If the respectable people knew what harm they did, they would not feel that the living was honest.
 Louisa May Alcott, Little Women (1868). copy citation

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Author Louisa May Alcott
Source Little Women
Topic harm feeling
Date 1868
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/514/514-h/514-h.htm

Context

“Many very respectable people make an honest living out of what are called sensation stories," said Jo, scratching gathers so energetically that a row of little slits followed her pin. "There is a demand for whisky, but I think you and I do not care to sell it. If the respectable people knew what harm they did, they would not feel that the living was honest. They haf no right to put poison in the sugarplum, and let the small ones eat it. No, they should think a little, and sweep mud in the street before they do this thing." Mr. Bhaer spoke warmly, and walked to the fire, crumpling the paper in his hands.” source