John Greenleaf Whittier (1807 – 1892) was an American Quaker poet and advocate of the abolition of slavery in the United States. Although he received little formal education, he was an avid reader who studied his father’s books on Quakerism until their teachings became the foundation of his ideology. Whittier was heavily influenced by the doctrines of his religion, particularly its stress on humanitarianism, compassion, and social responsibility. Frequently listed as one of the Fireside Poets, Whittier is remembered particularly for his anti-slavery writings as well as his book Snow-Bound. A number of his poems have also been turned into hymns.

Quotes by John Greenleaf Whittier…