Quotes from Louisa May Alcott

I'd take it manfully, and be respected if I couldn't be loved

If he is old enough to ask the questions he is old enough to receive true answers. I am not putting the thoughts into his head, but helping him unfold those already there.

I don't envy her much, in spite of her money, for after all rich people have about as many worries as poor ones, I think

a love for good books was one of the best safeguards a man could have

I don't believe fine young ladies enjoy themselves a bit more than we do, in spite of our burned hair, old gowns, one glove apiece, and tight slippers that sprain our ankles when we are silly enough to wear them.

I should have cause to be proud of this year's work;' and Mrs. Jo sat smiling over her book as she built castles in the air, just as she used to when she was a girl, only then they were for herself, and now they were for other people, which is the reason perhaps that some of them came to pass in reality for charity is an excellent foundation to build anything upon.

It's like the tide, Jo, when it turns it goes slowly--but it can't be stopped.

no person, no matter how vivid an imagination he may have, can invent anything half so droll as the freaks and fancies that originate in the lively brains of little people.

Jo's nineteen hair-pins all seemed stuck straight into her head, which was not exactly comfortable; but, dear me, let us be elegant or die!

misfortune was much more interesting to her than good luck.

The dim, dusty room, with the busts staring down from the tall bookcases, the cozy chairs, the globes, and best of all, the wilderness of books in which she could wander where she liked, made the library a region of bliss to her. 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.

I for one don't want to be ranked among idiots, felons, and minors any longer, for I am none of them.

for action is always easier than quiet waiting.

But it did her good, for those whose opinion had real value gave her the criticism which is an author's best education; and when the first soreness was over, she could laugh at her poor little book, yet believe in it still, and feel herself the wiser and stronger for the buffeting she had received.

Poor Meg seldom complained, but a sense of injustice made her feel bitter toward everyone sometimes, for she had not yet learned to know how rich she was in the blessings which alone can make life happy.

courage and devotion always stir generous hearts, and win admiration…

Never mind. Little girls shouldn't ask questions,' returned Jo sharply. Now if there is anything mortifying to our feelings when we are young, it is to be told that; and to be bidden to 'run away, dear' is still more trying to us.

unlocking the treasuries of real home love and mutual helpfulness, which the poorest may possess, and the richest cannot buy.

It is an excellent plan to have some place where we can go to be quiet, when things vex or grieve us.

Jo vanished without a word. Rushing upstairs, she startled the invalids by exclaiming tragically as she burst into the room, 'Oh, do somebody go down quick; John Brooke is acting dreadfully, and Meg likes it!

Presently, out from the wrappings came a teapot, which caused her to clasp her hands with delight, for it was made in the likeness of a plump little Chinaman ... Two pretty cups with covers, and a fine scarlet tray, completed the set, and made one long to have a dish of tea, even in Chinese style, without cream or sugar.

I love good strong words that mean something.

That was all I wanted! whispered Polly, in a tone which caused him to feel that the race of angels was not entirely extinct.

So she doesn't call desertion, poverty, and hard work troubles? She's a brave little girl, and I shall be proud to know her.