Little Essays of Love and Virtue

"Little Essays of Love and Virtue" by Havelock Ellis is a collection of essays focusing on fundamental principles of love and morality, likely written in the early 20th century. Ellis targets young readers, particularly those in their adolescence, aiming to provide insights on sexuality and relationships that are designed to be accessible and clear. The overarching theme of the essays revolves around the interplay between love, virtue, and the personal and social intricacies of human relationships. The opening of the collection introduces the author’s perspective on the complex relationships between parents and children. Ellis critiques contemporary parenting styles, as he reflects on historical attitudes towards child-rearing, emphasizing the balance required between care and discipline. He explores how different historical periods shaped these dynamics and calls attention to the importance of providing children with both freedom and guidance as they transition into adulthood. By engaging with these themes, the text sets the stage for a deeper exploration of love and virtue in future essays, laying a foundation for understanding personal growth and social responsibility within the context of family and broader societal structures. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Henry Havelock Ellis was an English physician, eugenicist, writer, progressive intellectual and social reformer who studied human sexuality. He co-wrote the first medical textbook in English on homosexuality in 1897, and also published works on a variety of sexual practices and inclinations, as well as on transgender psychology. He developed the notions of narcissism and autoeroticism, later adopted by psychoanalysis.