Words from famous people that I’d like to adopt as my motto. Inspiring quotes that convey the power of words.
Just like the many great figures who have left their mark on history, celebrities—such as singers, actors, comedians, and athletes—have also left behind a variety of memorable quotes.
In this article, we introduce words spoken by such celebrities that you may want to adopt as your personal motto.
We’ve gathered not only words they offered to those in distress, but also phrases they voiced to spur themselves on.
You’ll surely be moved by the words of people who have overcome countless hardships and continued to strive.
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Words from famous people you’d want as a motto. Inspiring quotes that convey the power of words (41–50)
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.Abraham Lincoln
In the United States, the politician Abraham Lincoln is known as the “greatest president in history.” His famous words, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” carry special weight precisely because he overcame the challenges of abolishing slavery and the threat of national division.
The message that even the steepest path will open up if you hold fast to your will also implies, conversely, that without will, you cannot move forward.
This quote teaches us that without our own intention and action, nothing will not only succeed, but won’t even begin.
Words from famous people you'd want as your motto: powerful quotes that convey the force of language (51–60)
It’s hope and confidence that make things happen.Helen Keller
Helen Keller was an American author who, despite losing her sight and hearing shortly after birth, was active as a disability rights advocate, political activist, and public speaker.
Her famous quote, “Optimism and self-confidence are what make things happen,” quite literally emphasizes the importance of having hope and believing in yourself.
When we set big dreams or goals, many of us may feel discouraged by the long journey ahead and give up.
This message teaches us that first embracing hope and confidence—and carrying them through to the end—is essential for accomplishing great feats.
Excellent people quietly cultivate themselves and nurture their virtue.Zhuge Kongming
Zhuge Kongming, a statesman who was active from the late Eastern Han to the Three Kingdoms period and renowned as a genius strategist, is also remembered for his integrity and moral character.
His famous saying, “The virtuous cultivate themselves quietly and nurture their virtue,” reflects his philosophy.
It suggests that truly outstanding people neither boast of their abilities nor become arrogant; instead, they steadily refine themselves.
This message remains a timeless truth even today.
It’s a memorable quote, well worth adopting as a personal motto.
I want to turn both the reality of the good and the reality of the bad into nourishment for what comes next.Naoko Takahashi
Former track and field athlete Naoko Takahashi, known as the gold medalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the first woman in Japanese sports to receive the People’s Honor Award.
Her famous quote, “I want to turn both the reality of good things and the reality of bad things into nourishment for what comes next,” is quintessential Takahashi, whose radiant smile stood out even through the rigors of competitive life.
If we can turn everything that happens to us into power, we should be able to keep growing.
It’s a positive saying that encourages viewing both the good and the bad in a constructive light.
In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity.Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein, a theoretical physicist hailed as the greatest of the 20th century, left behind numerous achievements.
The famous quote, “In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity,” is a message that perhaps only Einstein—who fundamentally transformed the way physics was understood at the time—could deliver.
Avoiding difficulty isn’t inherently bad, but when avoidance leads to stagnation, choosing to confront challenges can reveal things we couldn’t see before.
This quote teaches us that precisely in the places everyone tends to avoid lies the chance to reach what no one else has achieved.
It’s never too late to become the person you wanted to be.George Eliot
George Eliot, a prominent Victorian author known for works rich in psychological insight and realism.
Her famous quote, “It is never too late to be what you might have been,” carries a message that reminds us of ideals we were about to give up on.
As we grow older, we tend to let go of our dreams and ideals.
However, she teaches us that if we truly desire it and put in the effort, we can become the person we wanted to be at any time.
This is a recommended quote for those who need the courage to take the first step.
Today is the first day of the rest of your life.Charles Dederich
Charles Dederich, founder of Synanon, an organization established in the United States to help people with drug addiction.
The famous quote, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life,” is a message that looks to the future rather than the past.
The idea that every day is full of opportunities to be reborn carries particular weight precisely because it comes from Dederich, who dedicated himself to supporting people struggling with addiction.
Thanks to its positivity, it’s a great quote to adopt as a personal motto.