Up from Slavery: an autobiography

by Booker T. Washington

I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.

The individual who can do something that the world wants done will, in the end, make his way regardless of race.

From his example in this respect I learned the lesson that great men cultivate love, and that only little men cherish a spirit of hatred. I learned that assistance given to the weak makes the one who gives it strong; and that oppression of the unfortunate makes one weak.

resolved that I would permit no man, no matter what his colour might be, to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him.