Louisa May Alcott Quotes - Page 3

[Jo to her mother] I knew there was mischief brewing. I felt it and now it's worse than I imagined. I just wish I could marry Meg myself, and keep her safe in the family.

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 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.

…what splendid dreams young people build upon a word, and how bitter is the pain when the bright bubbles burst.

I think I shall write books, and get rich and famous, that would suit me, so that is my favorite dream.

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

…having learned that people cannot be moulded like clay…

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

The small hopes and plans and pleasures of children should be tenderly respected by grown-up people, and never rudely thwarted or ridiculed.

It takes so little to make a child happy, that it is a pity in a world full of sunshine and pleasant things, that there should be any wistful faces, empty hands, or lonely little hearts.

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

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

…no person, no matter how vivid an imagination he may have, can invent anything half so droll as the freaks and fancies that originate in the lively brains of little people.

Simple, genuine goodness is the best capital to found the business of this life upon. It lasts when fame and money fail, and is the only riches we can take out of this world with us.

I've been so bothered with my property, that I'm tired of it, and don't mean to save up any more, but give it away as I go along, and then nobody will envy me, or want to steal it, and I shan't be suspecting folks and worrying about my old cash.

This love of money is the curse of American, and for the sake of it men will sell honor and honesty, till we don't know whom to trust, and it is only a genius like Agassiz who dares to say, 'I cannot waste my time in getting rich,'" said Mrs. Jessie sadly.

Men are always ready to die for us, but not to make our lives worth having. Cheap sentiment and bad logic.

I do like men who come out frankly and own that they are not gods.

…men never forgive like women.

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