I've got the key to my castle in the air; but whether I can unlock… — Louisa May Alcott · Smartyfair

I've got the key to my castle in the air; but whether I can unlock the door, remains to be seen.

Louisa May Alcott1832–1888 · writer · 1800s USALouisa May Alcott was an American author best known for writing Little Women, a beloved novel about four sisters growing up during the Civil War. She based much of the story on her own family and experiences.7 quotes

Source foundPerseverance1800s

In plain words

Having the key is not the same as opening the door. Try it anyway.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is: 90% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Little Women (1868), Ch. 13 "Castles in the Air" — Jo, on turning her writing ambition into reality. Verbatim-confirmed via Wikisource.
Work: Little Women
Occasion: 1868 · the March sisters and Laurie discuss their private ambitions
Sources checked: en.wikisource.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 21 August 2026primary text, verbatim match

Nothing made from these words yet — Storyfaire is where they get made.

More from Louisa May Alcott

It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius, especially ambitious young men and women.

Louisa May Alcott We live in a beautiful and wonderful world, and the more you know about it the wiser and the better you will be.

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Louisa May Alcott It's my dreadful temper! I try to cure it; I think I have, and then it breaks out worse than ever.

Louisa May Alcott I am angry nearly every day of my life, but I have learned not to show it.

Louisa May Alcott Looking at the lovely things you can see will help you to understand the lovelier things you cannot see.

Louisa May Alcott

More on perseverance

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

Confucius Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

Lao Tzu Slow and steady wins the race.

Aesop Patience is the key to relief.Arabic proverb Drops of water hollow out a stone.

Ovid Few things are impossible to diligence and skill.