Right Jo better be happy old maids than unhappy wives or unmaidenly girls running about to find husbands. Louisa May Alcott More Quotes by Louisa May Alcott More Quotes From Louisa May Alcott A little kingdom I possess, where thoughts and feelings dwell; And very hard the task I find of governing it well. Louisa May Alcott freedomwisdomwise Gentlemen, be courteous to the old maids, no matter how poor and plain and prim, for the only chivalry worth having is that which is the readiest to to pay deference to the old, protect the feeble, and serve womankind, regardless of rank, age, or color. Louisa May Alcott gentlemancolorage 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, and the great charm of all power is modesty. Louisa May Alcott conceitedreallong ...the love, respect, and confidence of my children was the sweetest reward I could receive for my efforts to be the woman I would have them copy. Louisa May Alcott parentingeffortchildren Good books, like good friends, are few and chosen; the more select, the more enjoyable. Louisa May Alcott good-friendwritingbook …proved that woman isn't a half but a whole human being, and can stand alone. Louisa May Alcott stand-alonehumanshalf I'd rather take coffee than compliments just now. Louisa May Alcott little-womencoffeecompliment Love and Loyalty If ever men and women are their simplest, sincerest selves, it is when suffering softens the one, and sympathy strengthens the other. Louisa May Alcott loyaltyselfmen I like good strong words that mean something. Louisa May Alcott little-womenstrongmean Money is a needful and precious thing, and when well used, a noble thing, but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for. I'd rather see you poor men's wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace. Louisa May Alcott queensmoneyhappiness 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. Louisa May Alcott doubtwaitingfather Is it not meningitis? Louisa May Alcott meningitislast-wordsdying I've learned to check the hasty words that rise to my lips, and when I feel that they mean to break out against my will, I just go away for a minute, and give myself a little shake for being so weak and wicked. Louisa May Alcott going-awaygivingmean Good, old-fashioned ways keep hearts sweet, heads sane, hands busy. Louisa May Alcott heartsweethands Love is a great beautifier. Louisa May Alcott beautylovelife ...for a girl with eyes like hers has a will and is not ruled by anyone but a lover. Louisa May Alcott girlloverseye What do girls do who haven't any mothers to help them through their troubles? Louisa May Alcott girlmommother I may be strong-minded, but no one can say I'm out of my sphere now, for woman's special mission is supposed to be drying tears and bearing burdens Louisa May Alcott tearsstrongspecial It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius, especially ambitious young men and women. Louisa May Alcott learningtimemen I asked for bread, and I got a stone in the shape of a pedestal. Louisa May Alcott pedestalwomenshapes
