There is no defence or security for any of us except in the highest intelligence and development of all. If anywhere there are efforts tending to curtail the fullest growth of the Negro, let these efforts be turned into stimulating, encouraging, and making him the most useful and intelligent citizen. Effort or means so invested will pay a thousand per cent interest. These efforts will be twice blessed—“blessing him that gives and him that takes.” –Up from Slavery, Booker T. Washington What reason does Washington provide to support the claim in this excerpt? Society no longer places limitations on equality and opportunity. It is impossible to overcome obstacles in your path and pointless to try. People should ignore all of society’s obstacles to opportunity because they do not matter. Limitations to advancement should be seen as inspiration to continue pushing forward.