38 Louisa May Alcott Quotes

Louisa May Alcott quotes

1. I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.

2. 'Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents,' grumbled Jo, lying on the rug. 'It's so dreadful to be poor!' sighed Meg, looking down at her old dress. 'I don't think it's fair for some girls to have plenty of pretty things, and other girls nothing at all,' added little Amy, with an injured sniff. 'We've got Father and Mother, and each other,' said Beth contentedly from her corner. The four young faces on which the firelight shone brightened at the cheerful words, but darkened again as Jo said sadly, 'We haven't got Father, and shall not have him for a long time.' She didn't say 'perhaps never,' but each silently added it, thinking of Father far away, where the fighting was.

3. If people really want to go, and really try all their lives, I think they will get in; for I don't believe there are any locks on that door, or any guards at the gate. I always imagine it is as it is in the picture, where the shining ones stretch out their hands to welcome poor Christian as he comes up from the river.

4. Housekeeping ain't no joke.

5. Amy: 'One periwink--' Advertisment. 'One periwinkle sash belonging to Mr. N. Winkle, has been 'abscondated' from the washline. Which, gentlemen, desires any reports leading to its recovery.'

6. Far away 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.

7. Help one another is part of the religion of our sisterhood.

8. I am angry nearly every day of my life, but I have learned not to show it; and I still try to hope not to feel it, though it may take me another forty years to do it.

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

10. I believe that it is as much a right and duty for women to do something with their lives as for men and we are not going to be satisfied with such frivolous parts as you give us.

11. I put in my list all the busy, useful independent spinsters I know, for liberty is a better husband than love to many of us.

12. Is it not meningitis?

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

14. Love is a great beautifier.

15. Love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go, and it makes the end so easy.

16. Many argue; not many converse.

17. Now I am beginning to live a little and feel less like a sick oyster at low tide.

18. Now we are expected to be as wise as men who have had generations of all the help there is, and we scarcely anything.

19. People don't have fortunes left them - nowadays; men have to work, and women to marry for money. It's a dreadfully unjust world....

20. Resolve to take fate by the throat and shake a living out of her.

21. Stay is a charming word in a friend's vocabulary.

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

2. Don't shut yourself up in a band box because you are a woman, but understand what is going on, and educate yourself to take part in the world's work, for it all affects you and yours.

3. For the wise old man was universally beloved, and ministered so beautifully to his flock that many of them thanked him all their lives for the help given to both hearts and souls.

4. Mine first --mine last-- mine even in the grave!

5. I love my liberty too well to be in a hurry to give it up for any mortal man.

6. The duty we owe ourselves is greater than that we owe others.

7. I shall keep my book on the table here, and read a little every morning as soon as I wake, for I know it will do me good, and help me through the day.

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

9. it was easier to do a friendly thing than it was to stay and be thanked for it.

10. 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.

11. Six weeks is a long time to wait, and a still longer time for a girl to keep a secret…

12. Elegance has a bad effect on my constitution.

13. Oft in the silence of the night, When the lonely moon rides high, When wintry winds are whistling, And we hear the owl's shrill cry, In the quiet, dusky chamber, By the flickering firelight, Rising up between two sleepers, Comes a spirit all in white.

14. But buds will be roses, and kittens, cats - more's the pity.

15. Some books are so familiar that reading them is like being home again.

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

17. Beth ceased to fear him from that moment, and sat there talking to him as cozily as if she had known him all her life, for love casts out fear, and gratitude can conquer pride.