Toussaint Louverture Quotes

7 Sourced Quotes

I have been a slave; I am willing to own it; but I have never received reproaches from my masters.

Toussaint Louverture
Men in general are so inclined to envy the glory of others, are so jealous of good which they have not themselves accomplished, that a man often makes himself enemies by the simple fact that he has rendered great service.

Toussaint Louverture
There are men who appear outwardly to love liberty for all, but who are inwardly its sworn enemies.

Toussaint Louverture
It is my duty to render to the French Government an exact account of my conduct. I shall relate the facts with all the simplicity and frankness of an old soldier, adding to them the reflections that naturally suggest themselves. In short, I shall tell the truth, though it be against myself.

Toussaint Louverture
I was born in slavery, but I received from nature the soul of a freeman.

Toussaint Louverture
Means have been employed against me which are only used against the greatest criminals. Doubtless, I owe this treatment to my color; but my color,—my color,—has it hindered me from serving my country with zeal and fidelity? Does the color of my skin impair my honor and my bravery?

Toussaint Louverture
They have sent me to France destitute of everything; they have seized my property and my papers, and have spread atrocious calumnies concerning me. Is it not like cutting off a man's legs and telling him to walk? Is it not like cutting out a man's tongue and telling him to talk? Is it not burying a man alive?

Toussaint Louverture