Capitalism Equiano Summary

I now want to look more at the importance of Equiano and Capitalism and how capitalism used more as a catalyst to aid him in his religious faith. Equiano’s first introduction to the capitalist system came when to slave port and was placed in a yard with other slaves to be sold as a commodity. Capitalism was a major part of his journey one that allowed him to free and alleviate himself in the world dominated by white men. Capitalism served Equiano well throughout the later parts of his life being able to make good money both when free and when still a slave. As a slave, he began purchasing goods and then turning them around in other ports for a small profit. In effect, he was taking advantage of the laws of supply and demand. Even though he

He continues to show this little be later in the book in chapter 7 when he uses both religion and capitalist ideals to show how slavery is an economic burden. He states that “which violates that first natural right of mankind, equality, and independence, and gives one man a dominion over his fellows which God could never intend! For it raises the owner to a state as far above man as it depresses the slave below it; and, with all the presumption of human pride, sets a distinction between them, immeasurable in extent, and endless in duration! He really focuses on how the elevation of white man over black was something God never intended, and the relationship is harmful to both parties. He uses his interest and understanding in capitalism to create parallels to religious teachings he holds dear to both continue to show how religion leads his life but also gives him the ability to argue and fight for his rights. However, he still recognizes that capitalism is also the economic system that enables slavery to flourish. It supports the private ownership of property, which, in this case, is human beings. He explains throughout the reading how good and services in the free market the run capitalism can turn otherwise good men into a monster in order seek higher profits in this

I believe that if it had not been necessary for Equiano to acquire his freedom, it is possible Equiano would never have enveloped himself in the capitalist world. Equiano was not interested in having more money than what was required to survive because being greedy was contrary to his religious beliefs, and from the moment of his conversion to Christianity, Equiano’s faith guided his every decision. Rather than being a morally grey businessman like the slave traders, Equiano worked honestly, earning money to live but never valuing material possessions over his religious morality. Equiano was a Christian who happened to be living in a capitalist world, but the most important part of his journey always remained on the religious side. Equiano explains this idea in the book satiating “In the midst of these thoughts, I therefore looked up with prayers anxiously to God for my liberty; and at the same time used every honest means, and did all that was possible on my part to obtain it (Pg. 74)" Equiano always recognized capitalism and religion as a means by which to earn sympathy and get his freedom but it was never the driving force of his actions. He was more than willing to sacrifice monetary success and his freedom if it meant going against his religious ideals and morals. His religious priorities determined his actions as a