Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

Some thoughts on the book Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass...
I realize that when I read a book I don't get as much out of it as when I discuss it with someone. For instance, in our ward there are several women that get together to discuss the scriptures President Nelson counseled us to study before our next General Conference. We read a certain number of verses and come together to discuss them. Reading them on my own I have a few things that stick out to me, but discussing them with others brings more revelation and understanding of how to apply it to my own life. 

This is what I am hoping will happen as I 'discuss' this book here. 
Frederick was given the opportunity to learn to read and write. Well, at least for a brief time. The interesting thing about what brought about the reason of it stopping was what propelled him to want to learn to read even more. When his master told his wife to stop teaching him and why it spurred in him a desire to keep learning. This is what his master said to his wife, "A nigger should know nothing but to obey his master - to do as he is told to do. Learning would spoil the best nigger in the world. Now, if you teach that nigger how to read, there would be no keeping him. It would forever unfit him to be a slave. He would at once become unmanageable, and of no value to his master. As to himself, it could do him no good, but a great deal of harm. It would make him discontented and unhappy." 

This statement became true for Fred. As he found the means to learn to read and write and began reading what he could he did become discontented with his life. He didn't think it was right for anyone to own another person. His longing to be a free person increased. For Frederick the ability to learn to read and write taught him to understand the importance of freedom for all mankind.
What discontent will our learning create in us that will move us to take action no matter what the consequences might be?

It is interesting that the wife of his master that had begun teaching him to read was at first very kind, warm and tender-hearted. She saw Fred as another human being. Under the influence of slavery, however, her heart turned to stone and she became fierce. What influence are we surrounded with that has the ability to turn our hearts to stone? 

Now I have some things to really think about. Writing and discussing really does help you to see things differently and help you to understand and apply to your life what you are learning.