20 Anne of Green Gables Quotes to Live By
Since she made her debut in the 1908 novel Anne of Green Gables, the character of Anne Shirley has delighted millions around the world. Here are 20 memorable Anne-affirmations from the books, TV series and movies that make this literary heroine unforgettable.
Anne of Green Gables quotes for every occasion
The story of Anne Shirley, an imaginative imp of an orphan who is accidentally sent to Green Gables farm, came to life through nine books by Lucy Maud Montgomery, countless films, plays, radio shows, and television productions. For well over 100 years, Anne has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with her unfortunate talent for trouble and good deeds gone awry. But as these Anne of Green Gables quotes prove, there’s more to Anne than mischief and mayhem. Over the years she and her chosen family have imparted a lot of wisdom about growing up, growing old, and getting wise.
Anne, on seeing the best in people
“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables, 1908
Learn how to cultivate empathy and become a more compassionate person.
Anne, on shooting your shot
“Because when you are imagining, you might as well imagine something worthwhile.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables, 1908
Discover the inspiring stories of 10 great Canadian women you didn’t learn about in history class (but should have).
Anne, on being yourself
“In my maturity, I’ve come to the happy, evolutionary opinion that I’m unusual, and I embrace it.” ― Anne With An E, Season 3, 2019
For more uniquely Canadian pearls of wisdom, check out these hilarious Schitt’s Creek quotes.
Marilla Cuthbert, on making a good impression
“You don’t make important visits in kitchen clothes.” ― Anne of Green Gables, film, 1985
Here are 25 relatable and hilarious The Office quotes you can apply to everyday life.
Anne, on the beauty of nature
“Do you know what I think Mayflowers are, Marilla? I think they must be the souls of the flowers that died last summer, and this is their heaven.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables, 1908
Great Aunt Josephine Barry, on keeping your heart open
“Make a little room in your plans for romance again, Anne, girl. All the degrees and scholarships in the world can’t make up for the lack of it.” ― Anne of Green Gables, film, 1985
Check out more great movies that are actually set in Canada..
Anne, on recognizing your worth
“I’m loved now, but when I wasn’t, it didn’t mean I wasn’t worthy of it.” — Anne With An E, Season 3, 2019
Find out how to rebuild self-esteem after your confidence has been shaken.
Anne, on challenging convention
“I’m as strong as a boy, and I prefer to be outdoors rather than cooped up in a kitchen. It doesn’t make sense that girls aren’t allowed to do farm work when girls can do anything a boy can do and more! Do you consider yourself to be delicate and incapable? Because I certainly don’t.” —Anne With An E, Season 1, 2017
You’ll find more motivation in this collection of inspiring Marvel movie quotes.
Matthew Cuthbert, on holding onto whimsy
“Don’t give up all your romance, Anne,” he whispered shyly, “a little bit is a good thing—not too much, of course, but keep a little of it, Anne, keep a little of it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables, 1908
Anne, on savouring everyday pleasures
“I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea, 1909
Don’t miss 50 Downton Abbey quotes to live by.
Mrs. Harrison, on the value of a practical man
“It doesn’t matter if a man does use bad grammar so long as he is a good provider and doesn’t go poking round the pantry to see how much sugar you’ve used in a week.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea, 1909
Anne, on putting up with pessimists
“Have you ever noticed that when people say it is their duty to tell you a certain thing you may prepare for something disagreeable? Why is it that they never seem to think it a duty to tell you the pleasant things they hear about you?” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea, 1909
Here are 10 podcasts for women worth adding to your playlist.
Rachel Lynde, on life’s unexpected moments
“You’re never safe from being surprised till you’re dead.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea, 1909
Anne, on knowing what matters most
“I went looking for my dreams outside of myself and discovered, it’s not what the world holds for you, it’s what you bring to it.” ― Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel, film, 1987
Check out the best feel-good movies on Netflix right now.
Diana Barry, on maintaining a friendship
“I’m not going far away. We’ll love each other just as much as ever. We’ve always kept that ‘oath’ of friendship we swore long ago, haven’t we?” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of the Island, 1915
Gilbert Blythe, on what makes a house a home
“I have a dream,” he said slowly. “I persist in dreaming it, although it has often seemed to me that it could never come true. I dream of a home with a hearth-fire in it, a cat and dog, the footsteps of friends—and you!” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of the Island, 1915
Here are 20 Mad Men quotes that really make you think.
Katherine Brooks, on living life on your own terms
“Life owes me something more than it has paid me and I’m going out to collect it,” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Windy Poplars, 1936
Take a look back at 10 classic TV shows that could only have been made in Canada.
Anne, on avoiding unnecessary stress
“Ah, well, let’s not borrow trouble… the rate of interest is too high.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne’s House of Dreams, 1917
Here’s expert advice on how to embrace your fears and live a more courageous life.
Captain Jim, on a life well lived
“Death grows friendlier as we grow older.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne’s House of Dreams, 1917
Check out the best Canadian movies of all time.
Anne, on the joys of being alone
“Even when I’m alone I have real good company—dreams and imaginations and pretendings. I like to be alone now and then, just to think over things and taste them.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne’s House Of Dreams, 1917
If you enjoyed these Anne of Green Gables quotes, be sure to check out 50 inspirational quotes to live by.
