QuoteProject
And when they went away, leaving comfort behind, I think there were not in all the city four merrier people than the hungry little girls who gave away their breakfasts and contented themselves with bread and milk on Christmas morning.
Louisa May Alcott
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote highlights the joy found in selflessness and simplicity, especially during the festive season.

In this quote, Louisa May Alcott reflects on the profound happiness that comes from giving and prioritizing the needs of others over one's own comfort. The image of 'hungry little girls' who willingly sacrifice their breakfast for the joy of giving encapsulates the spirit of Christmas, emphasizing that true happiness can be found when we embrace generosity rather than materialism.

Themes

GivingHappinessSelflessnessChristmasGenerosity

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be shared during a holiday gathering to inspire a spirit of giving.

More from Louisa May Alcott

Women have been called queens for a long time, but the kingdom given them isn't worth ruling.
Louisa May AlcottRead
You have grown abominably lazy, and you like gossip, and waste time on frivolous things, you are contented to be petted and admired by silly people, instead of being loved and respected by wise ones.
Louisa May AlcottRead
"Stay" is a charming word in a friend's vocabulary.
Louisa May AlcottRead
... swept into the giddy vortex which keeps so many young people revolving aimlessly, till they go down or are cast upon the shore, wrecks of what they might have been
Louisa May AlcottRead
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.
Louisa May AlcottRead
It takes two flints to make a fire.
Louisa May AlcottRead

Similar quotes

Happiness is man's greatest aim in life. Tranquility and rationality are the cornerstones of happiness.
EpicurusRead
Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.
DemocritusRead
Perhaps the single most robust fact across many surveys is that married people are happier than anyone else.
Martin SeligmanRead
I laugh, and it's laughter, not light, that casts out the darkness building within me, that reminds me I am still alive, even in this strange place where everything I've ever known is coming apart.
Veronica RothRead
I have worries and fears just like everybody else. But I have every reason to wake up each morning and be very happy.
Faith HillRead
Happiness is impossible for longer than 15 minutes. We are the descendants of creatures who, above all else, worried.
Alain De BottonRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.