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

You can go through the world with your elbows out and your nose in the air, and call it independence, if you like. That’s not my way.

You don’t need scores of suitors. You need only one… if he’s the right one.

She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain

Then it was that Jo, living in the darkened room, with that suffering little sister always before her eyes and that pathetic voice sounding in her ears, learned to see the beauty and the sweetness...

Jo carried her love of liberty and hate of conventionalities to such and unlimited extent that she naturally found herself worsted in an argument.

The clocks were striking midnight and the rooms were very still as a figure glided quietly from bed to bed, smoothing a coverlid here, settling a pillow there, and pausing to look long and tenderly...

…feeling as if all the happiness and support of their lives was about to be taken from them.

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...

It takes two flints to make a fire.

…the words ‘we are sisters’ went straight to her heart and nestled there.

I don’t believe fine young ladies enjoy themselves a bit more than we do, in spite of our burned hair, old gowns, one glove apiece, and tight slippers that sprain our ankles when we are...

That was all I wanted!” whispered Polly, in a tone which caused him to feel that the race of angels was not entirely extinct.

Your father, Jo. He never loses patience,–never doubts or complains,–but always hopes, and works and waits so cheerfully, that one is ashamed to do otherwise before him. He helped and comforted me, and showed me...

Go on with your work as usual, for work is a blessed solace.

Father asked us what was God’s noblest work. Anna said men, but I said babies. Men are often bad, but babies never are.

‘Stay’ is a charming word in a friend’s vocabulary.

Jo couldn’t even lose her heart in a decorous manner, but sternly tried to quench her feelings, and failing to do so, led a somewhat agitated life. She was mortally afraid of being laughed at...

Love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go, and it makes the end so easy.

I shall keep my book on the table here, and read a little every morning as soon as I wake, for I know it will do me good, and help me through the day.

…possessed of that indescribable charm called grace.

leave him free, and the mere sense of liberty would content him, joined to the knowledge that his presence was dear to those whom he loved best.

And mother-like, Mrs. Jo forgot the threatened chastisement in tender lamentations over the happy scapegrace…

…and Jo laid the rustling sheets together with a careful hand, as one might shut the covers of a lovely romance, which holds the reader fast till the end comes, and he finds himself alone...

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...

Women have been called queens for a long time, but the kingdom given them isn’t worth ruling.

I shall love her all my life, shall be to her a faithful friend, and if I can not remain loyal to both God and her I shall renounce her and never see her face...

They always looked back before turning the corner, for their mother was always at the window to nod and smile, and wave her hand to them. Somehow it seemed as if they couldn’t have got...

I was never like the rest of you, making plans about the great things I’d do, I never saw myself as anything much, just shy, stupid little Beth, who’s only use was at home. Why...

The humblest tasks get beautified if loving hands do them.

Mother Atkinson thought that every one should have a trade, or something to make a living out of , for rich people may grow poor, you know, and poor people have to work…. so when...

She had a womanly instinct that clothes possess an influence more powerful over many than the worth of character or the magic of manners.

Many of the bravest never are known, and get no praise. [But]that does not lessen their beauty…

I don’t like favors; they oppress and make me fell like a slave. I’d rather do everything for myself, and be perfectly independent.

Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will bring few regrets, and life...

Young things like you don’t need any ornaments but those you wear to-night: youth, health, intelligence, and modesty.

Because they are mean is no reason why I should be. I hate such things, and though I think I’ve a right to be hurt, I don’t intend to show it. (Amy March)

Don’t try to make me grow up before my time…

To be strong, and beautiful, and go round making music all the time. Yes, she could do that, and with a very earnest prayer Polly asked for the strength of an upright soul, the beauty...

I never wanted to go away, and the hard part now is the leaving you all. I’m not afraid, but it seems as if I should be homesick for you even in heaven.

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...

He who believes is strong; he who doubts is weak. Strong convictions precede great actions.

Housekeeping ain’t no joke

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)

Mothers have need of sharp eyes and discreet tongueswhen they have girls to manage

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

Do the things you know, and you shall learn the truth you need to know.

People don’t have fortunes left them in that style nowadays; men have to work and women to marry for money. It’s a dreadfully unjust world.

…in silence learned the sweet solace which affection administers to sorrow.

Who are your heroes?” asked Jo.”Grandfather and Napoleon.