if an author would have us feel a strong degree of compassion, his characters must not be too perfect.
Anna Letitia BarbauldChildren have almost an intuitive discernment between the maxims you bring forward for their use, and those by which you direct your own conduct.
Anna Letitia BarbauldThe awakenings of remorse, virtuous shame and indignation, the glow of moral approbation if they do not lead to action, grow less and less vivid every time they occur, till at length the mind grows absolutely callous.
Anna Letitia Barbauld