We live in a beautiful and wonderful world, and the more you know… — Louisa May Alcott · Smartyfair

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 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 foundCuriosityLearning1800s

In plain words

The more you learn about the world, the better you get at living in it.

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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 Men (1871), Ch. 17 "Composition Day" — Mr. Bhaer teaching Demi that curiosity about the world builds wisdom. Verbatim-confirmed via Wikisource.
Work: Little Men
Occasion: 1871 · Mr. Bhaer encourages Demi's curiosity while grading school compositions
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 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 curiosity

I don't study to know more, but to ignore less.

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Nothing can be more improving to a young naturalist, than a journey in distant countries.

Charles Darwin We have a hunger of the mind which asks for knowledge of all around us, and the more we gain, the more is our desire.

Maria Mitchell Wonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.

Plato A single conversation with a wise man is worth a month's study of books.Chinese proverb The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.