14 Quotes & Sayings By Dorothea Dix

Dorothea Dix was born in Clermont County, Virginia, on June 6, 1802. After receiving her education at home, she taught school for several years. She opened a school for girls in her home in 1840 and became known for her compassionate treatment of the mentally ill. During this time she became interested in the plight of the insane who were being mistreated in state institutions Read more

She began her work with the mentally ill by visiting them in their cells or living quarters and communicating with them through notes or drawings which she would have them draw on paper. This "talking to the patients" was a legal concern because there was no law protecting the insane from abuse by others including family members. Dix advocated for legislation to protect lives of innocent people who were deemed by the state as mentally unfit. Dix also advocated for improved government funding through taxes to care for those who are mentally ill, noting that while some people are mentally ill, there are still others who are not, but are imprisoned because they lack money to pay fines. She lobbied against laws that allowed private citizens to take up arms against the insane and also lobbied against laws that allowed private citizens to take up arms against other private citizens if they thought or believed they were insane. Dix stated that when an insane person is needed for forced labor, society has an obligation to care for them so that their lives will not be forfeited because of society's negligence. Dix died on April 22, 1887 in Richmond Virginia at the age of eighty-four years old.

But the truth is the highest consideration.
1
But the truth is the highest consideration. Dorothea Dix
2
The rose is the flower and handmaiden of love - the lily, her fair associate, is the emblem of beauty and purity. Dorothea Dix
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The duties of a teacher are neither few nor small, but they elevate the mind and give energy to the character. Dorothea Dix
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To me, the avocation of a teacher has something elevating and exciting. While surrounded by the young, one may always be doing good. Dorothea Dix
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I shall try and effect all that is before me to perform; and God, I think, will surely give me strength for His work so long as He directs my line of duty. Dorothea Dix
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With care and patience, people may accomplish things which, to an indolent person, would appear impossible. Dorothea Dix
7
As you have learnt something of time, value and make a proper use of it. Once past, it knows no return; how necessary, then, that you spend it in improving your mind and fitting it for future happiness and usefulness. Dorothea Dix
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What greater bliss than to look back on days spent in usefulness, in doing good to those around us. Dorothea Dix
9
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 Dix
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Pleasures take to themselves wings and fly away true knowledge remains forever. Dorothea Dix
11
The olive branch has been consecrated to peace, palm branches to victory, the laurel to conquest and poetry, the myrtle to love and pleasure, the cypress to mourning, and the willow to despondency. Dorothea Dix
12
I must study alone, as I am condemned to do every thing alone, I believe, in this life. Dorothea Dix
13
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 Dix