Pointing back to one of my other comments, I wonder if this is really true. If it weren't for their education, or sharing of ideas, would other slaves really not be able to recognize the cruelty of their situation or would they truly have no desire to leave or escape their situation? I feel like that sells them short a bit, and even if they had different conclusions, several had to atleast believe or know in their heart to some extent that their living conditions were not humane or that something was wrong/corrupt.

Just find this powerful, how although he may be a slave legally, he will never be a slave mentally/emotionally. It truly leads me to wonder what it was like for slaves who did not get to experience education, and I am curious about how they percieved their experience and reality- and how different it may be from someone who was in a more similar position to Frederick.

Its extremely ironic, and honestly sad that he is only reducing his punishment for his own sake- rather than out of realizing the cruelty of his actions. He only refrains because it effects himself and his own position, rather than out of geniune remorse. The fact that Mr Covey takes pride in his cruelty so much to the point where he wouldn't admit his failures, just shows that its not just a case of "Oh thats just how it was back then, not out of malice", but rather that so many people during this time period geniunely had a racist, discriminatory cruel mindset- not based just on social constructions.

• I really like this idea that education is what leads to freedom- and I feel like this idea is echoed throughout history. Of course wealth, and rights and such are a huge factor to freedom but I think one of the first things I think of is Malala Yousafzai, and how this sentiment is expressed in her book as well.

This line is interesting because it illustrates this idea that education is what makes someone valuable or "concious" if that makes sense (I can't think of the right word to express what I mean). But its also in a way, purposeful ignorance, because they know that black people are CAPABLE of being educated and intellectual people, but they want to keep then "manageable" so they choose to restrict them from education. So its just contradictory because its not that black people (or even women as well in this time period) are incapable beings who are less than, which is how theyy attempt to potray them as, but they ARE capable they are just purposely not provided the resources.

From someone from a Christian background- this has also been confusing to me. Because Christians will talk about this sense of "loving enemies, do good to those who hate you."

Yet in stories of war, similarly to what Bradford had mentioned, the death or loss of enemies is seens as ordained by God or part of God's will", when the Bible has often shown God in direct contrast to war:

Psalm 11:5 – "The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and those who love violence."

Psalm 68:30 – "Rebuke the beast among the reeds... Scatter the nations who delight in war."

Proverbs 6:16-17 – "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him... hands that shed innocent blood."

Ezekiel 33:11 – "As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live."

Someone coming from a Christian background- this is significant. The reference to Abraham and Lot and their hospitality could mean something important. Before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Bible (where Lot resided), there were angels sent to warn Lot to flee the area before its fall. Before Lot was able to recognize that the creatures were angels, he was hospitable to them (as the people in the city were corrupt and wanted to harm- assault really- the angels). His way of being hospitable though- according to the strict rules of his culture at the time- was to offer up his own daughters in place of the angels to the corrupt people. When I was younger I always thought that was so weird- because who would sacrifice their daughters- but it was a cultural thing at the time apparently. So for them to be referenced in this writing- could indicate the severity or the urging of hospitality to others.

Again, another strong American idea of justice- yet combatted with the religious idea of mercy.

This idea, really reminds me of the Declaration of Independence of the United states. The way that it is formatted with reasons, and the sense of equality despite differences, "We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal"

Of course as well as the ties to religion and God- which is deeply rooted in early American politics as well.

I think even from this writing as well, readers can see the seeds planted for American ideas and the early traces of this American sense of freedom and religion.

Like other Puritan leaders, Winthrop viewed colonization not merely as a search for opportunity, but as a sacred mission governed by a covenant with God.

Similarly to what we talked about with William Bradford, I find it interesting how sacred and spiritual these trips were for religious people at that time- and how deep their spirituality was to the point where it would influence their outlook on everything in life. However, I do wonder if there was a difference between religious Puritans who became settlers, vs. Separatists- and if that effected their outlook towards England/Brithish Empire.

Like other Puritan leaders, Winthrop viewed colonization not merely as a search for opportunity, but as a sacred mission governed by a covenant with God.

Similarly to what we talked about with William Bradford, I find it interesting how sacred and spiritual these trips were for religious people at that time- and how deep their spirituality was to the point where it would influence their outlook on everything in life. However, I do wonder if there was a difference between religious Puritans who became settlers, vs. Separatists- and if that effected their outlook towards England/Brithish Empire.