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

But, like all happiness, it did not last long…

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.

I wish I had no heart, it aches so…

Six weeks is a long time to wait, and a still longer time for a girl to keep a secret…

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

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

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...

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...

I’d rather take coffee than compliments just now.

…nothing remained but loneliness and grief…

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

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

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

She would make a man of me. She puts strength and courage into me as no one else can. She is unlike any girl I ever saw; there’s no sentimentality about her; she is wise,...

It’s lovely to see people so happy.

I’m tired of praise; and love is very sweet, when it is simple and sincere like this.

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

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...

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

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

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

…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.

…a woman’s always safe and comfortable when a fellow’s down on his luck.

…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...

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.

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...

I like good strong words that mean something…

Prosperity suits some people, and they blossom best in a glow of sunshine; others need the shade, and are the sweeter for a touch of frost.

…possessed of that indescribable charm called grace.

…wisely mingled poetry and prose.

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...

Men are always ready to die for us, but not to make our lives worth having. Cheap sentiment and bad logic.

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

In her secret soul, however, she decided that politics were as bad as mathematics, and that the mission of politicians seemed to be calling each other names…

The emerging woman … will be strong-minded, strong-hearted, strong-souled, and strong-bodied…strength and beauty must go together.

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

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

I think she is growing up, and so begins to dream dreams, and have hopes and fears and fidgets, without knowing why or being able to explain them.

I am lonely, sometimes, but I dare say it’s good for me…

…men never forgive like women.

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....

…what splendid dreams young people build upon a word, and how bitter is the pain when the bright bubbles burst.

…for action is always easier than quiet waiting.

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

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.

…having learned that people cannot be moulded like clay…

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

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...