Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer.

In this quote, Nat Turner, a leader of the infamous slave rebellion in 1831, reflects on his internal transformation and the intense spiritual devotion that characterized his life before the revolt. He acknowledges that once he discovered his greatness, which likely refers to his divine calling or sense of purpose, he felt the need to appear as such, distancing himself from everyday society. His actions—avoiding mixing in society and wrapping himself in mystery—were deliberate, as he wanted to cultivate an image of solemnity and divine purpose.

Turner's mention of fasting and prayer indicates his deep connection to spirituality and the sense that his mission was divinely inspired. He believed that to fulfill his purpose, which he saw as a spiritual and moral calling, he had to separate himself from worldly distractions and focus entirely on preparing himself. His actions reflect a belief that great deeds, especially those motivated by divine guidance, require immense self-discipline and a separation from the ordinary aspects of life.

The origin of the quote comes from Nat Turner, who led the Turner Rebellion, a significant and violent uprising of enslaved people in Virginia. Turner believed that he was chosen by God to lead the rebellion and, in his words, was following divine instructions. His words and actions, including his focus on prayer and mysticism, played a crucial role in his development as a leader of the revolt and in his understanding of his destiny.

Ultimately, this quote underscores the theme of spirituality and the notion that greatness often requires personal sacrifice and isolation. Turner’s reflection on his choice to withdraw from society in order to focus on fasting, prayer, and his sense of divine mission speaks to the intensity of his conviction and the mystical beliefs that drove him. It reveals how his sense of divine purpose shaped his actions and how he prepared himself to lead a significant and tumultuous movement in history.