I make no pretension to patriotism. So long as my voice can be heard on this or the other side of the Atlantic, I will hold up America to the lightning scorn of moral indignation. In doing this, I shall feel myself discharging the duty of a true patriot; for he is a lover of his country who rebukes and does not excuse its sins. It is righteousness that exalteth a nation while sin is a reproach to any people.

— Frederick Douglass Love of God, Love of Man, Love of Country (1847)

More quotes by Frederick Douglass

Speech at the Civil Rights Mass Meeting (1883)

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave (1845)

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave (1845)

The Heroic Slave (1853)

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