12 Years A Slave * Quotes

"I don't want to survive. I want to live."

"Because the law states that your liberties are undeniable? Because society deems it so? Laws change. Social systems crumble. Universal truths are constant. It is a fact, it is a plain fact that what is true and right is true and right for all. White and black alike."

"I apologize for my appearance. But I have had a difficult time these past several years."

"I will not fall into despair! I will keep myself hardy until freedom is opportune!"

"If you want to survive, do and say as little as possible. Tell no one who you really are and tell no one that you can read and write. Unless you want to be a dead nigger."

"Get up! Get up, we dance tonight! We will not waste the evenin' with yer laziness. Get up."

"You see how fit the boy is. Like ripe fruit. He will grow into a fine beast."