Quotes from Louisa May Alcott

Don't mind me. I'm as happy as a cricket here.

I think this power of living in our children is one of the sweetest things in the world…

she rejoiced as only mothers can in the good fortunes of their children.

I'm perfectly miserable; but if you consider me presentable, I die happy.

The dirt is picturesque, so I don't mind.

Strength and beauty must go hand in hand

During the fifteen minutes that followed, the proud and sensitive girl suffered a shame and pain which she never forgot. To others it might seem a ludicrous or trivial affair, but to her it was a hard experience, for during the twelve years of her life she had been governed by love alone

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

Housekeeping ain't no joke.

What shall you do all your vacation?', asked Amy. I shall lie abed and do nothing, replied Meg.

The thought that, insignificant as she was, she yet might do some good, made her very careful of her acts and words, and so anxious to keep head contented and face happy, that she forgot her clothes, and made others do the same. She did not know it, but that good old fashion of simplicity made the plain gowns pretty, and the grace of unconsciousness beautified their little wearer with the charm that makes girlhood sweetest to those who truly love and reverence it.

nothing seemed impossible in the beginning…

It was fortunate that tea was at hand, to produce a lull and provide refreshment...

Money is a needful and precious thing, and when well used, a noble thing, but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for. I'd rather see you poor men's wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace.

I don't like to doze by the fire. I like adventures, and I'm going to find some.

One of the sweet things about pain and sorrow is that they show us how well we are loved, how much kindness there is in the world, and how easily we can make others happy in the same way when they need help and sympathy.

Hope and keep busy'

what splendid dreams young people build upon a word, and how bitter is the pain when the bright bubbles burst.

The moment Aunt March took her nap, or was busy with company, Jo hurried to this quiet place, and curling herself up in the easy chair, devoured poetry, romance, history, travels, and pictures like a regular bookworm.

When Laurie said 'Good-by', he whispered significantly, It won't do a bit of good, Jo. My eye is on you; so mind what you do, or I'll come and bring you home.

I'd rather be a free spinster and paddle my own canoe.

But please hug and kiss me, everyone, and don't mind my dress, I want a great many crumples of this sort put into it today.

There is very little real liberty in the world; even those who seem freest are often the most tightly bound. Law, custom, public opinion, fear or shame make slaves of us all, as you will find when you try your experiment, said Tempest with a bitter smile. Law and custom I know nothing of, public opinion I despise, and shame and fear I defy, for everyone has a right to be happy in their own way.

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