Douglass explores texts on injustice after training himself to read. He reads The Columbian Orator, a book in which a slave makes persuasive reasons for liberation. These literary encounters convince Douglass that the truth is powerful enough to overcome the most prejudiced slaveholder's prejudices. They inspire him to action. Further, by reading The Columbian Orator aloud to an audience, Douglass becomes aware of his oratorical skills. He knows that public speaking is essential for an abolitionist and that he needs practice to become a good orator. Finally, reading The Columbian Orator enables Douglass to understand human nature. It reveals to him that there are people who will not be convinced by reason alone but will need to see evidence of improvement in slaves who have been freed before they will agree to their own slavery. This understanding helps Douglass empathize with slaveholders and find ways to appeal to their better natures. In conclusion, reading The Columbian Orator affects Douglass in many ways. First, it inspires him to fight for freedom for others by becoming an abolitionist. Second, it teaches him how to express himself orally which will be useful when he starts working as an abolitionist speaker. Third, by reading The Columbian Orator aloud to an audience, Douglass learns about his oratorical abilities which will help him when he starts giving speeches for abolition.