It is full of inspiring quotes. For instance, he says, "I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed." (563; par. 4) There should not be a standard of success to measure, as each one of us is uniquely individual. The truth is we struggle everyday in the very different ways. Another time, in his effort to get to the school, he says, "I resolved to let no obstacle prevent me from putting forth the highest effort to fit myself to accomplish the most good in the world." (567; par. 2) No obstacle could prevent “me” from good. It is the matter of “I” let it or not.
In my opinion, Up From Slavery’s inspiring message does not only fit in his time of the last century, but also our current time. It can be an universal anthem that encourages students who study to get a better chance in life. Writing in the era that people were fighting for the equality, his educational achievement might not be the instant step to it. It was just the beginning, full of