Louisa May Alcott Quotes (125 Quotes)

Conceit spoils the finest genius.

I don't think secrets agree with me, I feel rumpled up in mind since you told me that…

Jo had learned that hearts, like flowers, cannot be rudely handled, but must open naturally…

So she enjoyed herself heartily, and found, what isn't always the case, that her granted wish was all she had hoped.

You have grown abominably lazy, and you like gossip, and waste time on frivolous things, you are contented to be petted and admired by silly people, instead of being loved and respected by wise ones.

Dear me! how happy and good we'd be, if we had no worries!

I like good strong words that mean something…

Jo's ambition was to do something very splendid; what it was she had no idea, as yet, but left it for time to tell her…

Some people seemed to get all sunshine, and some all shadow…

You may try your experiment for a week and see how you like it. I think by Saturday night you will find that all play and no work is as bad as all work and no play

Dear me! If only men and women would trust, understand and help as my children do, what a capital place `the world would be!

I only mean to say that I have a feeling that it never was intended I should live long. I'm not like the rest of you.

Jo's breath gave out here, and wrapping her head in the paper, she bedewed her little story with a few natural tears, for to be independent and earn the praise of those she loved were the dearest wishes of her heart, and this seemed to be the first step toward that happy end.

The clocks were striking midnight and the rooms were very still as a figure glided quietly from bed to bed, smoothing a coverlid here, settling a pillow there, and pausing to look long and tenderly at each unconscious face, to kiss each with lips that mutely blessed, and to pray the fervent prayers which only mothers utter.

Don't laugh at the spinsters, dear girls, for often very tender, tragic romances are hidden away in the hearts that beat so quietly under the sober gowns, and many silent sacrifices of youth, health, ambition, love itself, make the faded faces beautiful in God's sight. Even the sad, sour sisters should be kindly dealt with, because they have missed the sweetest part of life, if for no other reason.

I should have been a great many things, Mr Mayor

Jo's eyes sparkled, for it's always pleasant to be believed in; and a friend's praise is always sweeter than a dozen newspaper puffs.

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

Don't try to make me grow up before my time…

I think she is growing up, and so begins to dream dreams, and have hopes and fears and fidgets, without knowing why or being able to explain them.

Jo's face was a study next day, for the secret rather weighed upon her, and she found it hard not to look mysterious and important. Meg observed it, but did not troubled herself to make inquiries, for she had learned that the best way to manage Jo was by the law of contraries, so she felt sure of being told everything if she did not ask.

Watch and pray, dear, never get tired of trying, and never think it is impossible to conquer your fault.

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 want to do something splendid...something heroic or wonderful that won't be forgotten after I'm dead. I don't know what, but I'm on the watch for it and mean to astonish you all someday.

Laurie felt just then that his heart was entirely broken and the world a howling wilderness.

We each are young, we each have a heart, Oh, why should we thus stand coldly apart

Every few weeks she would shut herself up in her room, put on her scribbling suit, and fall into a vortex, as she expressed it, writing way at her novel with all her heart and soul, for till that was finished she could find no peace.

I wish I had no heart, it aches so…

Let us be elegant or die! --Amy

We'll all grow up Meg, no pretending we won't.

For in that sad yet happy hour, she had learned not only the bitterness of remorse and despair, but the sweetness of self-denial and self-control, and led by her mother's hand, she had drawn nearer to the Friend who always welcomes every child with a love stronger than that of any father, tenderer than that of any mother.

I'd rather take coffee than compliments just now.

Love covers a multitude of sins…

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

A quick temper, sharp tongue, and restless spirit were always getting her into scrapes, and her life was a series of ups and downs, which were both comic and pathetic.

Gentlemen, be courteous to the old maids, no matter how poor and plain and prim, for the only chivalry worth having is that which is the readiest to to pay deference to the old, protect the feeble, and serve womankind, regardless of rank, age, or color.

If I didn't care about doing right and didn't feel uncomfortable doing wrong, I should get on capitally.

Love Jo all your days, if you choose, but don't let it spoil you, for it's wicked to throw away so many good gifts because you can't have the one you want.

When we make little sacrifices we like to have them appreciated, at least…

A year seems very long to wait before I see them, but remind them that while we wait we may all work, so these hard days need not be wasted. I know they will remember all I said to them, that they will be loving children to you, will do their duty faithfully, fight their bosom enemies bravely, and conquer themselves so beautifully that when I come back to them I may be fonder and prouder than ever of my little women.

Go on with your work as usual, for work is a blessed solace.

If life is often so hard as this, I don't see how we ever shall get through it…

Many wise and true sermons are preached us everyday by unconscious ministers in street, school, office, or home; even a fair table may become a pulpit, if it can offer the good and helpful words which are never out of season.

Where's the use of looking nice, when no one sees me but those cross midgets, and no one cares whether I'm pretty or not?

Be comforted, dear soul! There is always light behind the clouds.

Go out more, keep cheerful as well as busy, for you are the sunshine-maker of the family, and if you get dismal there is no fair weather.

If she had seen his face when, safe in his own room, he looked at the picture of a severe and rigid young lady, with a good deal of hair, who appeared to be gazing darkly into futurity, it might have thrown some light upon the subject, especially when he turned off the gas, and kissed the picture in the dark.

Meg's high-heeled slippers were dreadfully tight, and hurt her, though she would not own it; and 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.

Woman work a great many miracles.

Be worthy love, and love will come.