Quotes from Jo's Boys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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…”
― Louisa May Alcott, quote from Jo's Boys

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BookQuoters is a community of passionate readers who enjoy sharing the most meaningful, memorable and interesting quotes from great books. As the world communicates more and more via texts, memes and sound bytes, short but profound quotes from books have become more relevant and important. For some of us a quote becomes a mantra, a goal or a philosophy by which we live. For all of us, quotes are a great way to remember a book and to carry with us the author’s best ideas.

We thoughtfully gather quotes from our favorite books, both classic and current, and choose the ones that are most thought-provoking. Each quote represents a book that is interesting, well written and has potential to enhance the reader’s life. We also accept submissions from our visitors and will select the quotes we feel are most appealing to the BookQuoters community.

Founded in 2023, BookQuoters has quickly become a large and vibrant community of people who share an affinity for books. Books are seen by some as a throwback to a previous world; conversely, gleaning the main ideas of a book via a quote or a quick summary is typical of the Information Age but is a habit disdained by some diehard readers. We feel that we have the best of both worlds at BookQuoters; we read books cover-to-cover but offer you some of the highlights. We hope you’ll join us.