Louisa May Alcott

“It takes two flints to make a fire.”

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

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

“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.”

“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’ I don’t know what I shall do without my Jo. Go, and embrace your liberty. And see what wonderful things come of it.”

“Send me all the advice you like. I'll use as much as I can.”

“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.”

“...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.”

“I wish I had no heart, it aches so…”

“How little it takes to make a young girl happy! A pretty dress, sunshine, and somebody opposite, and they are blest.”

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

“I wish I had a horse; then I could run for miles in this splendid air, and not lose my breath." Jo”

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

“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 hearts.”

“I like to help women help themselves, as that is, in my opinion, the best way to settle the woman question. Whatever we can do and do well we have a right to, and I don't think any one will deny us.”

“It is a merciful provision my dears, for it takes three or four women to get each man into, through, and out of the world. You are costly creatures, boys, and it is well that mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters love their duty and do it so well, or you would perish off the face of the earth,' said Mrs. Jo solemnly…”