Quotes from Louisa May Alcott

They did feel it, yet neither spoke of it; for often between ourselves and those nearest and dearest to us there exists a reserve which it is very hard to overcome.

I like to help women help themselves, as that is, in my opinion, the best way to settle the woman question. Whatever we can do and do well we have a right to, and I don't think any one will deny us.

What do you want? and Rose looked up rather surprised. I'd like to borrow some money. I shouldn't think of asking you, only Mac never has a cent since he's set up his old chemical shop, where he'll blow himself to bits some day and you and Uncle will have the fun of putting him together again, and Steve tried to look as if the idea amused him.

It's my dreadful temper! I try to cure it, I think I have, and then it breaks out worse than ever.

It does seem to me that some one might write stories that should be lively, natural and helpful tales in which the English should be good, the morals pure, and the characters such as we can love in spite of the faults that all may have.

Love scenes, if genuine, are indescribable; for to those who have enacted them, the most elaborate description seems tame, and to those who have not, the simplest picture seems overdone. So romancers had better let imagination paint for them that which is above all art, and leave their lovers to themselves during the happiest minutes of their lives.

It is often said that there should be no death or grief in children's stories. It is not wise to dwell on the dark and sad side of these things; but they have also a bright and lovely side, and since even the youngest, dearest, and most guarded child cannot escape some knowledge of the great mystery, is it not well to teach them in simple, cheerful ways that affection sweetens sorrow, and a lovely life can make death beautiful?

Well, I am happy, and I won't fret, but it does seem as if the more one gets the more one wants, doesn't it?

Young people seldom turn out as one predicts, so it is of little use to expect anything,' said Mrs. Meg with a sigh. 'If our children are good and useful men and women, we should be satisfied; yet it's very natural to wish them to be brilliant and successful.

Don't suggest that we are growing old, my Lord. We have only bloomed; and a very nice bouquet we make with our buds about us,' answered Mrs. Amy, shaking out the folds of her rosy muslin with much the air of dainty satisfaction the girl used to show in a new dress. Not to mention our thorns and dead leaves,' added Jo, with a sigh; for life had never been very easy to her, and even now she had her troubles both within and without.

The youngest, aged twelve, could not conceal her disappointment, and turned away, feeling as so many of us have felt when we discover that our idols are very extraordinary men and women.

having learned that people cannot be moulded like clay…

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

I'm always ready to talk, shouldn't be a woman if I were not,' laughed Mrs. Jo…

Help one another, was a favorite Plumfield motto, and Nat learned how much sweetness is added to life by trying to live up to it.

Tired of my own company, I suppose, now I've seen so much better.

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

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

take up your little burdens again, for though they seem heavy sometimes, they are good for us, and lighten as we learn to carry them.

Yours, Mother? Why, you are never angry! And for the moment Jo forgot remorse in surprise. I've been trying to cure it for forty years, and have only succeeded in controlling it. I am angry nearly every day of my life, Jo, but I have learned not to show it, and I still hope to learn not to feel it, though it may take me another forty years to do so.

for it is a very solemn thing to be arrested in the midst of busy life by the possibility of the great change.

leave him free, and the mere sense of liberty would content him, joined to the knowledge that his presence was dear to those whom he loved best.

Tell them I think of them by day, pray for them by night, and find my best comfort in their affection at all times.

We've got Father and Mother, and each other, said Beth contentedly from her corner.