When Emerson's library was burning at Concord, I went to him as he stood with the firelight on his strong, sweet face, and endeavored to express my sympathy for the loss of his most valued possessions, but he answered cheerily, 'Never mind, Louisa, see what a beautiful blaze they make! We will enjoy that now.' The lesson was one never forgotten and in the varied lessons that have come to me I have learned to look for something beautiful and bright.

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I want to do something splendid… Something heroic or wonderful that won’t be forgotten after I’m dead… I think I shall write books.

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Our actions are in our own hands, but the consequences of them are not. Remember that, my dear, and think twice before you do anything.

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Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.

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It’s amazing how lovely common things become, if one only knows how to look at them.

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

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life and love are very precious when both are in full bloom.

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The emerging woman ... will be strong-minded, strong-hearted, strong-souled, and strong-bodied...strength and beauty must go together.

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I don't worry about the storms, I am learning to sail my own ship.

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I like adventures, and I’m going to find some.

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