Here's to the next insurrection of the negroes in the West Indies.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A toast anticipating a slave uprising.
- In plain terms
- He jokes about enslaved people rebelling.
- What can you take from it?
- Historical views reflect era.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we judge historical figures?
- What does this reveal about the era?
Another view
The sentiment ignores the humanity of enslaved people.
More from Samuel Johnson
When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.
Permalink to quote #154 It must be agreed that in most ages many countries have had part of their inhabitants in a state of slavery; yet it may be doubted whether slavery can ever be …
Permalink to quote #156 Depend upon it, Sir, when a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully.
Permalink to quote #153
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