The Fundamental Need of Humane Education (1903)

AUTHOR: Lovell, Mary Frances

KEYWORDS: animal welfare, education, labor rights, morality, pacifism, women's rights

SUMMARY (Ridvan Askin, edited Deborah Madsen):

In this article, Lovell promotes the comprehensive implementation of humane education in US schools. She notes that several states have already “passed laws proscribing humane teaching in their public schools” and urges “the lovers of reform to secure this legislation and make of it a living force” (col. 1). Humane education, through the “cultivation of the sensibilities” and by means of instilling the sentiments of “justice, mercy, and love,” will prevent the “unbenevolent” and the “criminal” and foster kindness in the “future dealings with deficient humanity” – all this “through [the child's] contact with the animal world” (col. 1). Among several examples, Lovell recounts how a teacher in San Francisco “organized in the school a Band of Mercy” with the result that “[t]he former torturers of animals were now their protectors from the cruelty of others, and were found to be devising plans to assist a needy man” (col. 1).

Concerning the specific methods of such education, Lovell writes that “[n]othing shocking to the sensibilities should ever be told to a child.” Only “the kindly virtues and ways of exercising them” should be taught. “The living animal, his needs and characteristics, his relation to man and man's responsibility towards him, are right topics. The value of the innumerable services rendered by beasts, birds, etc., should often be mentioned and the right inference suggested, thus fostering the virtue of gratitude” (col. 2). This education can be achieved “largely through reading lessons and as a part of the periodical miscellaneous exercises common in schools,” as well as the study of nature (col. 2).

Lovell summarizes the benefits of such an education: “The practice of kindness to every living creature results in gentler conduct, less thought for self, more thought for others, more general obedience to rule; in short, in improved conduct in all the relations of life” (col. 3). Lovell believes that, if implemented across the board, humane education would address the ills of capitalism: “The conflict between capital and labor is a great problem, and nothing but the growth of the altruistic spirit will solve it” (col. 3). It would also bolster women's rights to the extent that it would prevent alcoholism, crime, and violence – Lovell notes that “most deliberate murderers begin their evil careers by cruelty to animals” (col. 3). Ultimately, humane education would prevent war and “bring the era of peace” (col. 3).