I was early taught by sorrow to shed tears, and now when sudden joy lights up, or any unexpected sorrow strikes my heart, I find it difficult to repress the full and swelling tide of feeling.
Dorothea DixRead
Steady, firm, and kind government of prisoners is the truest humanity and the best exercise of duty. It is with convicts as with children: unseasonable indulgence, indiscreetly granted, leads to mischiefs which we may deplore but cannot repair.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A compassionate yet firm approach to governing those who have erred is essential for true humanity.
Dorothea Dix emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach in governing prisoners, suggesting that while kindness is necessary, it must be tempered with firmness to prevent negative consequences. She likens the management of convicts to parenting, asserting that excessive leniency can lead to harm that cannot easily be undone, highlighting the delicate nature of authority and compassion in rehabilitation.
Themes
GovernmentPrisonersKindnessAuthorityRehabilitation
In practice
Example use cases
In discussions about criminal justice reform, this quote can highlight the need for a balanced approach in rehabilitation.
More from Dorothea Dix
All quotes βI shall be well enough when I get to Kentucky or Alabama. The tonic I need is the tonic of opposition. That always sets me on my feet.
Dorothea DixRead
Time passed solely in the pursuit of pleasure leaves no solid enjoyment for the future; but from the hours you spend in reading and studying useful books, you will gather a golden harvest in future years.
Dorothea DixRead
With care and patience, people may accomplish things which, to an indolent person, would appear impossible.
Dorothea DixRead
My wish is to be known only thru my work.
Dorothea DixRead
We are not sent into this world mainly to enjoy the loveliness therein, nor to sit us down in passive ease; no, we were sent here for action. The soul that seeks to do the will of God with a pure heart, fervently, does not yield to the lethargy of ease.
Dorothea DixRead
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