Louisa May Alcott: Ten of Our Favorite quotes from Little Women

“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship” Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

Little Women is full of quotes to live by, especially for young women, coming of age, learning how to navigate their way in the world. As women, we have come so far since Louisa May Alcott's beloved Little Women was published in 1868 and 1869. And yet, how much has stayed the same! What would the author, who died at the age of fifty-five, think of where we are today? What would she think of the Kardashian obsession with looks, from botox to anal bleaching? Of television shows like The Bachelor where women offer themselves up to a man in competition? It's amazing when we think of all the work our sisters have done over the years to procure our freedom, to think what we have done with it. The freedom to think, to have our say, the freedom to be as deplorable as a man.

Yep, we've come a long way, baby. 

Following, the rest of our top ten Little Women quotes:

“Take some books and read; that’s an immense help; and books are always good company if you have the right sort.” 

“. . . for when women are the advisers, the lords of creation don't take the advice till they have persuaded themselves that it is just what they intended to do. Then they act upon it, and, if it succeeds, they give the weaker vessel half the credit of it. If it fails, they generously give her the whole.” 

“Love is a great beautifier’’

“Some people seemed to get all sunshine, and some all shadow…” 

“Be worthy love, and love will come.”

“... for love casts out fear, and gratitude can conquer pride.” 

“I wish I had no heart, it aches so…” 

“Conceit spoils the finest genius.”

“Now and then, in this workaday world, things do happen in the delightful storybook fashion, and what a comfort that is.”

“Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will bring few regrets, and life will become a beautiful success.”