"But, sir, they have written me down upon the history of the country as worthy of expulsion, and in no unkindness I must tell them that for all future time my self-respect requires that I shall pass them as strangers"

This quote by Preston Brooks speaks to the concept of self-respect and the importance of defending oneself. Brooks is referring to the truth that he has been documented in the history of the nation as deserving of expulsion. He is saying that in order to keep his dignity, he must pass those who have actually written him down as strangers in the future. This quote speaks to the concept that a person must not enable others to specify their worth or value, and that one should always aim to maintain their own sense of self-regard. It also talks to the idea that a person should not allow themselves to be treated as less than they are, which they need to always defend themselves and their beliefs. Brooks' words are a tip that we should always aim to maintain our own sense of self-regard and self-respect, no matter what others might think or say.