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Lewis Tappan Quotes

Powerful Lewis Tappan for Daily Growth

About Lewis Tappan

Lewis Tappan (1798-1883), an influential abolitionist and reformer, was born on January 14, 1798, in Oneida County, New York. Raised by a Quaker family, he embraced the principles of peace, equality, and social justice from an early age. Tappan's commitment to these values propelled him into the forefront of the abolitionist movement in the United States. He played a crucial role in the founding of the American Anti-Slavery Society in 1833, serving as its secretary until 1840. During this period, Tappan worked tirelessly to spread awareness about the horrors of slavery and campaigned for its abolition. Tappan's influence extended beyond the abolitionist movement. He was a key figure in the temperance movement, advocating for the prohibition of alcohol as a means to improve society. In 1846, he founded the American Temperance Society and played a significant role in the formation of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Despite facing numerous threats and personal hardships due to his activism, Tappan remained steadfast in his beliefs. His relentless dedication earned him the respect and admiration of many, including Frederick Douglass, who considered Tappan a true friend and ally in the fight against slavery. Tappan's major works include "Slavery and the Slave Power" (1852), a compelling argument against slavery and its corrupting influence on American politics, and "The Anti-Slavery Almanac" (1837-1842), which provided essential information about the abolitionist movement and the ongoing struggle against slavery. Lewis Tappan passed away on December 20, 1883, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to social justice. His work continues to inspire generations of activists fighting for equal rights and fair treatment for all.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

This quote by Lewis Tappan emphasizes that injustice, regardless of its location, has a ripple effect that can undermine justice globally. It underscores the interconnectedness of society and highlights that the fight for justice should not be limited to specific geographies but should extend everywhere where oppression or inequality exists. In essence, Tappan's quote is a call for solidarity in the pursuit of justice.

"It is not light that we need, nor views, but fire; it is not the theory of the right, but the vitality of the wrong."

This quote by Lewis Tappan suggests that instead of seeking understanding or knowledge (light and views), what's truly needed is passion and action (fire). He argues that it's not just having the right beliefs or theories, but the power and energy behind wrongdoings that can drive change. It implies a call to action over intellectual debate, and a focus on vitality and progress rather than adhering strictly to established norms and rules.

"The power which resides in humanity is more than any force which has come down from the skies."

This quote by Lewis Tappan emphasizes the immense potential that lies within human beings, suggesting they possess a power greater than anything descending from the heavens. It underscores the idea that humans are capable of achieving great things when united, implying that their collective strength can surpass any divine force or external influence. In simpler terms, Tappan believes in the boundless capacity of humanity to shape its own destiny and create change.

"Let no man put a period to his worldly duties who has left any thing undone which may be his duty to his fellow men, or to his Maker."

This quote by Lewis Tappan emphasizes the importance of continuing one's responsibilities towards others and God until the end. It suggests that an individual should not cease their duties towards humanity and divinity. In essence, it encourages a life dedicated to service, both to fellow humans and to the higher power, without abandoning any unfulfilled obligations.

"The great object of all reform is to make human life more like the life of paradise, to bring it nearer to that state in which sin shall have no power, and love and joy shall be supreme."

This quote by Lewis Tappan emphasizes the ultimate goal of any reform or improvement effort: creating a world more closely resembling paradise, where negativity such as sin has minimal impact, and positive qualities like love and joy predominate. Essentially, it is a call to strive for societies where peace, harmony, and well-being are paramount, ultimately fostering a better quality of life for all individuals.

They said their sufferings were great on the passage, and several of their number had died.

- Lewis Tappan

Number, Passage, Were, Sufferings

The African prisoners are orderly and peaceable among themselves.

- Lewis Tappan

Themselves, African, Among, Orderly

The event of the landing of these brethren upon our shores is to be, not without its beneficial effect, as well to the colored population of this country, as it promises to be to ill-fated Africa.

- Lewis Tappan

Country, Africa, Our, Promises

Indeed, the whole company, although thin in flesh, and generally of slight forms, and limbs, especially, are as good looking and intelligent a body of men as we usually meet with.

- Lewis Tappan

Limbs, Slight, Whole, Forms

Most of the prisoners told the interpreter that they are from Mandingo.

- Lewis Tappan

Most, Prisoners, Interpreter

If you wish to draw off the people from a bad or wicked custom, you must beat up for a march; you must make an excitement, do something that everybody will notice.

- Lewis Tappan

Bad, Will, Everybody, Notice

The Anti-Slavery public have generously responded to our appeal, and sent the means to enable us to fit them out well, to pay their passages, supply them with many useful articles and give the Missionaries money to sustain themselves for a while.

- Lewis Tappan

Generously, While, Our, Sustain

One of the men attached to the prison was the occasion of great amusement on the part of the prisoners, as well as the spectators, by taking a large lump of ice to show these strangers from the tropics.

- Lewis Tappan

Occasion, Part, Large, Spectators

The prisoners eyed the clothes some time, and laughed a good deal among themselves before they put them on.

- Lewis Tappan

Some, Deal, Good Deal, Prisoners

The curiosity to see the prisoners appears to be unabated.

- Lewis Tappan

Curiosity, See, Appears, Prisoners

You may imagine the joy manifested by these poor Africans, when they heard one of their own color address them in a friendly manner, and in a language they could comprehend!

- Lewis Tappan

Imagine, Address, Comprehend, Manifested

There is too much theology in the Church now, and too little of the Gospel.

- Lewis Tappan

Church, Now, Too, Theology

These meetings all have excited great attention, and have been of an exceedingly interesting character.

- Lewis Tappan

Character, Been, Exceedingly, Meetings

They have a fine breeze and are now we hope, well on their way.

- Lewis Tappan

Now, Well, Fine, Breeze

If any fall by the hand of violence, others will continue the blessed work.

- Lewis Tappan

Fall, Will, Continue, Blessed

We will persevere, come life or death.

- Lewis Tappan

Death, Will, Come, Persevere

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