It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent… — Louisa May Alcott · Smartyfair

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

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 foundWisdomIndividuality1800s

In plain words

Being good at something and being brilliant are not the same, and that takes years to see.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is: 95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Little Women (1868) — Wikiquote Sourced, direct novel text.
Sources checked: en.wikiquote.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 20 August 2026Sourced section, Little Women (1868)
gutenberg.orgChecked using claude-fable-5, 21 August 2026Little Women (1868-69), 'Artistic Attempts' chapter — exact sentence in primary text on Project Gutenberg

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

More from 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.

Louisa May Alcott I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.

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

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 wisdom

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