Jo's Boys Quotes

“…the violin — that most human of all instruments…”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“Mothers can forgive anything! Tell me all, and be sure that I will never let you go, though the whole world should turn from you.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“Men are always ready to die for us, but not to make our lives worth having. Cheap sentiment and bad logic.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“Better lose your life than your soul…”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“Education is not confined to books, and the finest characters often graduate from no college, but make experience their master, and life their book. [Some care] only for the mental culture, and [are] in danger of over-studying, under the delusion . . . that learning must be had at all costs, forgetting that health and real wisdom are better.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“…books are always good company if you have the right sort. Let me pick out some for you.' And Mrs. Jo made a bee-line to the well-laden shelves, which were the joy of her heart and the comfort of her life.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“We don't choose our talents; but we needn't hide them in a napkin because they are not just what we want.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“I do like men who come out frankly and own that they are not gods.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“The scar will remain, but it is better for a man to lose both arms than his soul; and these hard years, instead of being lost, may be made the most precious of your lives, if they teach you to rule yourselves.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“…proved that woman isn't a half but a whole human being, and can stand alone.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“I think this power of living in our children is one of the sweetest things in the world…”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“…she rejoiced as only mothers can in the good fortunes of their children.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“…what splendid dreams young people build upon a word, and how bitter is the pain when the bright bubbles burst.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“…men never forgive like women.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“You do me proud, Captain. But, dear, I want to say one thing and then I'm done; for you don't need much advice of mine after my good man has spoken. I read somewhere that every inch of rope in the British Navy has a strand of red in it, so wherever a bit of it is found it is known. That is the text of my little sermon to you. Virtue, which means honour, honesty, courage, and all that makes character, is the red thread that marks a good man wherever he is. Keep that always and everywhere, so that even if wrecked by misfortune, that sign shall still be found and recognized. Yours is a rough life, and your mates not all we could wish, but you can be a gentleman in the true sense of the word; and no matter what happens to your body, keep your soul clean, your heart true to those who love you, and do your duty to the end.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“Dan clung to her in speechless gratitude, feeling the blessedness of mother love, — that divine gift which comforts, purifies, and strengthens all who seek it.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“…it is so much better to work for others than for one's self alone.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“I'm tired of praise; and love is very sweet, when it is simple and sincere like this.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“Prosperity suits some people, and they blossom best in a glow of sunshine; others need the shade, and are the sweeter for a touch of frost.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“I can get on with wild beasts first-rate; but men rile me awfully…”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“Oh dear, life is pretty tough sometimes, isn't it?”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“There is no other help or hope for human weakness but God's love and patience.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“…that's what old people are here for, — else their experience is of little use.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“Young people think they never can change, but they do in the most wonderful manner, and very few die of broken hearts.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“It's lovely to see people so happy.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“Don't take it away! It's only a fancy, but a man must love something…”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“…courage and devotion always stir generous hearts, and win admiration…”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“…for action is always easier than quiet waiting.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“…misfortune was much more interesting to her than good luck.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys

“Boys don't gush, so I can stand it. The last time I let in a party of girls, one fell into my arms and said, "Darling, love me!" I wanted to shake her,' answered Mrs. Jo, wiping her pen with energy.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Jo's Boys