"All races and varieties of men are improvable. This is the grand distinguishing attribute of humanity, and separates man from all other animals. If it could be shown that any particular race of men are literally incapable of improvement, we might hesitate to welcome them here. But no such men are anywhere to be found, and if they were, it is not likely that they would ever trouble us with their presence. ... I know of no rights of race superior to the rights of humanity, and when there is a supposed conflict between human and national rights, it is safe to go the side of humanity."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Frederick Douglass, "Composite Nation", Speech delivered at Boston, Massachusetts (7 December 1869)
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Race_(human_categorisation)
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Race (human categorisation)
Race is a categorisation of humans based on shared physical or social qualities into groups generally viewed as distinct within a given society. The term came into common usage during the 16th century, when it was used to refer to groups of various kinds, including those characterised by close kinship relations. By the 17th century, the term began to refer to physical (phenotypical) traits, and then later to national affiliations. Modern science regards race as a social construct, an identity wh
29 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Race (human categorisation) →
Related Quotes
"I prefer not to use the term race, for race is a thing much more obscure and difficult to determine than is usually i…"
"The darkness of her Oriental eye Accorded with her Moorish origin (Her blood was not all Spanish, by the by; In Spain…"
"If we are to have that harmony and tranquility, that union of spirit which is the foundation of real national genius …"
"Fleecy locks and black complexion Cannot forfeit nature’s claim; Skins may differ, but affection Dwells in white and …"
"At some future period, not very distant as measured by centuries, the civilised races of man will almost certainly ex…"
"It may be doubted whether any character can be named which is distinctive of a race and is constant."
"Races and varieties of the human family appear and disappear, but humanity remains and will remain forever... [P]eopl…"
"My father was a mulatto, my grandfather was a negro, and my great-grandfather was an ape; my pedigree began where you…"
"An ingenious anatomist has written a book to prove that races are imperishable, but nations are pliant political cons…"
"Am I not a man and a brother?"