Why not, when it can be done without exposure or expense, let me rescue some of America's miserable children from vice and guilt?
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of helping those in need without incurring personal costs.
Dorothea Dix's quote reflects her compassionate call to action for the betterment of society, specifically in rescuing vulnerable children from the grips of vice and guilt. It advocates for altruism and social responsibility, suggesting that there are ways to enact positive change without significant personal risk or financial expense, encouraging others to join in the effort to uplift the marginalized.
In practice
Using this quote in a speech to advocate for children's rights and welfare.
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.
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.
I 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.
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.
With care and patience, people may accomplish things which, to an indolent person, would appear impossible.
My wish is to be known only thru my work.
I know ours is a world made by men for men, their dictatorship is so ancient it even extends to language.
I am not made for politics because I am incapable of wanting or accepting the death of the adversary.
I push against the tree and run away, stumbling, the unreal night playing with me, gravity pulling from below, behind, above, making me fall. And I run through a world that is rotating, conscious of the earth's spin, of our planet twirling as it careens through nothingness, of the stars spiraling above, of the uncertainty of everything, even ground, even sky. Mumtaz never calls out, although a thousand and one voices scream in my mind, sing, whisper, taunt me with madness.
I may not be better than other people, but at least I'm different.
I understand that everything is connected, that all roads meet, and that all rivers flow into the same sea.
If you don't visit the bad neighborhoods, the bad neighborhoods are going to visit you.
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