Why would a slave need to protect their own spirit?

The ignorance of the slaves was considered necessary to the security of the slaveholders. Not only did owners fear the spread of specifically abolitionist materials, they did not want slaves to question their authority; thus, |reading and reflection were to be prevented at any cost.

Explanation:

Salves were constantly beaten down, torn to nothing and treated as a tool..With any person this would lead to self harm, depression, feeling useless, feeling like you mean nothing and so forth. Or even PTSD.  With this said it is important to protect your mind and your spirit in order to say sane and healthy.

Explanation:

Coming from a future Therapist :)

answer; john stuart mill's principle of utility is your answer; /// good luck

given all the practice it takes to become proficient at writing up ncoer's, , awards, and conselings as well as learning how to become a well rounded   leader , and managing different types of people