What broke in a man when he could bring himself to kill another?
Alan Paton Quotes
Who knows for what we live, and struggle, and die? Wise men write many books, in words too hard to understand. But this, the purpose of our lives, the end of all our struggle, is beyond all human wisdom.
Similar Quotes
My love is something valuable to me which I ought not to throw away without reflection.
- Sigmund FreudA novel is an impression, not an argument; and there the matter must rest.
- Thomas HardyThe fun of talk is to explore, but much of it and all that is irresponsible should not be ...
- Ernest HemingwayThe blind lead the blind; we will come to sea.
- Sumanth BharadwajEach coil has the earthquake which created it, as every death has the life that gave birth...
- Sorin CerinComments
| Birth: | 11th January, 1903 |
| Death: | 12th April, 1988 |
| Nationality: | African |
| Profession: | Activist, Author |
About
Paton was born in Pietermaritzburg, Natal Province (now KwaZulu-Natal), the son of a minor civil servant. After attending Maritzburg College, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Natal in his hometown, followed by a diploma in education. After graduation, Paton worked as a teacher, first at the Ixopo High School, and subsequently at a Maritzburg College While at Ixopo he met Dorrie Francis Lusted. They were married in 1928 and remained together until her death from emphysema in 1967. Their life together is documented in Paton's book Kontakion for You Departed, published in 1969. Paton and his secretary, Anne Hopkins, were married the same year.
He served as the principal of Diepkloof Reformatory for young (African Black) offenders from 1935 to 1949, where he introduced controversial reforms of a progressive slant. Most notable among these were the open dormitory policy, the work permit policy, and the home visitation policy. Boys were initially housed in closed dorms. Once they had proven themselves trustworthy, they would be transferred to open dorms within the compound. Boys who showed high levels of trustworthiness would be permitted to work outside the compound. In some cases, boys were even permitted to reside outside the compound under the supervision of a care family. Interesting to note is that fewer than 1% of ten thousand boys given home leave during Paton's years at Diepkloof ever broke their trust by failing to return.
Share with your friends