This is what Douglass understood. He knew that there was power and strength in numbers, but they must first attack their masters mentally and then physically if necessary. The greatest form of resistance is knowledge. With it you would learn about manipulation, deception and how to advance in society. In this case Covey was the one informed, which meant that it was the "law" that Douglass was able to defy because of Jenkins: "This battle with Mr. Covey was a turning point in my career as a slave" (42). The word career indicated that slavery was not a lifestyle choice, but an obligation for every enslaved man. He who forcibly rejected the bloody arm of slavery can only understand the deep satisfaction I felt. never heard of it before. It was a glorious resurrection, from the grave of slavery to the heaven of freedom" (42). It is an ironic reference to the resurrection of Christ. He even went further to say that he was mentally liberated and was determined to be free