Quote by Frederick Law Olmsted
This is just what I have thought when I have seen slaves at work - they seem to go through the motions of labor without putting strength into them. They keep their powers in reserve for their own use at night, perhaps.
Summary
This quote suggests that the speaker has observed slaves and noticed that they appear to lack enthusiasm or exert full effort while engaging in labor. The speaker speculates that this indifference might be a strategic choice, with the slaves conserving their energy and abilities for their personal pursuits outside of work. It implies that the slaves may be driven by the anticipation of personal freedom or the pursuit of their own interests, which they prioritize over their assigned tasks.