Children Quote by Edwin Henry Landseer
““Do you not wish that the poor little children who live in dirty courts and play in the gutters had some of the care and kindness shown to this favoured dog? No one combs their tangled hair— no one washes their little faces, some of which would be go pretty if they were only clean. The lovely flowers are washed by the rain, the shining shells are washed by the sea, and the boys and girls and pet dogs in good houses are washed by servants. But there are many children in the smoky alleys of large towns whom no one washes. Poor things! they need plenty of fresh water, and kind people to see that they use it. Then they would be sweeter than the flowers, as rosy as some sea-shells, and as healthy and comfortable as well-cared-for Fido.””
About This Quote
Source Painting: “The Water Dog” (c. 1860)
The narrator laments the neglect of poor children compared to cared‑for pets, urging kindness and basic care for all.
In simple terms: Children are ignored while pets are pampered.
Key Takeaway
Provide basic care to neglected children.
Themes
poverty
compassion
inequality
child welfare
social justice
Mood
sorrowful
empathetic
Type
quote
advocacy
When to use this quote
- urban aid programs
- community outreach
- charitable initiatives
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
humanitarianism
ethics
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies better care for vulnerable children?
- What role does empathy play in social change?
A Different Perspective
The comparison may oversimplify complex socioeconomic issues.
