Louisa May Alcott Quotes

If he is old enough to ask the questions he is old enough to receive true answers. I am not putting the thoughts into his head, but helping him unfold those already there.

But please hug and kiss me, everyone, and don't mind my dress, I want a great many crumples of this sort put into it today.

Human minds are more full of mysteries than any written book and more changeable than the cloud shapes in the air.

Six weeks is a long time to wait, and a still longer time for a girl to keep a secret…

But it did her good, for those whose opinion had real value gave her the criticism which is an author's best education; and when the first soreness was over, she could laugh at her poor little book, yet believe in it still, and feel herself the wiser and stronger for the buffeting she had received.

Your father, Jo. He never loses patience, — never doubts or complains, — but always hopes, and works and waits so cheerfully, that one is ashamed to do otherwise before him. He helped and comforted me, and showed me that I must try to practise all the virtues I would have my little girls possess, for I was their example. It was easier for your sakes than for my own; a startled or surprised look from one of you, when I spoke sharply, rebuked me more than any words could have done; and the love, respect, and confidence of my children was the sweetest reward I could receive for my efforts to be the woman I would have them copy.

It was not a fashionable place, but even among the pleasant people there, the girls made few friends, preferring to live for one another.

…we're twins, and so we love each other more than other people…

…trying to extinguish the brilliant hopes that blazed up a word of encouragement.

…books are always good company if you have the right sort. Let me pick out some for you.' And Mrs. Jo made a bee-line to the well-laden shelves, which were the joy of her heart and the comfort of her life.

A little kingdom I possess, where thoughts and feelings dwell; And very hard the task I find of governing it well.

Jo had learned that hearts, like flowers, cannot be rudely handled, but must open naturally…

She fell into the moody, miserable state of mind which often comes when strong wills have to yield to the inevitable.

Strength and beauty must go hand in hand

Love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go, and it makes the end so easy.