“Conceit spoils the finest genius.”

“You have a good many little gifts and virtues, but there is no need of parading them, for conceit spoils the finest genius. There is not much danger that real talent or goodness will be overlooked long; even if it is, the consciousness of possessing and using it well should satisfy one, and the great charm of all power is modesty.”

“I keep turning over new leaves, and spoiling them, as I used to spoil my copybooks; and I make so many beginnings there never will be an end. (Jo March)”

“Talent isn't genius, and no amount of energy can make it so. I want to be great, or nothing.”

“…because talent isn't genius, and no amount of energy can make it so. I want to be great, or nothing.”

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

“Love Jo all your days, if you choose, but don't let it spoil you, for it's wicked to throw away so many good gifts because you can't have the one you want.”