...and best of all, the wilderness of books, in which she could wander, where she liked, made the library a region of bliss to her.

We don't choose our talents; but we needn't hide them in a napkin because they are not just what we want.

When Emerson's library was burning at Concord, I went to him as he stood with the firelight on his strong, sweet face, and endeavored to express my sympathy for the loss of his most valued possessions, but he answered cheerily, 'Never mind, Louisa, see what a beautiful blaze they make! We will enjoy that now.' The lesson was one never forgotten and in the varied lessons that have come to me I have learned to look for something beautiful and bright.

Mrs. Jo did not mean the measles, but that more serious malady called love, which is apt to ravage communities, spring and autumn, when winter gayety and summer idleness produce whole bouquets of engagements, and set young people to pairing off like the birds.

Oh dear, life is pretty tough sometimes, isn't it?

It is never too early to try and plant [good principles] in a child, and never too late to cultivate them in the most neglected person.

it was easier to do a friendly thing than it was to stay and be thanked for it.