Louisa May Alcott Quotes

…for action is always easier than quiet waiting.

Hope and keep busy',

You have a good many little gifts and virtues, but there is no need of parading them, for conceit spoils the finest genius. There is not much danger that real talent or goodness will be overlooked long; even if it is, the consciousness of possessing and using it well should satisfy one, and the great charm of all power is modesty.

[It may be true that] men never know a pretty thing when they see it. [But men do] know a lady when they see one.

You have a good many little gifts and virtues, but there is no need of parading them, for conceit spoils the finest genius.

... 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.

All the worse for the undeniable talent which hides the evil so subtly and makes the danger so delightful.

MARCH, 1846 — I have at last got the little room I have wanted so long, and am very happy about it. It does me good to be alone, and Mother has made it very pretty and neat for me. My work-basket and desk are by the window, and my closet is full of dried herbs that smell very nice. The door that opens into the garden will be very pretty in summer, and I can run off to the woods when I like.

I want my daughters to be beautiful, accomplished, and good; to be admired, loved, and respected; to have a happy youth, to be well and wisely married, and to lead useful, pleasant lives, with as little care and sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send. To be loved and chosen by a good man is the best and sweetest thing which can happen to a woman; and I sincerely hope my girls may know this beautiful experience.

A quick temper, sharp tongue, and restless spirit were always getting her into scrapes, and her life was a series of ups and downs, which were both comic and pathetic.

...but, dear me, let us be elegant or die.

My only answer is, if my grave stood open on one side and you upon the other I'd go into my grave before I would take one step to meet you.

She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain

Watch and pray, dear, never get tired of trying, and never think it is impossible to conquer your fault.

"Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents," grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.