Meaning: Jupiter Hammon, an African American poet, is best known for being one of the first published African American writers in the United States. He was born into slavery in 1711 in Long Island, New York, and lived his entire life in servitude. Despite this, Hammon managed to become a skilled poet and essayist, using his writing to address the issues of slavery and freedom.

The quote "If there was no Bible, it would be no matter whether you could read or not. Reading other books would do you no good" reflects Hammon's deep religious and moral convictions. As a devout Christian, the Bible held a central place in his life and writing. Hammon believed that the Bible was not just a sacred text, but also a foundational source of wisdom and guidance for living a virtuous life. He saw the Bible as the ultimate source of knowledge and truth, and he believed that without it, all other forms of reading and knowledge would be futile.

In this quote, Hammon emphasizes the importance of the Bible over other books, suggesting that the moral and spiritual lessons contained within it are indispensable. He implies that without the Bible, the ability to read and access other forms of knowledge would be inconsequential. This viewpoint is deeply rooted in his Christian faith and the belief that the teachings of the Bible are essential for personal and societal morality.

It is worth noting that Hammon's perspective on the Bible and reading was shaped by the historical context of his time. As a slave, he would have been exposed to the Christian teachings of his owners and the religious practices of the colonial society in which he lived. For many enslaved individuals, the Bible provided a source of hope, solace, and resistance against the dehumanizing conditions of slavery. It served as a means of finding spiritual strength and a vision of liberation.

Hammon's quote also reflects the limited access to education and literacy experienced by many enslaved individuals during this period. While he himself was able to read and write, he recognized that for many others, the ability to read was a privilege that was not readily available. His assertion that without the Bible, reading other books would be of no benefit speaks to the broader social and educational disparities that existed in colonial America, particularly for the enslaved population.

In conclusion, Jupiter Hammon's quote underscores the profound significance of the Bible in his life and the lives of many others during the colonial era. His words reflect the deep reverence he held for the Bible as a source of moral and spiritual guidance, and his belief in its unparalleled importance compared to other forms of reading. The quote also sheds light on the complex relationship between religion, literacy, and the experiences of enslaved individuals in early America. Hammon's perspective continues to offer valuable insights into the role of the Bible in shaping personal values and beliefs within the context of historical and social challenges.