I set out with high hope, and a fixed purpose, at whatever cost of trouble, to learn how to read.
Meaning
Douglass recalls teaching himself to read while enslaved, despite the risks. His determination shows what steady effort can achieve with almost no resources. Borrow his approach by setting a fixed daily time for learning something hard and refusing to skip it.
Source: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (1845)
About the author
(1818–1895) was an American social reformer, abolitionist, and writer who escaped slavery and became a leading voice against it. His autobiography, "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass," is a powerful account of his experiences and advocacy for freedom. Douglass was also a strong supporter of women’s rights and equality. His speeches and writings emphasized justice, education, and human dignity. Frederick Douglass’s legacy continues to inspire movements for civil rights and social change, making him one of the most important figures in American history.
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