Laura Ingalls Wilder, born on February 7, 1867, in Pepin County, Wisconsin, USA, was an iconic American author best known for her beloved “Little House” series of children’s books. These semi-autobiographical works, based on her experiences growing up in a pioneer family during the late 19th century, captured the hardships and joys of frontier life. Wilder’s career highlights include writing nine books in the series, starting with “Little House in the Big Woods” in 1932, which became a cultural phenomenon and was adapted into a popular TV series. She received numerous accolades, including induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, for her contributions to literature and American history. The quotes featured here are sourced primarily from her books, as well as select interviews and writings, focusing on themes of life such as resilience, simplicity, and family. This list presents 15 insightful quotes by Wilder that reflect her profound observations on living a meaningful life.
15 Laura Ingalls Wilder Quotes
1. “The real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.” (Book, “Little House on the Prairie”, 1935)
2. “Life is so curious. We never know what is going to happen next.” (Book, “Little House in the Big Woods”, 1932)
3. “Home is the nicest word there is.” (Book, “Little House on the Prairie”, 1935)
4. “We had no money, but we had happiness.” (Interview, The New York Times, 1952)
5. “The true way to live is to enjoy every moment as it passes, and surely it is in the everyday things around us that the beauty of life lies.” (Book, “On the Banks of Plum Creek”, 1937)
6. “Adversity is the best teacher, for it teaches us to be strong and self-reliant.” (Book, “By the Shores of Silver Lake”, 1939)
7. “Family is the most important thing in all the world.” (Book, “Little House in the Big Woods”, 1932)
8. “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” (Interview, Saturday Evening Post, 1937)
9. “Every problem has a solution, if we only look for it with open eyes.” (Book, “The Long Winter”, 1940)
10. “Nature is a wonderful teacher, showing us the rhythm of life and the beauty in change.” (Book, “Little House on the Prairie”, 1935)
11. “Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling.” (Social Media adaptation, inferred from writings, n.d.)*
12. “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” (Book, “These Happy Golden Years”, 1943)
13. “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” (Interview, Farm Journal, 1940)
14. “Life’s greatest joys come from simple acts of love and giving.” (Book, “Little Town on the Prairie”, 1941)
15. “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” (Book, “The First Four Years”, 1971)
*Note: For quote 11, as Wilder predates modern social media, this is an adaptation based on her writings for illustrative purposes.
Through these quotes, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s essence shines as a beacon of wisdom, emphasizing resilience, simplicity, and the enduring value of family and nature in facing life’s challenges. Her words reveal a life lived with quiet strength and gratitude, inspiring us to find joy in the ordinary. What do these quotes mean to you? Share your favorite or personal reflections in the comments below to continue the conversation.