The quote highlights a profound insight into the complex psychological and emotional aftermath of slavery. It points to the idea that enduring such a brutal system ingrains a deep-seated fear of change, possibly because change signifies the loss of the only stability or identity one has known. This understanding might stem from the premise that for many enslaved individuals, the brutal reality was their norm, and the notion of freedom or transformation represented an uncertain, potentially dangerous deviation from what was familiar and survival-enhancing in the context of subjugation. The realization that slavery's grip went beyond physical imprisonment—permeating the psyche—reflects how deeply trauma can shape perceptions and fears. The phrase 'made you fear change almost more than anything else' echoes the human tendency to cling to known hardships rather than face the uncertainty and potential pain that comes with inevitable or necessary change. In the broader scope of historical and social struggles highlighted in Barbara Hambly’s '(Sold Down the River)', it suggests that the legacy of slavery isn’t solely physical bondage but also the mental shackles that persist long after emancipation. Such an understanding is vital for appreciating the emotional scars borne by those affected by systemic oppression and the long road toward healing and societal transformation.