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'We consider a prisoner unfortunate. He is unfortunate in two ways - because he has done something wrong and because he is deprived of his liberty. Therefore we should treat him kindly, because of his misfortune, for otherwise he would become hard and bitter and would not be sorry he had done wrong. Ozma thinks that one who has committed a fault did so because he was not strong and brave; therefore she puts him in prison to make him strong and brave. When that is accomplished he is no longer a prisoner, but a good and loyal citizen and everyone is glad that he is now strong enough to resist doing wrong. You see, it is kindness that makes one strong and brave; and so we are kind to our prisoners.'

L. Frank Baum#45

EthicsJusticeKindnessReform

About this quote

What does it mean?
Prisoners are treated kindly to reform them, with the belief that kindness builds strength and bravery.
In plain terms
Treat prisoners kindly to help them become strong and brave citizens.
What can you take from it?
Kindness helps reform bad behavior.

Where it applies

  • handling criminals
  • ethical punishment
  • conflict resolution

Putting it to work

  • focus on rehabilitation
  • treat with dignity
  • prioritize kindness

Questions to consider

  • Can kindness fix all wrongs?
  • How should society treat offenders?

Another view

Some crimes may not be fixed by kindness alone.

More from L. Frank Baum

  1. 'Were we all like the Sawhorse, we would all be Sawhorses, which would be too many of the kind. Were we all like Hank, we would be a herd of mules; if like Tot…

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  2. Electricity was a part of the world from its creation, and therefore my Electra is as old as Daylight or Moonlight, and equally beneficent to mortals and fairi…

    Permalink to quote #46
  3. It seems unfortunate that strong people are usually so disagreeable and overbearing that no one cares for them. In fact, to be different from your fellow creat…

    Permalink to quote #43

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