Rome took all the vanity out of me; for after seeing the wonders there, I felt too insignificant to live, and gave up all my foolish hopes in despair.

Persuasive influences are better than any amount of moralizing.

…Jo loved a few persons very dearly and dreaded to have their affection lost or lessened in any way.

[Jo to her mother] I knew there was mischief brewing. I felt it and now it's worse than I imagined. I just wish I could marry Meg myself, and keep her safe in the family.

The rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.

Now and then genius carries all before it, but not often. We have to climb slowly, with many slips and falls.

…often between ourselves and those nearest and dearest to us there exists a reserve which it is very hard to overcome.