The Philosophy of Life's Destiny in Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass implied in his Narrative, that humans must generate their personal destiny. He expressed this philosophy in his writing and understood this assumption very effectively, as he himself was a s. Douglass expresses his belief on destiny by using examples from his former life in slavery and by stressing the fact that he solely created his life’s destiny.

Frederick Douglass was born a slave and below his slave masters he was predestined to die a slave. He had absolutely no say in his future even though in the ownership of his masters. He came to a point in his life exactly where he decided he did not want to be a slave for life, so he steadily took control of his own destiny. Douglass describes the dire situation of a slave held for life by saying, “how heavy was the midnight of woe which shrouded in blackness the final ray of hope, and filled the future with terror and gloom” (Douglass xi). This sentence shows that slaves bound in the chains of slavery have practically no prospect on what is to turn into of them. They are robbed of the correct to be their personal master and live their life to the fullest.

As Douglass left for Baltimore he said a few final words about his departure from “The Excellent House”. He states, “ So powerful was my desire, that I thought a gratification of it would fully compensate for whatever loss of comforts I must sustain by the exchange. I left with out a regret, and with the highest hopes of future happiness”

(Douglass 25). This quote is proof that Douglass was becoming the captain of his personal destiny. He accepted the opportunity to go to Baltimore and experience life in the city. This life altering choice led to him turn out to be educated and acquire the tools essential to ultimately be freed from the bondage of slavery. He was actively taking methods towards his freedom and his personal cost-free will.

Douglass’ determination to knowledge free will and freedom was not unchallenged although. Along his journey out of slavery, he met many men and women who discouraged or even threatened him to quit his plans for the future and accept the fact that he is someone’s home. An example of this is observed in a conversation among Douglass and Master Thomas Auld. “He exhorted me to content material myself, and be obedient. He told me, if I would be pleased, I must lay out no plans for the future. He mentioned, if I behaved myself properly, he would take care of me. Certainly, he advised me to complete thoughtlessness of the future, and taught me to rely solely upon him for happiness” (Douglass 88). Douglass’ masters tried to instruct him that he require not be mindful of the future but count on his master will offer for him and control his destiny. His masters would take any measure to guarantee that he would not escape the custody of their hands. This illustrates the truth that the path to controlling your personal destiny is not simple and is typically problematic.

Frederick Douglass was fortunate sufficient to escape the nightmare that is slavery and lay the path of his future. It was this life changing action that allowed him to take ownership of his destiny. He avoided a toilsome and miserable life in slavery and sought to save other people from it also. He wanted all slaves to be free of charge and experience the joy of getting your own master. Douglass’ philosophy on destiny saved himself from bondage and taught other people to save themselves by hunting forward and getting hope.

This philosophy was a needed step towards totally freeing the slaves.