Louisa May Alcott Quotes (125 Quotes)

My definition of a philosopher is of a man up in a balloon, with his family and friends holding the ropes which confine him to earth and trying to haul him down.

A faithful friend is a strong defense; And he that hath found him hath found a treasure.

He looked like an Italian, was dressed like an Englishman, and had the independent air of an American--a combination which caused sundry pairs of feminine eyes to look approvingly after him, and sundry dandies in black velvet suits, with rose-colored neckties, buff gloves, and orange flowers in their buttonholes, to shrug their shoulders, and then envy him his inches.

We all have our own life to pursue, our own kind of dream to be weaving, and we all have the power to make wishes come true, as long as we keep believing.

Love is a great beautifier.

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.

Beth could not reason upon or explain the faith that gave her courage and patience to give up life, and cheerfully wait for death. Like a confiding child, she asked no questions, but left everything to God and nature, Father and Mother of us all, feeling sure that they, and they only, could teach and strengthen heart and spirit for this life and the life to come.

Simple, sincere people seldom speak much of their piety. It shows itself in acts rather than in words, and has more influence than homilies or protestations.

It takes very little fire to make a great deal of smoke nowadays, and notoriety is not real glory.

Good books, like good friends, are few and chosen; the more select, the more enjoyable.

It takes two flints to make a fire.

. . . for when women are the advisers, the lords of creation don't take the advice till they have persuaded themselves that it is just what they intended to do. Then they act upon it, and, if it succeeds, they give the weaker vessel half the credit of it. If it fails, they generously give her the whole.

It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius, especially ambitious young men and women.

Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will be delightful, old age will bring few regrets, and life will become a beautiful success.

Happy is the son whose faith in his mother remains unchallenged.

She had a womanly instinct that clothes possess an influence more powerful over many than the worth of character or the magic of manners.

Smile on us as we come,
Your grief has been our punishment,
Your love has led us home.

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

I like to help women help themselves, as that is, in my opinion, the best way to settle the woman question. Whatever we can do and do well we have a right to, and I don't think any one will deny us.

I have made a plan for my life, as I am in my teens, and no more a child. I am old for my age and don't care much for girls' things. People think I'm wild and queer but mother understands and helps me. I have not told anyone about my plans but I am going to be good.... Now I'm going to work really, for I feel a desire to improve and be a help and comfort, not a care and sorrow to my dear mother.

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.

Women have been called queens for a long time, but the kingdom given them isn't worth ruling.

Do the things you know, and you shall learn the truth you need to know.

Life is my college. May I graduate well, and earn some honors.

O lesson well and wisely taught
Stay with me to the last,
That all my life may better be
For the trial that is past.