Huck, Jim, and American Racial Discourse

Abstract

They [blacks] are at least as brave, and more adventuresome [compared to whites]. But this may perhaps proceed from a want of foře-thought, which prevents their seeing a danger till it be present They are more ardent after their female: but love seems with them to be more an eager desire, than a tender delicate mixture of sentiment and sensation. Their griefs are transient. Those numberless afflictions, which render it doubtful whether heaven has given life to us in mercy or in wrath, are less felt, and sooner forgotten with them. In general, their existence appears to participate more of sensation than reflection. To this must be ascribed their disposition to sleep when abstracted from their diversions, and unemployed in labor. Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia (187-88)