“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.”

Simple, genuine goodness is the best capital to found the business of this life upon. It lasts when fame and money fail, and is the only riches we can take out of this world with us.

One of the sweet things about pain and sorrow is that they show us how well we are loved, how much kindness there is in the world, and how easily we can make others happy in the same way when they need help and sympathy.

She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain.

I don’t like favors; they oppress and make me fell like a slave. I’d rather do everything for myself, and be perfectly independent.

You are the gull, Jo, strong and wild, fond of the storm and the wind, flying far out to sea, and happy all alone.

Good books, like good friends, are few and chosen; the more select, the more enjoyable.

He was the first, the only love her life, and in a nature like hers such passions take deep root and die-hard.

Some people seemed to get all sunshine, and some all shadow.

Where the heart is the mind works best.

In the books I read the sinners are always more interesting than the saints, and in real life good people are dismally dull. I’ve no desire to be wicked, but I do want to be happy. A short life and a gay one for me and I’m willing to pay for my pleasure if it is necessary.

I’d rather take coffee than compliments now.

Honesty is the best policy, in love as in law.

Don’t shut yourself up in a band box because you are a woman, but understand what is going on, and educate yourself to take part in the world’s work, for it all affects you and yours.

Love is a great beautifier.

Wild roses are fairest, and nature a better gardener than art.

There is very little real liberty in the world; even those who seem freest are often the most tightly bound. Law, custom, public opinion, fear or shame make slaves of us all, as you will find when you try your experiment.

Do not judge, do not condemn; forgive. And you will be merciful like the Father.

I’m tired of everybody. Please forgive me.

Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.

The Mother is the source of love, mercy, sympathy, and forgiveness.

Ask God for forgiveness, and leave your regrets in the past.

The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive.

You are helpful, and you are loved, and you are forgiven, and you are not alone.

He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.