Frederick educated himself . ArticleAs an article of Frederick DouglassDouglass's biography mention mentions, Douglasshe was taught the alphabet around the age 12 by Auld's wife Sophia. Back then, it was dangerous to teach a salveslave how to read . He continued to learn from othersother people in his neighborhood, and white children even though Auld Forbade wife offerforbade his wife to teach him more lessons . He also will practicepracticed reading on newspaper newspapers. He learnlearned the meaning of abolition by reading the newspaper. Douglass also offeroffered his fellow slaves at the “William Freeland’s”William Freeland’s literacy lessonlessons to learn how to read and write . Douglass said the way to the pathway from slavery to freedom iswas being able to read. He self taughtself-taught himself .