I don't like favors; they oppress and make me fell like a slave. I'd rather do everything for myself, and be perfectly independent.

Women have been called queens for a long time, but the kingdom given them isn't worth ruling.

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

We've got minds and souls as well as hearts; ambition and talents as well as beauty and accomplishments; and we want to live and learn as well as love and be loved. I'm sick of being told that is all a woman is fit for! I won't have anything to do with love until I prove that I am something beside a housekeeper and a baby-tender!

A kiss for a blow is always best, though it's not very easy to give it sometimes.

…that's what old people are here for, — else their experience is of little use.

Now I'm beginning to live a little and feel less like a sick oyster at low tide.