38 Jo'S Boys Quotes

For fans of Louisa May Alcott's rich, heartfelt storytelling, "Jo's Boys" stands as a cherished continuation of the beloved "Little Women" saga. This final installment follows the lives and aspirations of Jo March and her lively brood of young men and women, capturing the essence of hope, dreams, and the complexities of growing up. Delving into its pages, readers encounter poignant wisdom and memorable characters that remain etched in their hearts. Join us as we explore a curated selection of the top 38 quotes from "Jo's Boys," each offering a glimpse into the timeless lessons and enduring charm of Alcott's literary masterpiece.

1. “…young minds cannot be driven…” - Louisa May Alcott

2. “Young people seldom turn out as one predicts, so it is of little use to expect anything,' said Mrs. Meg with a sigh. 'If our children are good and useful men and women, we should be satisfied; yet it's very natural to wish them to be brilliant and successful.” - Louisa May Alcott

3. “It is a merciful provision my dears, for it takes three or four women to get each man into, through, and out of the world. You are costly creatures, boys, and it is well that mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters love their duty and do it so well, or you would perish off the face of the earth,' said Mrs. Jo solemnly…” - Louisa May Alcott

4. “I think this power of living in our children is one of the sweetest things in the world…” - Louisa May Alcott

5. “Don't suggest that we are growing old, my Lord. We have only bloomed; and a very nice bouquet we make with our buds about us,' answered Mrs. Amy, shaking out the folds of her rosy muslin with much the air of dainty satisfaction the girl used to show in a new dress.Not to mention our thorns and dead leaves,' added Jo, with a sigh; for life had never been very easy to her, and even now she had her troubles both within and without.” - Louisa May Alcott

6. “…notoriety is not real glory.” - Louisa May Alcott

7. “…she rejoiced as only mothers can in the good fortunes of their children.” - Louisa May Alcott

8. “The youngest, aged twelve, could not conceal her disappointment, and turned away, feeling as so many of us have felt when we discover that our idols are very extraordinary men and women.” - Louisa May Alcott

9. “Boys don't gush, so I can stand it. The last time I let in a party of girls, one fell into my arms and said, "Darling, love me!" I wanted to shake her,' answered Mrs. Jo, wiping her pen with energy.” - Louisa May Alcott

10. “…misfortune was much more interesting to her than good luck.” - Louisa May Alcott

11. “…having learned that people cannot be moulded like clay…” - Louisa May Alcott

12. “If every one agreed, we should never get on.” - Louisa May Alcott

13. “I do like men who come out frankly and own that they are not gods.” - Louisa May Alcott

14. “Men are always ready to die for us, but not to make our lives worth having. Cheap sentiment and bad logic.” - Louisa May Alcott

15. “Young people think they never can change, but they do in the most wonderful manner, and very few die of broken hearts.” - Louisa May Alcott

16. “…I'm always ready to talk, shouldn't be a woman if I were not,' laughed Mrs. Jo…” - Louisa May Alcott

17. “…it is so much better to work for others than for one's self alone.” - Louisa May Alcott

18. “Better lose your life than your soul…” - Louisa May Alcott

19. “I can get on with wild beasts first-rate; but men rile me awfully…” - Louisa May Alcott

20. “…books are always good company if you have the right sort. Let me pick out some for you.' And Mrs. Jo made a bee-line to the well-laden shelves, which were the joy of her heart and the comfort of her life.” - Louisa May Alcott

21. “…for action is always easier than quiet waiting.” - Louisa May Alcott

22. “Love should not make us blind to faults, nor familiarity make us too ready to blame the shortcomings we see.” - Louisa May Alcott

23. “I'm tired of praise; and love is very sweet, when it is simple and sincere like this.” - Louisa May Alcott

24. “On, I don't think I'm a genius!' cried Josie, growing calm and sober as she listened to the melodious voice and looked into the expressive face that filled her with confidence, so strong, sincere and kindly was it. 'I only want to find out if I have talent enough to go on, and after years of study be able to act well in any of the good plays people never tire of seeing. I don't expected to be a Mrs. Siddons or a Miss Cameron, much as I long to be; but it does seem as if I had something in me which can't come out in any way but this. When I act I'm perfectly happy. I seem to live, to be in my own world, and each new part is a new friend. I love Shakespeare, and am never tired of his splendid people. Of course I don't understand it all; but it's like being alone at night with the mountains and the stars, solemn and grand, and I try to imagine how it will look when the sun comes up, and all is glorious and clear to me. I can't see, but I feel the beauty, and long to express it.” - Louisa May Alcott

25. “Mrs. Jo did not mean the measles, but that more serious malady called love, which is apt to ravage communities, spring and autumn, when winter gayety and summer idleness produce whole bouquets of engagements, and set young people to pairing off like the birds.” - Louisa May Alcott

26. “…but mortal man was helpless there…” - Louisa May Alcott

27. “…had an hour of silent agony that aged him more than years of happy life could have done.” - Louisa May Alcott

28. “…thirst is harder to bear than hunger, heat, or cold.” - Louisa May Alcott

29. “The story of his downfall is soon told; for it came, as so often happens, just when he felt unusually full of high hopes, good resolutions, and dreams of a better life.” - Louisa May Alcott

30. “…I wanted to show that the mother was the heroine as soon as possible. I'm tired of love-sick girls and runaway wives. We'll prove that there's romance in old women also.” - Louisa May Alcott

31. “…that's what old people are here for, — else their experience is of little use.” - Louisa May Alcott

32. “…proved that woman isn't a half but a whole human being, and can stand alone.” - Louisa May Alcott

33. “It's lovely to see people so happy.” - Louisa May Alcott

34. “…courage and devotion always stir generous hearts, and win admiration…” - Louisa May Alcott

35. “…men never forgive like women.” - Louisa May Alcott

36. “Perhaps it would have been better if he had killed me; my life is spoilt.” - Louisa May Alcott

37. “Don't take it away! It's only a fancy, but a man must love something…” - Louisa May Alcott

38. “…he stood behind her, tall and pale, like the ghost of his former self…” - Louisa May Alcott