"Knowledge makes a man unfit to be a slave." - Frederick Douglass
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Frederick Douglass was an African-American abolitionist, orator, and author. He lived from 1818 to 1895. He was a firm supporter of economical, political, and social equality for all people; whether black, Native American, female, recent immigrant, or poor. He wrote several autobiographies, including his most famous work, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave in 1845. Although written prior to the civil war, this autobiography was an influential factor in changing the perspective on slavery of many white Americans, and stirring up a desire for change in African-American slaves. Once a slave himself, Douglass possessed great knowledge and intelligence and was very charismatic in his speech. This was surprising and hard to believe for many because slaves were not given an opportunity to receive an education. Douglass adamantly expressed his views on the importance of education. He believed that the ability to read and write would allow slaves a chance at freedom. He was a man who inspired many during his time and has continued to inspire to this day.