FREDERICK DOUGLAS

1818-1895

Frederick Douglass was an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. He became the most important leader of the movement for African-American civil rights in the 19th century.

In New York Charlie Chaplin and artist Marchioness of Queensbury (Cathleen Douglas (née Mann), displays her painting of Charlie at Jacques Seligman Gallery, February 1927. source: ebay (x)

It’s a word we don’t often hear much anymore. It didn’t use to be that way. A glance down the Hallway of History is illuminated with many great quotes regarding virtuous living. Here are but a few choice examples:

“Even in decline, a virtuous man increases the beauty of his behavior. A burning stick, though turned to the ground, yet has its flame drawn upwards.”(Saskya Pandita, Tibetan Monk, 1120).

“When a virtuous man is raised, it brings gladness to his friends, grief to his enemies, and glory to his posterity.” So said William Johnson, English Dramatist, 1572.

“No people can be great who have ceased to be virtuous.” (Samuel Johnson, English poet 1750).

Benjamin Franklin picked up on this and said, “There never was a truly great man that was not at the same time truly virtuous.” (1780).

During the crisis of the Civil War, Frederick Douglas said, “The life of a nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.” (1865).

I ask again, Whatever happened to Virtue? Somewhere along the way we shifted gears and covertly turned a cold shoulder to such notions. And now we are a Nation more given to Vice than to Virtue.