Louisa May Alcott Quotes

We don't choose our talents; but we needn't hide them in a napkin because they are not just what we want.

... It's selfish of you to keep teasing for what I can't give. I shall always be fond of you, very fond indeed, as a friend, but I'll never marry you, and the sooner you believe it the better for both of us.

"This love of money is the curse of American, and for the sake of it men will sell honor and honesty, till we don't know whom to trust, and it is only a genius like Agassiz who dares to say, 'I cannot waste my time in getting rich,'" said Mrs. Jessie sadly.

Children should be children as long as they can

She would make a man of me. She puts strength and courage into me as no one else can. She is unlike any girl I ever saw; there’s no sentimentality about her; she is wise, and kind, and sweet. She says what she means, looks you straight in the eye, and is as true as steel.

It does seem as if the more one gets the more one wants

Many wise and true sermons are preached us everyday by unconscious ministers in street, school, office, or home; even a fair table may become a pulpit, if it can offer the good and helpful words which are never out of season.

…the violin — that most human of all instruments…

Well, if I can't be happy, I can be useful, perhaps.

There are many Beths in the world, shy and quiet, sitting in corners till needed, and living for others so cheerfully that no one sees the sacrifices till the little cricket on the hearth stops chirping, and the sweet, sunshiny presence vanishes, leaving silence and shadow behind.

…but I never shall be very wise, I'm afraid.

There is always light behind the clouds

I like good strong words that mean something…

I'm happy as I am, and love my liberty too well to be in a hurry to give it up for any mortal man.

Amy's lecture did Laurie good, though, of course, he did not own it till long afterward; men seldom do, — for when women are the advisers, the lords of creation don't take the advice till they have persuaded themselves that it is just what they intended to do; then they act upon it, and, if it succeeds, they give the weaker vessel half the credit of it; if it fails, they generously give her the whole.