Louisa May Alcott

"If genius is ten percent inspiration and ninety percent perspiration, then as a writer, I am swimming in my own sweat."

"It's nice to have accomplishments and be elegant, but not to show off or get perked up."

"I don't mind hard work."

"So much talent and such industry must not be wasted."

"The way to greatness is through small acts of kindness."

"There is a blissful time in every person's life when fancy and faith are one."

"I would make a good wife to someone who didn't know what he was getting."

"I'm afraid I haven't got much fire in me."

"The greatest happiness is to know the source of unhappiness."

"I had rather be a free spinster and paddle my own canoe."

"Good friends, warm hearts, and true love make the richest wealth."

"Be patient and kind with yourself as you become who you are meant to be."

"There are few pleasures so pure as that of making something by one's own hands."

"I am in a queer state of mind."

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

"I hope I shall be a literary spinster with a pen for a spouse."

"The small experiences and events that make up life are often the most valuable."

"It is better to have a true friend than a false one."

"Learn to love duty, and duty will soon become an easy yoke to bear."

"Money is the root of all evil, and yet it is such a useful root."

"I think I should be happy if I could only see some use for my life."

"Nothing is impossible to a determined woman."

"We cannot take the joy out of Christmas without losing Christmas itself."

"The mind alone is a beautiful thing to cultivate and grow."

"I am not afraid to stand alone if it is right."

"The future is bright with hope."

"I am very happy here, much happier than I ever was before."

"I love a good mystery and a good love story."

"To be loved and to love in return—that is the greatest joy."

"I think my family is the greatest blessing of my life."