit of bitterness against the Southern white people on account of the enslavement of my race. No one section of our country was wholly responsible for its introduction, and, besides, it was recognized and protected for years by the General Government. Having once got its tentacles fastened on to the economic and social life of the Republic, it was no easy matter for the country to relieve itself of the institution. Then, when we rid ourselves of prejudice, or racial feeling, and look facts in the face, we must acknowledge that, notwithstanding the cruelty and moral wrong of slavery, the ten million Negroes inhabiting this country, who themselves or whose ancestors went through the school of American slavery, are in a stronger and more hopeful condition, materially, intellectually, morally, and religiously, than is true of an equal number of black people in any other portion of the globe. This is so to such an extend that Negroes in this country, who themselves or whose forefathers went through the school of slavery, are constantly returning to Africa as missionaries to enlighten those who remained in the fatherland. This I say, not to justify slavery — on the other hand, I condemn it as an institution, as we all know that in America it was established for selfish and financial reasons, and not from a missionary motive — but to call attention to a fact, and to show how Providence so often uses men and institutions to accomplish a purpose.

[Booker Washington](https://www.leafyquotes.com/booker-washington.md) · [Up From Slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/booker-washington/up-from-slavery.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/booker-washington/up-from-slavery/i-pity-from.md)

Topics: [history](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/history.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> From some things that I have said one may get the idea that some of the slaves did not want freedom. This is not true. I have never seen one who did not want to be free, or one who would return to slavery.

[Booker Washington](https://www.leafyquotes.com/booker-washington.md) · [Up From Slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/booker-washington/up-from-slavery.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/booker-washington/up-from-slavery/from-some-things.md)

Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> It was in North Carolina, when she had seen the food for the slave children and the dogs poured into the same trough, and she had seen her little children scrabbling with the dogs for the scraps. She saw that happen one day—and she had seen it before, every day on that plantation, and she would see it again many times before she left—she saw it that one day and it broke her heart.

[Neil Gaiman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/neil-gaiman.md) · [American Gods](https://www.leafyquotes.com/neil-gaiman/american-gods.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/neil-gaiman/american-gods/it-was-in-north.md)

Topics: [suffering](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/suffering.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> The slaves on the sugar plantations of St. Domingue rarely lived more than a decade. The free time they were given—two hours in the heat of noon and five hours in the dark of the night (from eleven until four)—was also the only time they had to grow and tend the food they would eat (for they were not fed by their masters, merely given small plots of land to cultivate, with which to feed themselves), and it was also the time they had to sleep and to dream. Even so, they would take that time and they would gather and dance, and sing and worship.

[Neil Gaiman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/neil-gaiman.md) · [American Gods](https://www.leafyquotes.com/neil-gaiman/american-gods.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/neil-gaiman/american-gods/the-slaves-on-the.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md)

> ... in the commissary as it should have been, not the heart perhaps but certainly the solar-plexus of the repudiated and relinquished: the square, galleried, wooden building squatting like a portent above the fields whose laborers it still held in thrall ‘65 or no and placarded over with advertisements for snuff and cures for chills and salves and potions manufactured and sold by white men to bleach the pigment and straighten the hair of negroes that they might resemble the very race which for two hundred years had held them in bondage and from which for another hundred years not even a bloody civil war would have set them completely free.

[William Faulkner](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-faulkner.md) · [Go Down, Moses](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-faulkner/go-down-moses.md) · p. 244 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-faulkner/go-down-moses/in-the-commissary.md)

Topics: [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [racism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/racism.md)

> “Dont you see?” he cried. “Dont you see? This whole land, the whole South, is cursed, and all of us who derive from it, whom it ever suckled, white and black both, lie under the curse? Granted that my people brought the curse onto the land: maybe for that reason their descendants alone can—not resist it, not combat it—maybe just endure and outlast it until the curse is lifted. Then your peoples’ turn will come because we have forfeited ours. But not now. Not yet. Dont you see?”

[William Faulkner](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-faulkner.md) · [Go Down, Moses](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-faulkner/go-down-moses.md) · p. 266 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-faulkner/go-down-moses/dont-you-see.md)

Topics: [history](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/history.md), [slavery](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/slavery.md), [racism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/racism.md)