All quotes

My world had for some years been in Lowood: my experience had been of its rules and systems; now I remembered that the real world was wide, and that a varied field of hopes and fears, of sensations and excitements, awaited those who had courage to go forth into its expanse, to seek real knowledge of life amidst its perils.

A phase of my life was closing to-night, a new one opening to-morrow: impossible to slumber in the interval; I must watch feverishly while the change was being accomplished.

It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquillity: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it.

But let me not hate and despise myself too much for these feelings; I know them to be wrong—that is a great step gained; I shall strive to overcome them.

But I did not dream that that interview would be the door through which I should pass from darkness into light, from isolation to friendship, companionship, knowledge, love.

I slip back many times, I fall, I stand still, I run against the edge of hidden obstacles, I lose my temper and find it again and keep it better, I trudge on, I gain a little, I feel encouraged, I get more eager and climb higher and begin to see the widening horizon.

Dreams are the seedlings of realities.

Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become.

Anne’s horizons had closed in since the night she had sat there after coming home from Queen’s; but if the path set before her feet was to be narrow she knew that flowers of quiet happiness would bloom along it.

I make so many mistakes. But then just think of all the mistakes I don’t make, although I might.

Marilla, isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?

When I left Queen’s my future seemed to stretch out before me like a straight road. I thought I could see along it for many a milestone. Now there is a bend in it. I don’t know what lies around the bend, but I’m going to believe that the best does.

It has a fascination of its own, that bend, Marilla. I wonder how the road beyond it goes--what there is of green glory and soft, checkered light and shadows--what new landscapes--what new beauties--what curves and hills and valleys further on.

But have you ever noticed one encouraging thing about me, Marilla? I never make the same mistake twice.

All sorts of mornings are interesting, don’t you think? You don’t know what’s going to happen through the day, and there’s so much scope for imagination.

Forgive each other, help each other, and begin again tomorrow.

I will try, Mother, I truly will. But you must help me, remind me, and keep me from flying out.

It’s highly virtuous to say we’ll be good, but we can’t do it all at once, and it takes a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull all together before some of us even get our feet set in the right way.

Write something for us, and never mind the rest of the world. Try it, dear. I’m sure it would do you good, and please us very much.

“Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says Yahweh, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future.

You shall seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart.

Behold, I will do a new thing. It springs out now. Don’t you know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

For the Son of Man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”