Major theme of both “Narrative Of the Life Of Frederick Douglas” and “Discourse on Logic of Language” is the power of language that allows us to communicate with each other, learn by reading, and have your thoughts written down. They both explore the idea that illiteracy can rob away human’s ability to make human connection, broaden our perspective, and articulate our ideas and thoughts in written form. In the “Narrative Of the Life Of Frederick Douglas,” his master tells his wife not to teach Frederick to read and write because he asserts that illiterate salves have lesser values and literacy makes slaves become miserable. He writes,“if you give a n***** an inch, he will take an ell… Learning will spoil the best n***** in the world.” He further states “he (the slave) would at once become unmanageable and be of no value to his master”(Narrative of The Life of Fredrick Douglass 20) In addition, according to Frederick’s account, he mentions that slaves who attempt to learn to read and write are severely punished. It’s very clear that the slave owners desire to keep their slaves ignorant so they are unable to learn knowledge and necessary tools to fight for their freedom. Similarly, Phillip points out how language can be misused to oppress less privileged by labeling them as less worthy. Therefore, both authors point out how language can be the most basic and powerful tool.