Every step of progress the world has made has been from scaffold to scaffold, and from stake to stake

Every step of progress the world has made has been from scaffold to scaffold, and from stake to stake

Wendell Phillips, a prominent abolitionist and advocate for social reform in the 19th century, once famously said, “Every step of progress the world has made has been from scaffold to scaffold, and from stake to stake.” This powerful statement reflects Phillips’ belief in the necessity of sacrifice and struggle in order to achieve meaningful change in society.

Throughout his career, Phillips was a vocal critic of slavery and a staunch supporter of the abolitionist movement. He believed that in order to bring about an end to the institution of slavery, individuals must be willing to take risks and make sacrifices. Phillips understood that progress often comes at a cost, and that those who are truly committed to social change must be prepared to face adversity and opposition.

The idea of progress being made “from scaffold to scaffold, and from stake to stake” can be interpreted in a number of ways. On one level, it speaks to the idea that progress is not always linear, and that setbacks and challenges are an inevitable part of the journey towards social change. Just as a building is constructed one scaffold at a time, progress in society is often achieved through a series of incremental steps, each building upon the last.

Additionally, the reference to “stake to stake” suggests that progress often requires individuals to take risks and make sacrifices in order to achieve their goals. Just as a stake is driven into the ground to provide support, individuals must be willing to stand firm in their convictions and face the consequences of their actions in order to bring about meaningful change.