American novelist (1832-1888)
Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
Little Women
Hurrah! My story was accepted; and Lowell asked if it was not a translation from the German, it was so unlike most tales. I felt much set up, and my fifty dollars will be very happy money.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
journal, Nov. 1859
The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
Jack and Jill: A Village Story
Wouldn't it be fun if all the castles in the air which we make could come true and we could live in them?
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
Little Women
When we make little sacrifices we like to have them appreciated, at least.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
Little Women
We don't choose our talents; but we needn't hide them in a napkin because they are not just what we want.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
Jo's Boys
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.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
Little Women
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 want to steal it, and I shan't be suspecting folks and worrying about my old cash.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
Little Men
Housekeeping ain't no joke.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
Little Women
Our actions are in our own hands, but the consequences of them are not.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
Jack and Jill
I don't pretend to be wise, but I am observing, and I see a great deal more than you'd imagine. I'm interested in other people's experiences and inconsistencies, and, though I can't explain, I remember and use them for my own benefit.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
Little Women
Misfortune was much more interesting to her than good luck.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
Jo's Boys
I tell you I cannot bear it! I shall do something desperate if this life is not changed soon. It gets worse and worse, and I often feel as if I'd gladly sell my soul to Satan for a year of freedom.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
A Long Fatal Love Chase
If I didn't care about doing right and didn't feel uncomfortable doing wrong, I should get on capitally.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
Little Women
Be comforted, dear soul! There is always light behind the clouds.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
Little Women
Men are always ready to die for us, but not to make our lives worth having. Cheap sentiment and bad logic.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
Jo's Boys
I mean that it is more natural for me to be wicked than virtuous, when I do a bad act, and I've done many, I never feel wither shame, remorse or fear, I sometimes wish it was not necessary as I don't like the trouble, but as for any moral sense of principle, I haven't a particle. Many people are like me as actions prove, but they are not so frank in owning it and insist on keeping up the humbug of virtue.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
A Long Fatal Love Chase
Remember that frost comes latest to those that bloom the highest.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
Work: A Story of Experience
If I can do no more, let my name stand among those who are willing to bear ridicule and reproach for the truth's sake, and so earn some right to rejoice when the victory is won.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
letter to the American Woman Suffrage Association in support of women's voting rights, Oct. 1885
I was thinking what a curious thing love is; only a sentiment, and yet it has power to make fools of men and slaves of women.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
A Long Fatal Love Chase