Hans Christian Andersen, who stayed close to children’s hearts and continued to convey life’s truths through the world of fairy tales.
The words of the man who created numerous masterpieces such as “The Little Mermaid” and “The Little Match Girl” possess a mysterious charm woven from gentleness and sorrow.
His famous sayings—embracing love and hope, and at times cruelty—are filled with profound insights that resonate with those of us living today.
In this article, we present a selection of Andersen’s treasured words.
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Discover life's treasures through Andersen's famous quotes: the children's author's gems (1–10)
Human beings, even when they are in the depths of misfortune, sometimes put on quite a show to save face.Hans Christian Andersen
The saying, “Even when people are in the depths of misfortune, they often put on a great show of pride,” may resonate with many of us.
No matter how unhappy we are, there are times when we don’t want to show weakness to others and end up acting tough.
Whether that’s good or bad is another matter, but the way pride gets in the way and makes things even harder might be a human tendency that hasn’t changed since the time of Hans Christian Andersen.
There is no demon other than the one we carry within our own hearts.Hans Christian Andersen
The saying “There are no demons except those we harbor in our own hearts” delivers a message that forces us to confront our own weaknesses.
In Japan, we have the phrase “ma ga sashita” (a momentary lapse), but it doesn’t mean that a real demon exists and made us do something against our will.
Rather, it teaches that the ‘demon’ is nothing more than our own frail heart that cannot overcome temptation or laziness.
It is a quote that urges us not to blame our failures on some unknowable force, but to keep our hearts strong.
People can climb no matter how high the place is; however, it requires determination and confidence.Hans Christian Andersen
The saying, “A person can climb to any height, but it requires determination and confidence,” conveys a message about human potential and the importance of resolve.
Even with something like climbing a tree, the act of climbing itself isn’t that difficult, but you have to think about going higher and also about how you’ll get back down afterward.
Still, if you have confidence and a clear sense of judgment, it suggests that anyone can go as far as they wish.
It’s a quote that people with dreams and goals should especially know.
Human beings almost always view the world through the tinted lenses of their emotions, and depending on the color of those lenses, the outside world can appear pitch-black or deep crimson.Hans Christian Andersen
From the famous saying, “Human beings almost always look at the world through the tinted lenses of emotion, and depending on the color of those lenses, the outside world can appear either pitch-black or deep crimson,” we can sense that human perception remains unchanged across eras.
Indeed, even when we look at the same thing, it appears beautiful when our spirits are high, and dark when we are feeling down.
Because our mindset and emotions can change how people and scenery appear to us, we must be careful; this saying teaches us that, with a shift in perspective, we can become either happy or unhappy.
The whole world is a chain of miracles, but we’ve grown so accustomed to it that we’ve come to call it ordinary.Hans Christian Andersen
The quote, “The whole world is a chain of miracles, but we’ve grown so accustomed to it that we call it ordinary,” reminds us of something important that’s easy to forget in any era.
Even today, despite the outcry over environmental destruction, we don’t stop it; many of us take for granted things that seem fine—like showing gratitude or respect to the people who stay by our side.
If we could realize that both the world maintaining its form and our human relationships holding together are miracles, it suggests that society could move in a better direction.
Shouldn’t every one of us on Earth give others the best we have and offer whatever we hold in our hands?Hans Christian Andersen
From the quote, “Shouldn’t each of us here on Earth give others the very best we have and offer whatever lies within our grasp?”, we can learn the precious value of people helping one another as we live in the same place.
A mindset of caring only for oneself will never end conflict or harm.
When those with wisdom, those with strength—each person—gives freely of what they can, it reminds us that the entire Earth, including humanity, can move in a better direction.
Even livestock know when it is time to leave the pasture, but a foolish person does not know the limits of their appetite.Hans Christian Andersen
“Even livestock know when it is time to leave the pasture, but a foolish person does not know the limits of their appetite.” This saying makes us reflect on how bottomless human desire can be.
Non-human animals prioritize survival above all and thus instinctively understand their own death.
Humans, however, face fewer threats to their lives, and precisely because of that, we can be swallowed by desire and, before we know it, lose our sense of danger.
It’s a quote that makes me feel as though our dignity as human beings is being called into question.