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

I sell my children, and though they feed me, they don’t love me as hers do.

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

Love is a great beautifier.

It takes very little fire to make a great deal of smoke nowadays, and notoriety is not real glory.

…for action is always easier than quiet waiting.

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

You do me proud, Captain. But, dear, I want to say one thing and then I’m done; for you don’t need much advice of mine after my good man has spoken. I read somewhere that...

Yes, Phebe was herself now, and it showed in the change that came over her at the first note of music. No longer shy and silent, no longer the image of a handsome girl, but...

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....

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...

Dear me! how happy and good we’d be, if we had no worries!

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

Good books, like good friends, are few and chosen; the more select, the more enjoyable.

Rivalry adds so much to the charms of one’s conquests

Presently, out from the wrappings came a teapot, which caused her to clasp her hands with delight, for it was made in the likeness of a plump little Chinaman … Two pretty cups with covers,...

…wisely mingled poetry and prose.

…men never forgive like women.

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 rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.

Yet that is considered an excellent school, and I dare say it would be if the benighted lady did not think it necessary to cram her pupils like Thanksgiving turkeys, instead of feeding them in...

The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely.

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

Young people think they never can change, but they do in the most wonderful manner, and very few die of broken hearts.

Right Jo better be happy old maids than unhappy wives or unmaidenly girls running about to find husbands.

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.

I have nothing to give but my heart so full and these empty hands.””They’re not empty now.

Well, I am happy, and I won’t fret, but it does seem as if the more one gets the more one wants…

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

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...

If Mr. Clemens cannot think of something better to tell our pure-minded lads and lasses, he had better stop writing for them.

…that’s what old people are here for, — else their experience is of little use.

Education is not confined to books, and the finest characters often graduate from no college, but make experience their master, and life their book. [Some care] only for the mental culture, and [are] in danger...

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

A little kingdom I possess, where thoughts and feelings dwell; And very hard the task I find of governing it well.

Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents

I don’t think secrets agree with me, I feel rumpled up in mind since you told me that…

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.

Some books are so familiar that reading them is like being home again.

…growing pale and sober with the thought that her fate was soon to be decided; for, like all young people, she was sure that her whole life could be settled by one human creature, quite...

Beth ceased to fear him from that moment, and sat there talking to him as cozily as if she had known him all her life, for love casts out fear, and gratitude can conquer pride.

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.

Ah! Thou gifest me such hope and courage, and I haf nothing to gif back but a full heart and these empty hands,” cried the Professor, quite overcome.Jo never, never would learn to be proper,...

It’s lovely to see people so happy.

…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.

Money is the root of all evil, and yet it is such a useful root that we cannot get on without it any more than we can without potatoes.

Talent isn’t genius, and no amount of energy can make it so. I want to be great, or nothing. I won’t be a commonplace dauber, so I don’t intend to try any more.

I’m not Meg tonight, I’m a ‘doll’.

Marmee: Oh, Jo. Jo, you have so many extraordinary gifts; how can you expect to lead an ordinary life? You’re ready to go out and – and find a good use for your talent. Tho’...

Amy’s lecture did Laurie good, though, of course, he did not own it till long afterward. Men seldom do, for when women are the advisers, the lords of creation don’t take the advice till they...