dorothea dix

“ What greater bliss than to look back on days spent in usefulness, in doing good to those around us. ”

“ I come to present the strong claims of suffering humanity. I come to place before the Legislature of Massachusetts the condition of the miserable, the desolate, the outcast. ”

“ I come as the advocate of helpless, forgotten, insane men and women; of beings sunk to a condition from which the unconcerned world would start with real horror. ”

“ I proceed, gentlemen, to call your attention to the present state of insane persons confined. ”

“ I have learned to live each day as it comes and not to borrow trouble by dreading tomorrow. ”

“ Moderate employment, moderate exercise, as much freedom as is consistent with the safety of the patient, and as little apparent anxious watchfulness with cheerful society should be sought. ”

“ You never saw a very busy person who was unhappy. ”

“ With care and patience, people may accomplish things which, to an indolent person, would appear impossible. ”

“ I must study alone, as I am condemned to do everything alone, I believe, in this life. ”

“ If County jails must be resorted to for security against the dangerous propensities of madmen, let such use of prison-rooms and dungeons be but temporary. ”