Louisa May Alcott Quotes - Page 14

She began to see that character is a better possession than money, rank, intellect, or beauty, and to feel that if greatness is what a wise man has defined it to be, 'truth, reverence, and good will,' then her friend Friedrich Bhaer was not only good, but great.

I'll try and be what he loves to call me, 'a little woman,' and not be rough and wild, but do my duty here instead of wanting to be somewhere else.

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

No love or pity, pardon or excuse should soften the sharp pang of reparation for the guilty man.

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

politics were as bad as mathematics, and that the mission of politicians seemed to be calling each other names

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.

…she'll go and fall in love, and there's an end of peace and fun, and cozy times together.

Dan clung to her in speechless gratitude, feeling the blessedness of mother love, — that divine gift which comforts, purifies, and strengthens all who seek it.

I think this power of living in our children is one of the sweetest things in the world.

To most the end comes as naturally and simply as sleep.

…she rejoiced as only mothers can in the good fortunes of their children.

…it is so much better to work for others than for one's self alone.

There was a good deal of laughing and kissing and explaining, in the simple, loving fashion which makes these home-festivals so pleasant at the time, so sweet to remember long afterward, and then all fell to work.

I can get on with wild beasts first-rate; but men rile me awfully.

Self-pity in its early stages is as snug as a feather mattress. Only when it hardens does it become uncomfortable.

He looked at her an instant, for the effect of the graceful girlish figure with pale, passionate face and dark eyes full of sorrow, pride and resolution was wonderfully enhanced by the gloom of the great room, and glimpses of a gathering storm in the red autumn sky.

…tomorrow was her birthday, and she was thinking how fast the years went by, how old she was getting, and how little she seemed to have accomplished. Almost twenty-five and nothing to show for it.

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.

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.

We don't choose our talents; but we needn't hide them in a napkin because they are not just what we want.

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.

{Mrs. March to Jo} You are too much alike and too fond of freedom, not to mention hot tempers and strong wills, to get on happily together, in a relation which needs infinite patience and forbearance, as well as love.

Fame is a very good thing to have in the house, but cash is more convenient.

It was fortunate that tea was at hand, to produce a lull and provide refreshment,— for they would have been hoarse and faint if they had gone on much longer.