Jo's Boys

…the violin — that most human of all instruments…

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.

Men are always ready to die for us, but not to make our lives worth having. Cheap sentiment and bad logic.

Better lose your life than your soul…

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.

I do like men who come out frankly and own that they are not gods.

…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.

We don't choose our talents; but we needn't hide them in a napkin because they are not just what we want.

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.

…she rejoiced as only mothers can in the good fortunes of their children.

…proved that woman isn't a half but a whole human being, and can stand alone.

I think this power of living in our children is one of the sweetest things in the world…

…what splendid dreams young people build upon a word, and how bitter is the pain when the bright bubbles burst.

I'm tired of praise; and love is very sweet, when it is simple and sincere like this.

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.

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.

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.

Oh dear, life is pretty tough sometimes, isn't it?

…it is so much better to work for others than for one's self alone.

I can get on with wild beasts first-rate; but men rile me awfully…

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

It's lovely to see people so happy.

Young people think they never can change, but they do in the most wonderful manner, and very few die of broken hearts.

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.

There is no other help or hope for human weakness but God's love and patience.

…for action is always easier than quiet waiting.

…courage and devotion always stir generous hearts, and win admiration…

Don't take it away! It's only a fancy, but a man must love something…

It is a merciful provision my dears, for it takes three or four women to get each man into, through, and out of the world. You are costly creatures, boys, and it is well that mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters love their duty and do it so well, or you would perish off the face of the earth,' said Mrs. Jo solemnly…