What evidence did he give of continuing to value his own life experience as a basis on which to develop his ideas?

One of Washington's most often-repeated messages is that those who are happiest are those who dedicate themselves to helping others. He commends his fellow students at Hampton for educating themselves in order to lift up the people in their communities rather than for their own advancement, and he expresses his admiration for the teachers who have given their careers to teach his race. He shares numerous examples of generosity, from a former slave donating six eggs to wealthy philanthropists giving thousands of dollars, and implies that those who do good are rewarded for their deeds.