10 Inspirational Harriet Tubman Quotes

Harriet Tubman was an exceptional woman who fought against slavery, served as a conductor of the Underground Railroad, and dedicated her life to the pursuit of freedom and equality. Her words and actions inspire us even today. Here are ten powerful quotes by Harriet Tubman that continue to resonate with us:

1. "I had reasoned this out in my mind; there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other."

These resolute words by Harriet Tubman capture the spirit of her determination and bravery. She knew that her fight for freedom was worth risking everything, even her own life. Tubman's unwavering commitment to liberty is an inspiration for all of us to stand up for what we truly believe in, regardless of the obstacles we may face.

2. "I had crossed the line. I was free, but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land."

After escaping slavery and reaching the North, Tubman discovered that freedom came with its own challenges. This quote illustrates her profound realization that attaining freedom was only the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Tubman's journey serves as a reminder that the fight for freedom is an ongoing process, and that we must continue to work toward a society where everyone is truly welcomed and included.

3. "I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves."

These thought-provoking words by Tubman shed light on the complexity of slavery and the importance of awareness. Tubman recognized the power of knowledge and understood that many enslaved individuals did not fully comprehend the depths of their own oppression. This quote challenges us to question societal norms and encourages us to seek knowledge and understanding in order to liberate ourselves and others.

4. "Never wound a snake; kill it."

This quote reflects Tubman's pragmatic and uncompromising approach to dealing with oppression and injustice. She understood the dangers of underestimating the enemy and emphasized the importance of taking decisive action. Tubman's words remind us that sometimes, in order to bring about lasting change, we must confront injustice head-on and not settle for temporary solutions.

5. "I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person now that I was free. There was such a glory over everything; the sun came like gold through the trees, and over the fields, and I felt like I was in Heaven."

These words evoke the overwhelming joy and immense gratitude Tubman experienced upon tasting true freedom. After enduring years of slavery, Tubman cherished every moment of her newfound liberty. This quote serves as a poignant reminder to appreciate the little things in life and never take our freedom or the beauty of the world around us for granted.

6. "Quakers almost as good as colored. They call themselves friends and you can trust them every time."

Tubman often found support from Quakers, who actively opposed slavery and helped escaping slaves. This quote highlights the trust Tubman had in the Quaker community, recognizing their integrity and commitment to justice. It also emphasizes the importance of solidarity and collaboration in the fight against oppression.

7. "I grew up like a neglected weed, ignorant of liberty, having no experience of it."

Tubman's words depict the harsh reality of being born into slavery and the detrimental effects it had on her sense of self. Despite her difficult upbringing, Tubman's desire for freedom and her determination to seek a better life were unwavering. This quote reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit and encourages us to value our own freedom and never take it for granted.

8. "If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If there's shouting after you, keep going. Don't ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going."

This powerful quote encapsulates Tubman’s bravery and determination during her perilous journeys leading enslaved individuals to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Her words inspire us to persevere in the face of adversity and continue pushing forward, no matter the obstacles we encounter. Tubman's resolute spirit serves as a guiding light, reassuring us that freedom is worth fighting for.

9. "Every great dream begins with a dreamer."

Tubman's words remind us that change and progress start with an individual who dares to dream and take action. Throughout her life, Tubman was a visionary and actively pursued her dreams of a world free from slavery and oppression. This quote encourages us to have the audacity to dream big and work towards creating a better future for ourselves and others.

10. "I have heard their groans and sighs, and seen their tears, and I would give every drop of blood in my veins to free them."

This quote reflects Tubman's profound empathy and commitment to the well-being of others. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to helping those in need and fought tirelessly for the liberation of enslaved individuals. Tubman's selflessness reminds us of the importance of compassion and the power of collective action as we strive to eliminate injustice in our own communities.

Harriet Tubman's quotes continue to inspire and motivate us to fight against oppression, to value our freedom, and to work towards creating a more equitable society. Her words resonate with us, serving as a testament to her unwavering courage, resilience, and determination. Harriet Tubman's remarkable legacy continues to guide us on our own individual journeys towards freedom and justice.