“I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.” ~ Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass, the social reformer, writer, statesman and former slave was known for his oratory eloquence and his faithfulness to the cause of equal rights for women and African Americans. He lived in a tumultuous era and spent much of his early life in one terribly harsh and unfair situation after another. Rather than becoming embittered as most would, he chose an uncommon course of thought, word and deed.
Despite the undoubtedly intense pressure to compromise his integrity, Douglass refused to be demeaned. He was apparently to be fond of saying: “I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.” How many could say the same, under far less trying circumstances?
Nobility of spirit is not limited by race, sex, color or creed. It is conceived of a mind conscious of right and is born whenever there is the fortitude to see it through in action. Regardless of the challenges you face, take care to stay true to yourself. Others may not understand and you may have to face the ridicule of others, but to sway from this basic policy is tantamount to losing your self-respect.
“He that respects himself is safe from others; he wears a coat of mail that none can pierce.” ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Gregory Hake 
This is the only way to find genuine peace and harmony in your heart. Peace that comes from appeasing or lowering your bar,so not to raise the ire of others, is failure to live this perfectly good life; failure to realize your lifework.
Keep saying it Gregg, great post.
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Read this aloud to my high school students today. It inspired some great discussion!
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To thine own self be true.
You hit the nail on the head again.
Thanks for the opportunity to see what is moving for what it is, and rise up!
Greatly appreciate you, and love sharing in making a difference!
Love to you.
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Great post! I love this Frederick Douglass quote: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
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We are all tested in this area. There is always the path and the the path of least resistance. I’ve noted when I stay true to myself it creates something so strong people are either inspired or infuriated, but it does touch a deep chord. That seems an obvious clue to the power of staying true. In fact I’ve found those that bully with disparagement or ridicule are usually covering up their shame for not being true to themselves.Again I think it speaks to the power this wields.
Thanks great post.
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Frederick Douglass was a man who respected himself and understood that all people had the potential to be extraordinary compared to how people usually are. He was an excellent author and orator, and he really used his time on planet Earth to show people that respect, integrity, and intelligence are not limited by any external characteristics, but are available to all people.
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