Black Beauty Principles Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

Remember, we shall all have to be judged according to our works, whether they be toward man or toward beast. (11.7)

When Squire Gordon sees another man, Mr. Sawyer, whip a pony, he berates him for abusing his animal, but more than that, he reminds Sawyer of a moral lesson. Squire Gordon's principles and morals are clearly never far from his thoughts, and he doesn't hesitate to share them.

Quote #5

"Good Luck is rather particular who she rides with, and mostly prefers those who have got common sense and a good heart; at least, that is my experience." (35.48)

Jerry Barker's a guy that sticks to his principles, and hopefully he'll end up with a friend like Good Luck because of it. When he refuses to drive his cab on Sundays, he does it because he believes in the common sense idea of a day of rest. He won't let money sway him, even though his family needs it. And yet, he still has a good heart.

Quote #6

"[…] every man must look after his own soul. You can't lay it down at another man's door like a foundling, and expect him to take care of it." (36.27)

So why are principles so important? Because, as Jerry Barker explains to his fellow cabbies, every man is responsible for his own behavior. It's not up to anyone else—it's up to each individual person to live a good life, and according to Jerry, sticking to strong moral principles is a big part of that.