QuoteProject
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.
Dorothea Dix
ShareWTF𝕏

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

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
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.
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

Similar quotes

We may be different races and religions but we are all part of the same human family
Dalai LamaRead
Blushing is the most peculiar and most human of all expressions.
Charles DarwinRead
The candle burns not for us, but for all those whom we failed to rescue from prison, who were shot on the way to prison, who were tortured, who were kidnapped, who "disappeared". That's what the candle is for
Peter BenensonRead
In countries where people have to flee their homes because of persecution and violence, political solutions must be found, peace and tolerance restored, so that refugees can return home. In my experience, going home is the deepest wish of most refugees.
Angelina JolieRead
Homeboy Industries has chosen to stand with the 'demonized' so that the demonizing will stop; it stands with the 'disposable' so that the day will come when we stop throwing people away.
Greg BoyleRead
When any person suffers for someone in greater need, that person is a human.
Cesar ChavezRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.