Alice Duer Miller

"I am American bred, I have seen much to hate here—much to forgive, But in a world where England is finished and dead, I do not wish to live."

"Mother, what is a Feminist?" "A Feminist, my daughter, Is any woman now who cares To think about her own affairs As men dont think she oughter."

"People love to talk but hate to listen....Listening is not merely not talking, though even that is beyond most of our powers; it means taking a vigorous, human interest in what’s being told us....You can listen like a blank wall or like a splendid auditorium where every sound comes back fuller and richer."

"Dont ever dare to take your college as a matter of course,— because like freedom and democracy, many people youll never know anything about have broken their hearts to get it for you."

"There, little girl, dont read, Youre fond of your books, I know, But Brother might mope If he had no hope Of getting ahead of you. Its dull for a boy who cannot lead. There, little girl, dont read."

"Its treating a woman politely As long as she isnt a fright: Its guarding the girls who act rightly, If you can be judge of whats right; Its being—not just, but so pleasant; Its tipping while wages are low; Its making a beautiful present, And failing to pay what you owe."

"When men in Congress come to blows at something someone said, I always notice that it shows their blood is quick and red; But if two women disagree, with very little noise, It proves, and this seems strange to me, that women have no poise."

"We are not really senseless, and we are not angels, too, But very human beings, human just as much as you. Its hard upon occasions to be forceful and sublime When youre treated as incompetents three-quarters of the time."

"People who deal in truth themselves recognize it when they hear it, just as people who deal in diamonds recognize a real stone when they see it."

"If it’s very painful for you to criticize your friends—youre safe in doing it. But if you take the slightest pleasure in it—that’s the time to hold your tongue."