Quotes from Louisa May Alcott

Girls are so queer you never know what they mean. They say No when they mean Yes, and drive a man out of his wits for the fun of it.

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.

Youth, health and freedom were meant to be enjoyed and I want to try every pleasure before I am too old to enjoy them.

Let my name stand among those who are willing to bear ridicule and reproach for the truth's sake, and so earn some right to rejoice when the victory is won.

Debate is masculine; conversation is feminine.

I want to be great, or nothing. I won't be a commonplace dauber, so I don't intend to try any more.

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

We'll all grow up someday, Meg, we might as well know what we want. ~Amy March~

She was one of those happily created beings who please without effort, make friends everywhere, and take life so gracefully and easily that less fortunate souls are tempted to believe that such are born under a lucky star.

Fame is a pearl many dive for and only a few bring up. Even when they do, it is not perfect, and they sigh for more, and lose better things in struggling for them.

One's outlook is a part of his virtue.

At twenty-five, girls begin to talk about being old maids, but secretly resolve that they never will. At thirty, they say nothing about it, but quietly accept the fact.

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

…misfortune was much more interesting to her than good luck.

I resolved to take Fate by the throat and shake the living out of her.

Father asked us what was God's noblest work. Anna said men, but I said babies. Men are often bad, but babies never are.

Conceit spoils the finest genius?and the great charm of all power is modesty.

It takes three or four women to get each man into, through, and out of the world.

Men are often bad, but babies never are.

I'd rather take coffee than compliments just now.

…often between ourselves and those nearest and dearest to us there exists a reserve which it is very hard to overcome.

I asked for bread, and I got a stone in the shape of a pedestal.

Oh, Jo, how could you? Your one beauty.

Love and Loyalty If ever men and women are their simplest, sincerest selves, it is when suffering softens the one, and sympathy strengthens the other.