WIST

A little kingdom I possess,
Where thoughts and feelings dwell;
And very hard the task I find
Of governing it well.

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) American writer
“My Kingdom,” st. 1.

When I had youth I had no money; now I have the money I have no time; and when I get the time, if I ever do, I shall have no health to enjoy life. I suppose it’s the discipline I need; but it’s rather hard to love the things I do, and see them go by because duty chains me to my galley. If I ever come into port with all sails set, that will be my reward perhaps.

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) American writer
(Attributed) (1873)

Quoted in M. Saxton, Louisa May, ch. 17 (1977)

If people really want to go, and really try all their lives, I think they will get in; for I don’t believe there are any locks on that door, or any guards at the gate. I always imagine it is as it is in the picture, where the shining ones stretch out their hands to welcome poor Christian as he comes up from the river.

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) American writer
Little Women, ch. 13 [Beth] (1868)

I’d have a stable full of Arabian steeds, rooms piled high with books, and I’d write out of a magic inkstand, so that my works should be as famous as Laurie’s music. I want to do something splendid before I go into my castle, something heroic or wonderful that won’t be forgotten after I’m dead. I don’t know what, but I’m on the watch for it, and mean to astonish you all some day. I think I shall write books, and get rich and famous, that would suit me, so that is my favorite dream.

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) American writer
Little Women, ch. 13 [Jo] (1869)

Simple, sincere people seldom speak much of their piety. It shows itself in acts rather than in words, and has more influence than homilies or protestations.

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) American writer
Little Women, ch. 36 (1869)

I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) American writer
Little Women, ch. 44 [Amy] (1868)

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 (1832-1888) American writer
Little Women, ch. 9 [Mrs. March] (1869)

 

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 (1832-1888) American writer
Little Women, pt. 1, ch. 15 [Meg] (1868).

Love is a great beautifier.

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) American writer
Little Women, pt. 2, ch. 1 (1869).

Talent isn’t genius, and no amount of energy can make it so. I want to be great, or nothing. I won’t be a commonplace dauber, so I don’t intend to try any more.

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) American writer
Little Women, pt. 2, ch. 16 [Amy] (1869)

It takes two flints to make a fire.

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) American writer
Little Women, pt. 2, ch. 16 [Laurie] (1869)

Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see the beauty, believe in them and try to follow where they lead.

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) American writer
Work: A Story of Experience ch. 12 [Christie] (1875)
Full text.