Northup Quotes & Sayings

I wanted more than anything to connect to someone. I wanted to feel alive again. I just felt dead inside. I could understand how some people just gave up. This darkness was overwhelming. — J.M. Northup

Right now, your company gets the results - good or bad - that it was designed to get. If your vision of the future differs from your current situation, if you want to get better results, then you must change the way you do things. If you don't, how can you expect results that are any different from what you've already achieved? — Tom Northup

There's a reason people run negative ads ... it's because they work. — Anne Northup

Adroitly that there was — Solomon Northup

Eliza, stop crying, You let sorrow take over you; you will drown in it — Solomon Northup

Adam delayed only a second longer before traversing into the uncertain future, crossing the hidden divide; the fabric separating worlds. He moved from the shadows that paralleled the town, where unseen lives existed alongside of unsuspecting, oblivious people. With his seemingly mundane act of taking one step forward, he effectively walked from myth to reality. — J.M. Northup

Not by human dwellings
not in crowded cities alone, are the sights and sounds of life. The wildest places of the earth are full of them. — Solomon Northup

There are few sights more pleasant to the eye than a wide cotton field when it is in bloom. It presents an appearance of purity, like an immaculate expanse of light, new-fallen snow. — Solomon Northup

I didn't really comprehend what was happening or how tonight had changed us and the course of our future, but I instinctively knew that things would never be the same again. Something had ended and something was definitely beginning, I just didn't have the knowledge base to know what. — J.M. Northup

Death was far less terrible than the living prospect that was before us — Solomon Northup

The law says you have the right to hold a nigger, but begging the law's pardon, it lies ... Is everything right because the law allows it? Suppose they'd pass a law taking away your liberty and making you a slave? — Solomon Northup

To ask the master for a knife, or skillet, or any small convenience of the kind, would be answered with a kick, or laughed at as a joke. Whatever necessary article of this nature is found in a cabin has been purchased with Sunday money. — Solomon Northup

She alluded to 12 Years a Slave. "There he was," she said, speaking of Solomon Northup. "He had means. He had a family. He was living like a human being. And one racist act took him back. And the same is true of me. I spent years developing a career, acquiring assets, engaging responsibilities. And one racist act. It's all it takes. — Ta-Nehisi Coates

In today's world if we do what we've always done, we will NOT get what we've always gotten. — Tom Northup

Credit leads a man into temptation. Cash down is the only thing that will deliver him from evil. — Solomon Northup

There's a sin, a fearful sin, resting on this nation, that will not go unpunished forever. There will be reckoning yet ... it may be sooner or it may be later, but it's a coming as sure as the Lord is just — Solomon Northup

She's erasing me bit by bit and it's painfully obvious that no one can stop her. — J.M. Northup

I ask no paradise on high, With cares on earth oppressed,
The only heaven for which I sigh, Is rest, eternal rest. — Solomon Northup

People who felt scared or desperate enough could do almost anything, even things that are extremely out of their character to do; things that are not natural to them. When it came to the human condition, it only took one small spark to light an inferno. — J.M. Northup

Let not those who have never been placed in like circumstances judge me harshly — Solomon Northup

The sight of a beautiful, naked Amy sliding her finger into her mouth gave Sam a little jolt, she saw. The front of his jeans instantly appeared fuller.
"What have you got baby?" he asked, feigning nonchalance and failing. His eyes had taken on a predatory gleam.
"Chocolate sauce."
He quirked his eyebrow.
"I stole it from Janie."
Sam's mouth twisted. "That's Janie's homemade chocolate sauce?"
"Yup."
"She's going to kill you," he said as he crossed the threshold.
"At least I'll die happy," she responded with a devilish grin. — J.M. Northup

On the way, a great many demanded it, read it, and passed on. Those having the air and appearance of gentlemen, whose dress indicated the possession of wealth, frequently took no notice of me whatever; but a shabby fellow, an unmistakable loafer, never failed to hail me, and to scrutinize and examine me in the most thorough manner. Catching runaways is sometimes a money-making business. — Solomon Northup

one knee, with a groan, I released my hold upon his throat, — Solomon Northup

considerable amount in consideration of his services in — Solomon Northup

Again, fear makes people do stupid things," I reminded her. "It can even make you do things you never thought you were capable of. If you're desperate enough you'll even believe things you know aren't true. — J.M. Northup

My sufferings I can compare to nothing else than the burning agonies of hell! — Solomon Northup

He had a ruggedness about him that was appealing. Despite his groomed presentation, his chiseled face was shadowed with an attractive scruff of hair. His beautiful smile burned into me, melting me from the inside out while it exposed perfect white teeth embellished with alluring fangs. For a moment, I allowed myself to indulge in the idea of them sinking into my neck. Would it provoke the ecstasy I imagined or the horror I feared? — J.M. Northup

It has been suggested that an account of my life and fortunes would not be uninteresting to the public, — Solomon Northup

Sometimes growing pains are by fits and starts. — Anne Northup

Grace allows forgiveness and faith allows hope. — J.M. Northup

12 Years a Slave — Solomon Northup

I think one of the political problems we have in this country is the perspective that all soccer moms think alike, all African-Americans think alike. — Anne Northup

A large family and Democrats have a lot in common: teenagers and Democrats are always happy spending other people's money. — Anne Northup

They are deceived who flatter themselves that the ignorant and debased slave has no conception of the magnitude of his wrongs. They are deceived who imagine that he arises from his knees with back lacerated and bleeding, cherishing only a spirit of meekness and forgiveness. A day may come - it will, if his prayer is heard. A terrible day of vengeance when the master in his turn will cry in vain for mercy. — Solomon Northup

The old fire pit was ancient. I couldn't say how many of my ancestors warmed themselves at this outdoor hearth. Sitting around it was rather affecting, especially when you thought about the countless people who had occupied your very spot in some distant past. It was kind of surreal. — J.M. Northup

Although some part of me knew that it was an impossible future, I allowed myself to be immersed fully in my dream. If I couldn't have this future, I would at least have this moment. — J.M. Northup

I felt ancient and exhausted. I felt like a prisoner within myself and as if I was just watching a movie that was playing before my eyes. I just wanted all of it to end and disappear; I wanted to disappear. — J.M. Northup

It is the literal, unvarnished truth, that the crack of the lash, and the shrieking of the slaves, can be heard from dark till bed time, on Epps' plantation, any day almost during the entire period of the cotton-picking season. — Solomon Northup

Brought up with such ideas - in the notion that we stand without the pale of humanity - no wonder the oppressors of my people are a pitiless and unrelenting race. — Solomon Northup

The terrible lesson Burch taught me, impressed indelibly upon my mind the danger and uselessness of asserting I was a freeman. There was no possibility of any slave being able to assist me, while, on the other hand, there was a possibility of his exposing me. — Solomon Northup

My back is thick with scars for protesting my freedom. — Solomon Northup

As I lay in the late hours of night or perhaps the wee hours of morning, I felt content. I'd been right to keep faith and trust when I had no reason to. I didn't expect any grand gestures or magical solutions to things, but my hope was fueled. — J.M. Northup

Religious hospitals would jeopardize their patients' lives rather than perform a medically necessary abortion. — Nancy Northup

I was feeling more edgy and uncomfortable as my unquenched desires moved from a feeling of discontent to full blown pain. At first, the sensation was more like an irritation or itch, but the longer I sat there, the more intense it grew. Not only was I burning from the dissatisfaction of my unmet arousal, but my entire body felt like it was on fire. It was as if a billion poisoned needles were being injected into me simultaneously torturing my soul with flames that licked the flesh from my body. — J.M. Northup

Sometimes I really hated people in general. I wanted to believe in the good that I knew existed in all of us, but it was so disheartening to see what happened when we let our bad over-rule that good. — J.M. Northup

Life is dear to every living thing; the worm that crawls upon the ground will struggle for it. — Solomon Northup

I don't want to survive, I want to live. — Solomon Northup

For sheer drama, few accounts of slavery match Solomon Northup's tale of abduction from freedom and forcible enslavement. — Ira Berlin

All organizations are perfectly designed to get the results they are now getting. If we want different results, we must change the way we do things. — Tom Northup

I wouldn't let the old voices dictate me; I wouldn't let anyone dictate who I was anymore. I was strong enough to know who I was and I wasn't going to be beaten down again. — J.M. Northup

The existence of Slavery in its most cruel form among them, has a tendency to brutalize the humane and finer feelings of their nature. Daily witnesses of human suffering - listening to the agonizing screeches of the slave - beholding him writhing beneath the merciless lash - bitten and torn by dogs - dying without attention, and buried without shroud or coffin - it cannot otherwise be expected, — Solomon Northup

So we passed, handcuffed and in silence, through the streets of Washington, through the Captial of a nation, whose theory of government, we are told, rests on the foundation of man's inalienable right to life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness! Hail! Columbia, happy land, indeed! — Solomon Northup

I was starting to feel like my opposition was futile. Was my resistance worth the weariness that was seeping into my body? I couldn't deny that I coveted him. I recognized my body's demand for him for what it was and I had no disillusionments; I knew that I would enjoy the promises he tantalized me with. — J.M. Northup

I was surprised hearing my own ragged voice. I sounded so hateful and angry. My voice didn't resemble any part of what I knew of myself. — J.M. Northup

Suffice it to say, during the whole long day I came not to the conclusion, even once, that the southern slave, fed, clothed, whipped and protected by his master, is happier than the free colored citizen of the North. To that conclusion I have never since arrived. — Solomon Northup

There was that part of me that thought if I was already been accused of it and punished for it, then I should just do it. Of course, I didn't want to be that person. Did I? — J.M. Northup

We have to achieve what we can, and if we haven't yet learned that we are not always going to get our way this could be frustrating. — Anne Northup

Who I really am is the mother of six kids and Woody's wife. — Anne Northup

Really, it was difficult to determine which I had most reason to fear - dogs, alligators or men! — Solomon Northup

Strange as it may seem, within plain sight of this same house, looking down from its commanding height upon it, was the Capitol. The voices of patriotic representatives boasting of freedom and equality, and the rattling of the poor slave's chains, almost commingled. A slave pen within the very shadow of the Capitol! — Solomon Northup

No one should be forced to delay health care because politicians have the audacity to presume to know what is best for a woman and her family. — Nancy Northup

What difference is there in the color of the soul? — Solomon Northup

Indian Creek, in its whole length, flows through a magnificent forest. There dwells on its shore a tribe of Indians, a remnant of the Chickasaws or Chickopees, if I remember rightly. They live in simple huts, ten or twelve feet square, constructed of pine poles and covered with bark. They subsist principally on the flesh of the deer, the coon, and opossum, all of which are plenty in these woods. Sometimes they exchange venison for a little corn and whisky with the planters on the bayous. Their usual dress is buckskin breeches and calico hunting shirts of fantastic colors, buttoned from belt to chin. They wear brass rings on their wrists, and in their ears and noses. The dress of the squaws is very similar. — Solomon Northup

Solomon Northup is one of the most remarkable people I've ever encountered in my life; one of the most amazing stories I have ever been in any kind of contact with. To not tell that story would have been disgraceful, in my opinion. — Chiwetel Ejiofor

under other circumstances and other influences, — Solomon Northup

Children listen to superstitious tales, the story goes, that that spot, in the heart of the "Big Cane," is a haunted place. For more than a quarter of a century, human voices had rarely, if ever, disturbed the silence of the clearing. Rank and noxious weeds had overspread the once cultivated field - serpents sunned themselves on the doorway of the crumbling cabin. It was indeed a dreary picture — Solomon Northup

There's something to be learned by listening and absorbing and watching before you start telling the people who have been there how to rearrange chairs. — Anne Northup

Unsoundness in a slave, as well as in a horse, detracts materially from his value. If no warranty is given, a close examination is a matter of particular importance to the Negro jockey. — Solomon Northup

At such times, the heart of man turns instictively towards his Maker. In prosperity, and whenever there is nothing to injure or make him afraid, he remembers Him not, and is ready to defy Him; but place him in the midst of dangers, cut him off from human aid, let the grave open before him, then it is, in the time of his tribulation, that the scoffer and unbelieving man turns to God for help, feeling there is no other hope, or refuge, or safety, save in his protecting arm. — Solomon Northup

Well, I'm not only a direct descendent of the Anunnaki, but I'm one of the original hybrids. My royal blood is almost pure as I was begotten from the strongest and most ancient of our kind. — J.M. Northup

I fell silent after that. I didn't want to talk about such things anymore, at least today. My chest already hurt and I was trying to keep my mind calm. I didn't want to think of a future so bleak and dark. I had plans for my future and they didn't involve the world ending or society collapsing. — J.M. Northup

Why did I even try then? Of course, in asking the question, I'd already known the answer; faith. I hoped; I couldn't help it. — J.M. Northup

Just because we live in a world of chaos and madness doesn't mean we have to subscribe to that sort of behavior. — J.M. Northup

The influence of the iniquitous system necessarily fosters an unfeeling and cruel spirit, even in the bosoms of those who, among their equals, are regarded as humane and generous. — Solomon Northup

my situation, however, the more I became — Solomon Northup

Is everything right because the law allows it? — Solomon Northup

case with Cocodrie Bayou, which Solomon must have heard with a starting "p." Here is a list — Solomon Northup

let them behold him scourged, hunted, trampled on, and they will come back with another story in their mouths. Let them know the heart of the poor slave - learn his secret thoughts - thoughts he dare not utter in the hearing of the white man; — Solomon Northup

Oh! how heavily the weight of slavery pressed upon me then. I must toil day after day, endure abuse and taunts and scoffs, sleep on the hard ground, live on the coarsest fare, and not only this, but live the slave of a blood-seeking wretch, of whom I must stand henceforth in continued fear and dread. — Solomon Northup

The first Sunday after my coming to the plantation, he called them together, and began to read the twelfth chapter of Luke. When he came to the 47th verse, he looked deliberately around him, and continued - "And that servant which knew his lord's will," - here he paused, looking around more deliberately than before, and again proceeded - "which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself" - here was another pause - "prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes." "D'ye hear that?" demanded Peter, emphatically. "Stripes," he repeated, slowly and distinctly, taking off his spectacles, preparatory to making a few remarks. "That nigger that don't take care - that don't obey his lord - that's his master - d'ye see? - that 'ere nigger shall be beaten with many stripes. Now, 'many' signifies a great many - forty, a hundred, a hundred and fifty lashes. That's Scripter! — Solomon Northup

There have been hours in my unhappy life, many of them, when the contemplation of death as the end of earthly sorrow - of the grave as a resting place for the tired and worn out body - has been pleasant to dwell upon. — Solomon Northup

with a scrap of bacon on her — Solomon Northup

The best dancer appeared to be considered the one who could whoop the loudest, jump the farthest, and utter the most excruciating noise. — Solomon Northup

What did that say about me? Had I become one of the monsters I thought I was fighting?
"Things didn't have to be like this," I commented. "He could've made different choices. — J.M. Northup

Steve MCQueen created an entire family to tell one man's tale and I am delighted that so many of this family have also been recognised today. I am hugely grateful to the Academy for this great honour, and, of course, to Solomon Northup for sharing his story through his breathtaking book. — Chiwetel Ejiofor

Not since before Roe v. Wade has a law or court decision had the potential to devastate access to reproductive health care on such a sweeping scale. — Nancy Northup

Ten years I toiled for that man without reward. Ten years of my incessant labor has contributed to increase the bulk of his possessions. Ten years I was compelled to address him with downcast eyes and uncovered head - in the attitude and language of a slave. I am indebted to him for nothing, save undeserved abuse and stripes. — Solomon Northup

Drawn up and signed by the proper parties, wherein Epps acknowledged he — Solomon Northup

No great manager or leader ever fell from heaven, its learned not inherited. — Tom Northup

Even in darkness, there's light. You just need to look for it. — J.M. Northup

I didn't know anything about '12 Years a Slave.' Not the book, not Solomon Northup, which I was quite shocked by, once I'd read it, that it wasn't a seminal text. I think it deserves to be. — Chiwetel Ejiofor

Still he plied the lash without stint upon my poor body, until it seemed that the lacerated flesh was stripped from my bones at every stroke. A man with a particle of mercy in his soul would not have beaten even a dog so cruelly. — Solomon Northup

As I ran a few blades of grass between my fingers, enjoying the breeze as it caressed my face, I contemplated the cycle of life. As this year would host the long anticipated arrival of the Mayan Doomsday, marking the end of their long count calendar, I wasn't alone in my ponderings. The whole world was focused on the potential that we would be the last generation; the witnesses of the world's end. — J.M. Northup

It is not the fault of the slaveholder that he is cruel, so much as it is the fault of the system under which he lives. He cannot withstand the influence of habit and associations that surround him. Taught from earliest childhood, by all that he sees and hears that the rod is for the slave's back, he will not be apt to change his opinions in maturer years. — Solomon Northup

I believe that all things are connected; that we're interdependent on one another. I just like feeling the wind in my hair, the sun on my face, and the earth under my feet. It all nourishes me; my soul anyway. — J.M. Northup

Soon after he purchased me, Epps asked me if I could write and read, and on being informed that I had received some instruction in those branches of education, he assured me, with emphasis, if he ever caught me with a book, or with pen and ink, he would give me a hundred lashes. — Solomon Northup

I could not comprehend the justice of that law, or that religion, which upholds or recognizes the principle of slavery; — Solomon Northup

Alas! I had not then learned the measure of "man's inhumanity to man," nor to what limitless extent of wickedness he will go for the love of gain — Solomon Northup

Regardless of the outcome, I needed to know that I lived my life the way I felt was right and just. I needed to let the past be the past and take people as they were in this moment; the only moment to exist. — J.M. Northup

I can speak of slavery only so far as it came under my own observation - only so far as I have known and experienced it in my own person. — Solomon Northup