Quotes from Louisa May Alcott

He helped and comforted me, and showed me that I must try to practice all the virtues I would have my little girls possess, for I was their example. It was easier to try 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.

Todos llevamos cargas, tenemos un camino por recorrer y nuestro anhelo de hacer el bien y alcanzar la felicidad nos guía para superar los contratiempos y los errores que nos separan de la paz.

for these foolish, affectionate people made a jubilee of every little household joy

If you behaved properly, they would, but knowing you like their nonsense, they keep it up, and then you blame them.

La vanidad echa a perder las mejores cualidades. El talento y la bondad nunca pasan inadvertidos y, aunque así fuera, la conciencia de tenerlos y hacer buen uso de ellos debería bastar. Las virtudes quedan ensalzadas por la molestia.

had not yet learned to know how rich she was in the blessings which alone can make life happy.

we must each be what God and nature makes us. We can't change it much--only help to develop the good and control the bad elements in us.

I haven't got any mother, you know.

I wish it was as easy for me to do little things to please people as it is for you. I think of them, but it takes too much time to do them, so I wait for a chance to confer a great favor, and let the small ones slip, but they tell best in the end, I fancy.

only it's easier for me to risk my life for a person than to be pleasant to him when I don't feel like it. It's a great misfortune to have such strong likes and dislikes, isn't it?

Don't feel that I am separated from you, Marmee dear, or that I love you any the less for loving John so much, she said, clinging to her mother, with full eyes for a moment. I shall come every day, Father, and expect to keep my old place in all your hearts, though I am married. Beth is going to be with me a great deal, and the other girls will drop in now and then to laugh at my housekeeping struggles. Thank you all for my happy wedding day. Good-by, good-by!

Meg slipped the note into her pocket, as a sort of talisman against envy, vanity, and false pride; for the few loving words had done her good, and the flowers cheered her up by their beauty.

How did you make the boys stop calling you Dora? I trashed 'em.

blowzy head to her shoulder and kissing the wet cheek so tenderly that Jo cried even harder.

Ah, Jo, instead of wishing that, thank God that 'Father and Mother were particular', and pity from your heart those who have no such guardians to hedge them round with principles which may seem like prison walls to impatient youth, but which will prove sure foundations to build character upon in womanhood.

Very likely some Mrs. Grundy will observe, 'I don't believe it; boys will be boys, young men must sow their wild oats, and women must not expect miracles.' I dare say you don't, Mrs. Grundy, but it's true, nevertheless. Women work a good many miracles, and I have a persuasion that they may perform even that of raising the standard of manhood by refusing to echo such sayings.

There's no need for me to say it, for everyone can see that I'm far happier than I deserve

Whatever his feelings might have been, Laurie found aa vent for them in a long low whistle and the fearful prediction as they parted at the gate, Mark my words, Jo, you'll go next.

for no matter how lost and soiled and worn-out wandering sons may be, mothers can forgive and forget every thing as they fold them in their fostering arms. Happy the son whose faith in his mother remains unchanged, and who, through all his wanderings, has kept some filial token to repay her brave and tender love.

Hay en el mundo muchas Beth, tímidas y tranquilas, metidas en su rincón hasta que se las necesita, viviendo para los demás tan alegremente que nadie se da cuenta de los sacrificios que realizan, hasta que el pequeño grillo del hogar cesa de cantar y la dulce y luminosa presencia se desvanece, dejando tras de sí silencio y sombra.

I never made any plans about what I'd do when I grew up. I never thought of being married, as you all did. I couldn't seem to imagine myself anything but stupid little Beth, trotting about at home, of no use anywhere but there. I never wanted to go away, and the hard part now is the leaving you all. I'm not afraid, but it seems as if I should be homesick for you even in heaven.

The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind 'brother', the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

I'm not a show, Aunty, and no one is coming to stare at me, to criticize my dress, or count the cost of my luncheon. I'm too happy to care what anyone says or thinks, and I'm going to have my little wedding just as I like it.

Our burdens are here, our road is before us, and the longing for goodness and happiness is the guide that leads us through many troubles and mistakes to the peace which is a true