Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded Volume 2 Letter 91

The Samuel Richardson Library · Oct 13, 2026 · 13m

In which a thoughtful correspondent reflects upon Mr. Locke’s educational precepts, particularly questioning the strict avoidance of rewards in child-rearing and advocating for innocent encouragements suited to the tender capacities and inclinations of youth. She contends that while self-denial is a virtue to be gently impressed, compassionate allowances for a child’s natural propensities and pleasures may foster a more enduring love of duty than rigorous exactitude alone.