A collection of quotes from people of the past: messages from famous military commanders and great figures of the world.
Famous Japanese military commanders and world-renowned great figures have left behind many memorable quotes over the course of long history.
In this article, we’ll introduce quotes from such figures of the past!
Among the sayings they left us are words that inspire people living today, expressions that convey stern strength, and insights that can serve as hints when taking action—each filled with various sentiments.
When you’re unsure about something in life or facing a moment that makes you feel like giving up, please take a look at the quotes we introduce.
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Collection of quotes from historical figures: Messages from famous warlords and globally renowned greats (11–20)
There is no such word as ‘impossible’ in my dictionary.Napoleon Bonaparte
It’s a famous quote by Napoleon Bonaparte that even small children know.
It’s a saying only Napoleon—who pushed forward with the spirit of “if you try, you can do it”—could have left us, and I think it teaches the importance of taking on challenges without assuming something is impossible from the start.
Napoleon also left many other famous quotes, such as “A leader is a dealer in hope.” If you’re feeling a bit short on courage or energy, definitely take them to heart!
Boys, be ambitious.William Smith Clark
At a predecessor of Hokkaido University, Dr.
William S.
Clark taught the most up-to-date American agriculture.
Because of his achievements, he came to be known as the “Father of Hokkaido’s Development.” When visiting Sapporo, many people strike the same pose as Dr.
Clark’s statue and take a commemorative photo.
Perhaps, thinking of agriculture on the vast American mainland, far larger than Hokkaido, Dr.
Clark hoped his Japanese students would study with ever-greater enthusiasm—“more, more.” Not only boys but girls, and adults too, need aspiration.
This is one of those famous sayings to remember when you lose your way in life.
We make a living by what we get, but we make a true life by what we give.Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill of the United Kingdom, who moved from a military career into politics, held various posts, served as Prime Minister, and also flourished as a writer.
The words he left behind express what a true life is.
They carry the message that while we must work and earn in order to make a living, we must give to others in order to make a life.
The key to enriching our lives is not only to gain things for ourselves, but to become able to give something to others.
These are words to cherish for living better and making life richer.
Those who plan for the long term prosper; those who focus only on the near term grow poor.Ninomiya Sontoku
Sontoku Ninomiya, also known as Kinjiro Ninomiya, was a figure from the Edo period.
He advocated the Hōtoku philosophy and devoted himself to the revitalization of rural villages.
Here is a saying he taught while working on rural restoration.
A “person who plans for the distant future” is someone who can look ahead, while a “person who plans for the near term” refers to someone fixated on immediate gains and unable to think beyond them.
In the passage that follows this saying, examples of “planning for the distant future” include sowing seeds in spring to harvest in autumn and planting cedar trees that will grow splendidly a hundred years from now.
This way of thinking remains very important even today.
If you want to become someone irreplaceable, you mustn’t just do the same things as everyone else.Coco Chanel
Coco Chanel, who thrived as a fashion designer and remained one until her later years, is said to have paid attention to everything surrounding women—jewelry, haute couture, handbags, and more.
In particular, Chanel No.
5 feels like a product that embodies her very essence.
Her words, which continue to captivate women to this day, gently advise us: “It’s no good doing the same as everyone else.” The moment you think, “I want to copy that successful person and become successful too,” you’ve already lost something.
If you’re thinking of starting something new, keep her words close to your heart.
Show them how, explain it, let them try, and praise them—otherwise people won’t take action.Isoroku Yamamoto
Isoroku Yamamoto, a military officer who led the Navy and commanded operations such as those in the Pacific War.
These words embody insights unique to someone like him, who led many subordinates and carried out numerous operations.
When motivating people, you must first set an example yourself, then explain it in detail, have the other person try it, and if it goes well, you must praise them.
He said that unless you do this, people will not follow you.
These words reveal Yamamoto’s character, showing how he likely earned his subordinates’ trust through careful instruction.
Truly kind people also say tough things, because they know that coddling someone won’t do them any good.Yūsai Hosokawa
Yūsai Hosokawa, a military commander who lived during the Sengoku period and was known as a man of culture.
His words carry the message that friendship is not merely about staying by someone’s side.
Precisely because you truly care about the other person, there are times when you must speak harsh truths.
Even if you know that one remark might make you disliked, you cannot stay silent when you think about the person’s future.
Indulgence may offer temporary comfort, but in the long run it may not be in their best interest.
Yūsai’s words teach us that such resolve is the essence of real kindness: not only offering support, but also guiding someone in the right direction.
They quietly tell us that being such a presence is what it means to be a truly important friend.
If you have a clear dream and a clear goal, the path will surely open up.Mahatma Gandhi

These are the words of Mahatma Gandhi, who, no matter how many times he was imprisoned, upheld nonviolent civil disobedience and led the people toward India’s independence.
This quote gives courage to everyone living and helps them take the first step toward their dreams and goals.
Achieving your dreams and purpose is not an easy journey.
However, if you hold fast to how you want to live and what you want to do, and put in the effort, the path will surely open.
A strong heart that does not give up will become a great force that leads to your future.
No matter how much we study and how diligent we are, things sometimes don’t go well. This is because the time is not yet ripe, so we must all the more encourage ourselves and endure.Eiichi Shibusawa
These are words left by Eiichi Shibusawa, whose portrait was also chosen for the 10,000-yen bill.
No matter how earnestly you pile up your efforts, there are times when things don’t go well.
However, that’s because the time isn’t ripe yet; his teaching is that you must encourage yourself and push through further.
In other words, it means to keep working without giving up until the time is right.
When you experience failure despite your efforts, it’s easy to give up then and there, but if the timing aligns, things should go well.
Let’s keep at it without losing heart until that moment arrives.
Let those who wish to leave, leave.Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great, monarch of the Kingdom of Macedon, one of the empires of ancient Greece.
Often called one of the most successful military commanders in history, Alexander the Great left behind numerous famous sayings.
Among them, this short yet resolute quote was addressed to the many soldiers who were exhausted by the long campaign.
It conveys the meaning: let those who wish to leave, leave; even if our numbers are few, we will continue the campaign with those who still have the will to fight.


