Anne Shirley is one of literature’s most beloved characters created by Lucy Maud Montgomery because of her vivid imagination, passionate heart, and unforgettable way with words. From her love of big ideas to her poetic view of the world, Anne teaches us how to embrace life fully and speak boldly. In this post, we explore seven of Anne’s most memorable quotes, diving into their meaning and why they continue to inspire readers of all ages.
1. “I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
Chapter: 16
The OG. The all-time favourite. Anne says this to Marilla while walking through the woods, utterly enchanted by the autumn colours. This quote shows Anne’s ability to romanticise the everyday (something I always strive to get better at!) , her deep connection to nature, and her poetic soul. It reminds us to appreciate simple beauty — something Anne NEVER overlooks. We love Anne because she finds wonder in the world, no matter how small or seasonal. It’s her sense of awe that draws us in and we come back to this quote time and time again.
I love this quote that much that we designed a custom-made wax melt mould for our bookish business. Check it out here if you love this October's quote as much as I do Back in stock this autumn!
2. “Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”
Chapter: 21
Anne says this after one of her many, many mishaps (why we love her, right?) In this case, accidentally dyeing her hair green. It’s her way of staying hopeful. This quote is optimistic, forgiving, and full of childlike resilience that adults can so often lose. We love Anne here because even when things go wrong, she chooses hope over self-pity. She teaches us about redemption through imagination and intention and just helps us to see the glass a little more half full then empty. Anne, you're a doll.
Love this quote as much as we do? Coming VERY soon to our bookish wax melt range. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to shop!
3. “Dear old world, you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you.”
Chapter: 33
Anne says this after a significant emotional journey; losing Matthew and almost losing Green Gables. It’s a moment of gratitude, despite hardship and adversity and it's a really touching sentiment. This quote is deeply touching because she’s grown through her grief, and yet she still sees beauty around her. We love Anne here because her gratitude and resilience are profound. Even in sorrow, she chooses love for life itself and I find her totally inspirational. What a role model.
4. “Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think.”
Chapter: 19
Anne says this to Diana, reflecting on how she once felt alone but has since found true friendship. This quote speaks to the human longing for connection and the joy of finding someone who truly gets us. We love Anne here because her openness to love and friendship makes her completely magnetic. She reminds us to believe that our people are out there...you just have to find them. I do love this gentle reminder about the importance of friendship.
Love this quote? Coming VERY soon to our Anne range of bookish wax melts!
5. “It's been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.”
Chapter: 10
Anne says this while trying to make the best of a situation (again, something I definitely need to work on...) It totally captures her core philosophy and the reason I admire her SO much. This quote is about mindset; a little message that resonates for us all, and a huge reason why this classic is passed on from generation to generation. We love Anne here because she’s a master at reframing life with imagination and positivity. She makes even drudgery feel enchanted and I think we can all learn something from that.
6. “Because when you are imagining, you might as well imagine something worthwhile.”
Chapter: 1
Anne says this to Matthew on their first carriage ride to Green Gables. She’s explaining why she dreams so extravagantly...if you’re going to dream, dream big. I love this quote. This quote is Anne’s manifesto on imagination; she doesn’t just use it to escape, but to elevate life itself and this is just a gorgeous concept. It's why I re-read the book each year, not just for Anne's stunning depictions of nature, but her mindset- it's awe-inspiring. We love Anne here because from the very first chapter, she invites us into her richly imagined world and you just love her straight away. Her dreams are bold, beautiful, and unashamed... and she gives us permission to dream, too.
7. “People laugh at me because I use big words. But if you have big ideas, you have to use big words to express them, haven’t you?”
Chapter: 13
Anne says this to defend her love of using elaborate vocabulary, explaining that her big ideas deserve big words. Couldn't have put it any better- knowledge is key! It’s a proud assertion of her intellect and imagination and a celebration of who she is and it's so unapologetic and I am SO here for it. We love this quote because it highlights Anne’s confidence and refusal to shrink herself to fit in. It encourages us to embrace our voices and reminds us that language is a powerful way to express complex thoughts. We love Anne here because she’s unapologetically herself, bold in her dreams and expression, and inspires us to do the same. She's one of my favourite literary characters of all time and will continue to inspire me each and ever year.
These seven unforgettable quotes from Anne of Green Gables celebrate imagination, resilience, friendship, and the beauty of being unapologetically yourself. Is your favourite quote here?
Love bookish quotes and need a gift for a book-lover?
Explore our Anne-inspired wax melts among other stunning literary classics such as Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott, Bram Stoker and many more bookshelf accessories, and more at Shelfaware.co.uk
Our Christmas Collection of Anne quotes re-launching this November.
Lottie x
