The hopelessness of his plight created a deep sense of apathy.
However, even this acceptance of his master's values may have reflected African influences.

It was common for a defeated tribe in West Africa to adopt the gods of its victors within the framework of its own religion.
This attitude would have facilitated the African's adjustment to slavery in an alien culture.
The majority of slaves worked in the fields on large plantations.

The majority of them were herded into large work gangs, supervised by overseers, and carefully directed in the accomplishment of whatever task was necessary for that day.

Others were regularly assigned to a specific task without constant supervision and were held responsible for its completion.

In this way it was possible for them to develop some sense of initiative.