‘I Want To Be Great, or Nothing’ and Other ‘Little Women’ Quotes That Were Totally Ahead of Their Time

Louisa May Alcott’s classic Civil War novel Little Women is truly a masterpiece. With its moving prose and realistic tale, it is no wonder that the novel remains beloved today. To honor its lasting legacy, we’ve rounded up the best Little Women quotes taken from the book's four main themes. Keep scrolling for more.

‘Little Women’ quotes on the craft of writing and books

In Little Women, Jo March wants to read and write stories all day long and doesn’t care if it's impractical. Here are the four best quotes that summarize her character's journey to achieving that goal.

• “I like good, strong words that mean something.”
• “Take some books and read; that’s an immense help, and books are always good company if you have the right sort.”
• “I think I shall write books, and get rich and famous, that would suit me, so that is my favorite dream.”
• “Jo hurried to this quiet place, and curling herself up in the easy chair, devoured poetry, romance, history, travels, and pictures like a regular bookworm.”

Entertainment

12 Must-Read Books About Books: From Historical Fiction to Romance and More!

Calling all book lovers!

Quotes on feminism

Every March's sister represents some feminist ideals (marriage, independence, greatness, ETC), and here are the strongestquotes showcasing that.

• “Don't laugh at the spinsters, dear girls, for often very tender, tragic romances are hidden away in the hearts that beat so quietly under the sober gowns, and many silent sacrifices of youth, health, ambition, love itself, make the faded faces beautiful in God's sight. Even the sad, sour sisters should be kindly dealt with, because they have missed the sweetest part of life, if for no other reason.”
• “I don't believe I shall ever marry; I'm happy as I am and love my liberty too well to be in any hurry to give it up for any mortal man.”
• “Just because my dreams are different than yours doesn't mean they are unimportant.”
• “Well, I’m not a poet. I’m just a woman.”
• “You can go through the world with your elbows out and your nose in the air and call it independence if you like. That’s not my way.”
• “It’s bad enough to be a girl, anyway, when I like boys’ games and work and manners!”
• “I want to be great or nothing.”
• “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”

Quotes on money

It’s no secret that the March family was poor, but they never let that stop them. Read their best quotes about money below.

• “Wealth is certainly a most desirable thing, but poverty has its sunny side, and one of the sweet uses of adversity is the genuine satisfaction which comes from hearty work of head or hand, and to the inspiration of necessity, we owe half the wise, beautiful, and useful blessings of the world.”
• “I'd rather see you poor men's wives if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace.”
• “Money is a needful and precious thing — and, when well used, a noble thing — but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for.”
• “All rich people have about as many worries as poor ones, I think.”
• “Fame is a very good thing to have in the house, but cash is more convenient.”

Entertainment

12 Captivating Family Saga Books Filled With Drama, Mystery, History and More!

Woman's World books editor (and book lover!) shares 12 must-read family sagas — savor them all!

Quotes on love

With the love between the March family, Jo and Laurie, and so many others, Little Women has no shortage of inspirational quotes on the subject. Read the strongest ones below.

• “Be worthy of love, and love will come.”
• “Love covers a multitude of sins.”
• “To be loved and chosen by a good man is the best and sweetest thing which can happen to a woman.”
• “Love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go.”
• “For I wouldn’t be idle but do good and make everyone love me dearly.”
• “To others, it might seem a ludicrous or trivial affair, but to her, it was a hard experience, for during the twelve years of her life, she had been governed by love alone, and a blow of that sort had never touched her before.”
• “Love casts out fear, and gratitude can conquer pride.”
• “Love is a great beautifier.”

For more iconic pop culture quotes, keep scrolling!

6 Audrey Hepburn Quotes That Prove She Remains a Timeless Hollywood Icon

10 Elizabeth Taylor Quotes That’ll Make You Put on Some Lipstick

Kevin Costner Has Dropped Plenty of Wisdom! See His Best Quotes About Life