Louisa May Alcott, the beloved author of classics like "Little Women," has inspired generations with her profound insights into life, love, and human nature. Her words, often drawn from her own experiences and the rich tapestry of 19th-century life, resonate with timeless wisdom and warmth. In this collection, we delve into 42 of her most inspiring quotes, each offering a glimpse into Alcott's remarkable ability to capture the complexities of the human spirit with simplicity and grace. Whether you're seeking motivation, comfort, or a deeper understanding of her literary legacy, these quotes are sure to enlighten and uplift. Join us on this journey through the words of one of literature's most cherished voices.
1. “I like good strong words that mean something…” - Louisa May Alcott
2. “But, like all happiness, it did not last long…” - Louisa May Alcott
3. “Never take advice!” - Louisa May Alcott
4. “I like adventures, and I’m going to find some.” - Louisa May Alcott
5. “Well, I am happy, and I won't fret, but it does seem as if the more one gets the more one wants…” - Louisa May Alcott
6. “…trying to extinguish the brilliant hopes that blazed up a word of encouragement.” - Louisa May Alcott
7. “November is the most disagreeable month in the whole ear,' said Margaret, standing at the window one dull afternoon, looking out at the frostbitten garden.'That's the reason I was born in it,' observed Jo pensively, quite unconscious of the blot on her nose.'If something very pleasant should happen now, we should think it a delightful month,' said Beth, who took a hopeful view of everything, even November.” - Louisa May Alcott
8. “…in silence learned the sweet solace which affection administers to sorrow.” - Louisa May Alcott
9. “If life is often so hard as this, I don't see how we ever shall get through it…” - Louisa May Alcott
10. “…she'll go and fall in love, and there's an end of peace and fun, and cozy times together.” - Louisa May Alcott
11. “…Jo vanished without a word. Rushing upstairs, she startled the invalids by exclaiming tragically as she burst into the room, 'Oh, do somebody go down quick; John Brooke is acting dreadfully, and Meg likes it!” - Louisa May Alcott
12. “…Jo loved a few persons very dearly and dreaded to have their affection lost or lessened in any way.” - Louisa May Alcott
13. “By the time the lecture ended and the audience awoke, she had built up a splendid fortune for herself (not the first founded on paper)…” - Louisa May Alcott
14. “When we make little sacrifices we like to have them appreciated, at least…” - Louisa May Alcott
15. “I hate ordinary people!” - Louisa May Alcott
16. “…often between ourselves and those nearest and dearest to us there exists a reserve which it is very hard to overcome.” - Louisa May Alcott
17. “…because talent isn't genius, and no amount of energy can make it so. I want to be great, or nothing.” - Louisa May Alcott
18. “…I can't help seeing that you are very lonely, and sometimes there is a hungry look in your eyes that goes to my heart.” - Louisa May Alcott
19. “…marriage, they say, halves one's rights and doubles one's duties.” - Louisa May Alcott
20. “…on some occasions, women, like dreams, go by contraries.” - Louisa May Alcott
21. “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.” - Louisa May Alcott
22. “…we're twins, and so we love each other more than other people…” - Louisa May Alcott
23. “…and Aunt Jo retired, satisfied with the success of her last trap to catch a sunbeam.” - Louisa May Alcott
24. “…for no matter how lost and soiled and worn-out wandering sons may be, mothers can forgive and forget every thing as they fold them into their fostering arms. Happy the son whose faith in his mother remains unchanged, and who, through all his wanderings, has kept some filial token to repay her brave and tender love.” - Louisa May Alcott
25. “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
26. “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
27. “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
28. “…having learned that people cannot be moulded like clay…” - Louisa May Alcott
29. “…but I never shall be very wise, I'm afraid.” - Louisa May Alcott
30. “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
31. “Oh dear, life is pretty tough sometimes, isn't it?” - Louisa May Alcott
32. “…for action is always easier than quiet waiting.” - Louisa May Alcott
33. “…for it is a very solemn thing to be arrested in the midst of busy life by the possibility of the great change.” - Louisa May Alcott
34. “Love should not make us blind to faults, nor familiarity make us too ready to blame the shortcomings we see.” - Louisa May Alcott
35. “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
36. “…but mortal man was helpless there…” - Louisa May Alcott
37. “…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
38. “…that's what old people are here for, — else their experience is of little use.” - Louisa May Alcott
39. “…she never had what she wanted till she had given up hoping for,' said Mrs. Meg.” - Louisa May Alcott
40. “…courage and devotion always stir generous hearts, and win admiration…” - Louisa May Alcott
41. “Mothers can forgive anything! Tell me all, and be sure that I will never let you go, though the whole world should turn from you.” - Louisa May Alcott
42. “Come, Philander, let us be a marching, Every one his true love a searching,"Would be the most appropriate motto for this chapter, because, intimidated by the threats, denunciations, and complaints showered upon me in consequence of taking the liberty to end a certain story as I liked, I now yield to the amiable desire of giving satisfaction, and, at the risk of outraging all the unities, intend to pair off everybody I can lay my hands on.” - Louisa May Alcott
