Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Douglass, Libertarian Hero

Frederick Douglass, the great abolitionist who
escaped from slavery and went on to become one of the most
influential figures in late 19th century America, died on this date
in 1895. A lifelong champion of individualism, economic freedom,
and constitutional government, Douglass stands as one of America’s
greatest proponents of the principles of classical liberalism.
We’ve written about Douglass repeatedly over the years here at
Reason, and on today’s anniversary of his death, we’re
proud to pay tribute once more by sharing two stories from the
archives that celebrate his life and legacy.

Frederick Douglass, Classical Liberal: A fresh look at the
political evolution of a great American.

It’s true that Frederick Douglass simultaneously championed both
civil rights and economic liberty. But the proper term for that
combination isn’t Social Darwinism; it’s classical liberalism. The
central component of Douglass’ worldview was the principle of
self-ownership, which he understood to include both racial equality
and the right to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor.

Consider the remarkable 1848 letter Doug­lass wrote to his old
master, the slaveholder Thomas Auld. It rings out repeatedly with
the tenets of classical liberalism. “You are a man and so am I,”
Douglass declared. “In leaving you, I took nothing but what
belonged to me, and in no way lessened your means for obtaining an
honest living.” Escaping from slavery wasn’t just an act of
self-preservation, Douglass maintained; it was an affirmation of
his unalienable natural rights. “Your faculties remained yours,” he
wrote, “and mine became useful to their rightful owner.”

What Frederick Douglass Teaches Us About American Exceptionalism
and the Growth of Freedom.

Douglass’ genius was not in hailing or excoriating American in
hyperbolic terms. Plenty of people before and after him have done
that. To simply assert that the United States is the either most
perfect or most depraved nation is a form of exceptionalism, to be
sure. But it is also an indulgent gesture that presumes that we
can’t redeem ourselves or ever be held in error.

I think what resonates to this day is that Douglass was able to
place America not simply in an international context but also to
recognize that embracing freedom and liberty is a process that will
continue to unfold and expand (or contract) over time.

The United States has much to be ashamed of as a nation and much
to celebrate. But as we hurtle through history, what we need more
than anything is a compass by which to chart future actions.
Douglass’ life and writings help provide that in a way few other
examples can.