Eight Cousins Quotes

“If you dear little girls would only learn what real beauty is, and not pinch and starve and bleach yourselves out so, you'd save an immense deal of time and money and pain. A happy soul in a healthy body makes the best sort of beauty for man or woman.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“[She was] kept there in the sort of embrace a man gives to the dearest creature the world holds for him.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“It is necessary to do right; it is not necessary to be happy.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“[F]or in this queer world of ours, fatherly and motherly hearts often beat warm and wise in the breasts of bachelor uncles and maiden aunts; and it is my private opinion that these worthy creatures are a beautiful provision of nature for the cherishing of other people's children. They certainly get great comfort out of it, and receive much innocent affection that otherwise would be lost.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“Well, now there is a very excellent, necessary, and womanly accomplishment that my girl should not be without, for it is a help to rich and poor, and the comfort of families depends upon it. This fine talent is neglected nowadays and considered old-fashioned, which is a sad mistake and one that I don't mean to make in bringing up my girl. It should be part of every girl's eductation, and I know of a most accomplished lady who will teach you in the best and pleasantest manner."
"Oh, what is it?" cried Rose eagerly, charmed to be met in this helpful and cordial way.
"Housekeeping!"
"Is that an accomplsihment?" asked Rose, while her face fell, for she had indulged in all sorts of vague, delightful daydreams.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“A happy soul in a healthy body makes the best sort of beauty for man or woman.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“a love for good books was one of the best safeguards a man could have,”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“Presently, out from the wrappings came a teapot, which caused her to clasp her hands with delight, for it was made in the likeness of a plump little Chinaman ... Two pretty cups with covers, and a fine scarlet tray, completed the set, and made one long to have a "dish of tea," even in Chinese style, without cream or sugar.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“If she really had any doubt, the look in Dr. Alec's face banished it without a word, as he opened wide his arms and she ran into them, feeling that home was here.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“It does seem to me that some one might write stories that should be lively, natural and helpful tales in which the English should be good, the morals pure, and the characters such as we can love in spite of the faults that all may have.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“So you see [the act of teaching] teaches me also, and is as good as a general review of what I've learned, in a pleasanter way than going over it alone.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“Uncle, I have discovered what girls are made for," said Rose, the day after the reconciliation of Archie and the Prince.
"Well, my dear, what is it?" asked Dr. Alec...
"To take care of boys," answered Rose, quite beaming with satisfaction as she spoke. "Phebe laughed when I told her, and said she thought girls had better learn to take care of themselves first. But that's because she hasn't got seven boy-cousins as I have."
"She is right, nevertheless, Rosy, and so are you, for the two things go together, and in helping seven lads you are unconsciously doing much to improve one lass,”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“What do you want?" and Rose looked up rather surprised.
"I'd like to borrow some money. I shouldn't think of asking you, only Mac never has a cent since he's set up his old chemical shop, where he'll blow himself to bits some day and you and Uncle will have the fun of putting him together again," and Steve tried to look as if the idea amused him.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“It is apt to be so, and it is hard to bear; for, though we do not want trumpets blown, we do like to have out little virtues appreciated, and cannot help feeling disappointed if they are not.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“Yes, but there's not time to read nowadays. A fellow has to keep scratching round to make money or he's nobody," cut in Charlie, trying to look worldly wise.

"This love of money is the curse of America, and for the sake of it men will sell honor and honesty, till we don't know whom to trust. Only a genius like Agassiz dares to say, 'I cannot waste my time getting rich,'" said Mrs. Jessie sadly.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“It is apt to be so, and it is hard to bear; for, though we do not want trumpets blown, we do like to have our little virtues appreciated, and cannot help feeling disappointed if they are not.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“I never thought I should like to wash dishes, but I do," said Rose, as she sat in a boat after supper lazily rinsing plates in the sea, and rocking luxuriously as she wiped them.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“I'd rather give her new ones, for I think she is a little bit proud and might not like old things. If she was my sister it would do, because sisters don't mind, but she isn't, and that makes it bad, you see. I know how I can manage beautifully; I'll adopt her!" and Rose looked quite radiant with”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“But he will be all the better fitted for business, because of the help it [sport] gives him. Polish is easily added if the foundations are strong, but no amount of gilding will be of use if your timber is not sound.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“Let the girl run and shout as much as she will- it is a sure sign of health, and as natural to a happy child as frisking is to any young animal full of life. Tomboys make strong women”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins

“It is my opinion that this day will never come to an end," said Prince, with a yawn that nearly rent him asunder.
"Read and improve your mind, my son," answered Archie, peering solemnly over the paper behind which he had been dozing.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Eight Cousins