Who said “It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius,…”?

Verified

Louisa May Alcott. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceLittle Women (1868)

Find Little Women on Amazon · paid link

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

Source checked · Something wrong? Report a correction

Authors A–Z
“It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius, especially ambitious young men and women.”
— Louisa May Alcott
VerifiedLittle Women (1868) · evidenceGenius
Report

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Little Women (1868).

APA

Alcott, L. M. (n.d.). It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius, especially ambitious young men and women. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/19522-it-takes-people-a-long-time-to-learn/

MLA

Alcott, Louisa May. “It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius, especially ambitious young men and women.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/19522-it-takes-people-a-long-time-to-learn/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Alcott, Louisa May. “It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius, especially ambitious young men and women.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/19522-it-takes-people-a-long-time-to-learn/.

Related quotes

More quotes by Louisa May Alcott

“Girls are so queer you never know what they mean. They say no when they mean yes, and drive a man out of his wits just for the fun of it.”
VerifiedLittle Women (1868) · evidenceDetails & citeGirls
Report
“That's just why, because talent isn't genius, and no amount of energy can make it so. I want to be great, or nothing. I won't be a common-place dauber, so I don't intend to try any more.”
VerifiedLittle Women (1868) · evidenceDetails & citeTalent
Report
“It takes two flints to make a fire.”
Anger
Report
“I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning to sail my ship.”
Adversity
Report
All 16 Louisa May Alcott quotes →