Top 15 Louisa May Alcott Quotes

American novelist (1832–1888)

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Louisa May Alcott (29 November 1832 – 6 March 1888) was an American novelist best remembered for her novel Little Women (1868).

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Pen Names: A. M. Barnard • Flora Fairfield • Flora Fairchild • Tribulation Periwinkle

Alternative Names: Louisa Alcott • Louisa M. Alcott • Louisa Mary Alcott • L.M.A.

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

I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.

I like good strong words that mean something…

I'd rather take coffee than compliments just now.

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.

I ask not for any crown
But that which all may win;
Nor try to conquer any world
Except the one within.

Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.

I've got the key to my castle in the air, but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen.

The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely.

Love Jo all your days, if you choose, but don't let it spoil you, for it's wicked to throw away so many good gifts because you can't have the one you want.

A faithful friend is a strong defense;
And he that hath found him hath found a treasure.

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.

I want to do something splendid...something heroic or wonderful that won't be forgotten after I'm dead. I don't know what, but I'm on the watch for it and mean to astonish you all someday.

Don't laugh at the spinsters, dear girls, for often very tender, tragic romances are hidden away in the hearts that beat so quietly under the sober gowns, and many silent sacrifices of youth, health, ambition, love itself, make the faded faces beautiful in God's sight. Even the sad, sour sisters should be kindly dealt with, because they have missed the sweetest part of life, if for no other reason.

Women, they have minds, and they have souls, as well as just hearts. And they’ve got ambition, and they’ve got talent, as well as just beauty. I’m so sick of people saying that love is all a woman is fit for.