The power of kindness and other stories: A book for the example and encouragement of the young

In Short

This collection of didactic children's stories functions as an instructional manual for character development, focusing on the virtues of kindness, honesty, and temperance. Through various vignettes—ranging from schoolroom disputes to the care of injured birds—the narrative illustrates how a child’s inner state directly influences their external world. Whether teaching a boy to prefer a kind word over an angry command or showing how a pet responds to a gentle spirit, the book remains a classic example of Victorian-era moral literature, aiming to shape the conscience of its young readers.

The Story

The collection opens with the tale of Charles Freeman, a passionate and self-willed student who harbors a fierce, irrational hatred toward his classmate, William Aiken. This anger stems from a misunderstanding regarding a disciplinary incident at their school, in which Freeman believes Aiken betrayed his friends. However, when Freeman confronts Aiken to vent his hostility, he is met not with defensive retaliation, but with an open, calm invitation to discuss their grievances. Aiken’s mild demeanor and willingness to apologize for any unintentional slights immediately disarm Freeman, leading to a profound change in the latter’s heart. The story concludes with the two boys reconciling, proving that soft answers effectively turn away wrath.

Following this, the narratives shift to domestic and nature-focused settings. We follow little Ada, whose innate kindness attracts a wild fawn that refuses to fear her, even while it recoils from her ill-tempered brother, William. This motif—that a child’s moral internal state is visible to those around them—continues in stories like "Harsh Words and Kind Words." Here, a father teaches his son, Edgar, that his brother’s refusal to lend him a knife is not a sign of inherent malice, but a reaction to Edgar’s own rude, commanding tone. By altering his language, Edgar finds his brother suddenly cooperative and helpful.

Other stories explore the consequences of actions taken in anger or greed. In "The Broken Doll," young Albert, in a moment of covetous fury, destroys his sister’s toy. Though he is an honest boy who confesses his fault, his mother uses the incident to warn him about the dangers of unchecked ill-temper. Similarly, in "James and Henry," a mother intervenes in her sons' fighting, explaining that when they act out of anger, they invite "evil spirits" into their hearts, whereas kind acts invite peace.

The collection also touches on themes of empathy toward the animal kingdom. Some boys learn a harsh lesson about cruelty after they spend a morning shooting songbirds, only to be confronted by the lifeless forms of creatures they previously saw as targets. In contrast, Harry’s story shows the lifelong comfort of having treated a childhood dog, Rover, with consistent affection, as he remembers the animal’s loyalty in saving him from drowning. The collection draws to a close with pedagogical discussions, such as the use of flowers, which are presented not just as decorations, but as essential parts of nature’s cycle, encouraging the children to look deeper into the world around them.

How It Unfolds

A clash of temperaments The book initiates its moral instruction with an account of schoolyard strife, where a student’s rage is met with unexpected equanimity. This sets the stage for the recurring theme that one's reaction to conflict dictates the final outcome.

Domestic lessons in behavior The focus shifts to the home, where parents serve as guides who interpret the children’s interactions. Through these relationships, the narrative demonstrates how a change in tone or intent can resolve sibling friction and foster cooperation.

The mirror of animal interaction Animals appear frequently as indicators of the children’s inner character. Creatures are shown to intuitively sense the difference between a loving child and one harboring malice, serving as symbolic tests of the protagonists' growth.

Reflections on the consequences of cruelty Specific stories contrast the joy of kindness with the hollow "triumph" of destructive behavior. These moments of realization, whether through the death of a bird or the breaking of a doll, urge the reader to consider the long-term impact of their actions.

The final moral synthesis The book concludes by tying these behavioral lessons to broader themes of spiritual and intellectual maturity. By the final page, the message is clear: intentional, practiced kindness is the necessary foundation for a virtuous life.

The People

The characters are archetypal, designed to represent specific moral states.

Charles Freeman begins as the embodiment of unchecked passion. He is self-willed and quick to anger, but his ultimate transformation highlights the book's belief that even the most stubborn hearts can be softened by genuine, unprovoked kindness.

William Aiken serves as the moral anchor. He is patient, conscientious, and articulate. His desire for peace, even at the risk of being called a "milksop," proves that true strength lies in restraint rather than aggression.

Ada represents the ideal of natural innocence. Her ability to commune with the fawn acts as a physical manifestation of her goodness; she is the character to whom the reader is meant to aspire.

Edgar and Albert are the relatable, flawed figures. They struggle with jealousy, impatience, and the desire to dominate their peers or siblings. Their journeys are defined by the guidance of their parents, who act as the necessary external voices of reason, helping them recognize the "wolf" or "evil spirits" of anger within themselves.

The Parents are the essential facilitators. Whether they are interpreting a dog’s behavior or explaining the mechanics of a flower, they provide the lens through which the children—and the reader—must view the world.

In Its Own Voice

“Kind words are far more powerful than harsh words, and their effect a hundred-fold greater.”

This advice is given by a father to his son, Edgar, as a way to mend his relationship with his brother.

“When we speak harshly to our fellows, we arouse their angry feelings, and then evil spirits have power over them; but when we speak kindly, we affect them with gentleness.”

This passage summarizes the book’s central philosophy regarding how one’s speech impacts the emotional and spiritual well-being of others.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is an argument for the deliberate cultivation of a gentle temperament. It posits that anger and selfishness are not merely individual failings, but "evil spirits" that, if invited in, destroy one's capacity for happiness and connection. The author maintains that the world is a mirror: if one approaches others with kindness, they will likely respond in kind; if one approaches with aggression, they will be met with conflict. It is a guide to self-mastery, asserting that through constant vigilance and the choosing of "good thoughts," a young person can build a character that is both resilient and deeply compassionate toward all living things.

Why Read It Today

Readers who appreciate classic, earnest moral fiction will find much to admire in these pages. The book feels like a relic of a more intentional, pedagogical time, characterized by its direct address to the reader and its unwavering belief in the perfectibility of human behavior. It is a gentle, rhythmic read, though modern readers may find the didactic tone and the specific Victorian notions of "good spirits" and "evil spirits" to be antiquated or overly simplistic.

There are moments of startling, period-typical bluntness regarding the treatment of animals—such as the scenes of hunting—which are framed through a lens of moral instruction that may feel jarring today. However, the underlying message regarding the importance of tone in communication and the value of empathy remains strikingly relevant. It is a quiet, contemplative book, best suited for those interested in the history of juvenile literature or those looking for a calm, purposeful narrative that asks the reader to reflect on their own daily interactions and the "wolf" or "lamb" they choose to harbor in their own hearts.