Writer Louisa May Alcott was born on this day in 1832. She was taught by her father, a Unitarian minister until 1848. Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson were friends of the family. Alcott worked as a domestic servant and teacher to help pay the bills at home. During the Civil War, she served as a nurse. In 1862 she adopted a pen name and a few of her dramas were produced on Boston stages. But Little Women (1869 - 1870) was the key to her financial independence and enabled her to publish more novels and short stories including Little Men (1871). Louisa May Alcott died in 1888.

To Name This Day:

Films

Watch Gillian Armstrong's vibrant screen interpretation of Louisa May Alcott's classic Little Women, a celebration of family solidarity and sisterly love. Susan Sarandon plays the matriarchal head of the March clan residing in New England. Although her four daughters secretly desire pickled limes, fine dresses, and other material possessions, she has taught them that true wealth has to do with the inner values of self-esteem, creativity and moral courage. The ethic of this poor family is serving others. After watching this film, reflect upon what you were taught in your birth family about the nature of wealth.

Quotes

Ponder these quotations from Louisa May Alcott and apply them to your situation.

  • "I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship."
  • "Love is a great beautifier."
  • "Work is and always has been my salvation and I thank the Lord for it."
  • "It takes two flints to make a fire."
  • "Good books, like good friends, are fine and chosen; the more select, the more enjoyable."
  • "We all have our own life to pursue, our own kind of dream to be weaving, and we all have the power to make our wishes come true, as long as we keep believing."