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)
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.
Words from famous people you'd want as your motto: powerful quotes that convey the force of language (51–60)
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.
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.
Victory comes to those who are most patient.Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon Bonaparte, the military leader who restored order after the French Revolution and was crowned Emperor of the First French Empire.
His famous quote, “Victory belongs to the most persevering,” literally conveys the importance of enduring.
No matter how talented or capable you are, without opportunity you cannot grasp glory.
And many people fail to wait until that opportunity arrives, letting it slip away.
This quote teaches us that the patience needed to watch for the right timing and circumstances is the true key to success.
The goddess of fate favors those who act boldly.Niccolò Machiavelli
Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian political thinker known for advocating a realist political theory that politics should be considered separately from religion and morality.
His famous saying, “Fortune favors the bold,” can give us courage to face challenges.
Those who do nothing will never encounter opportunities, but taking action brings change and progress—doesn’t it? It’s a message I hope people who lack confidence in their initiative will adopt as a personal motto.
Even if you’re knocked down 99 times, all you need is to stand up the 100th time.Vincent van Gogh
As a painter representing the Post-Impressionists, the Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh is still beloved around the world for his works today.
The quote, “Even if you’re knocked down 99 times, it’s enough to stand up the 100th,” evokes the dramatic life he led.
The message—that you haven’t lost unless you think you have, and that if you can smile in the end, you’ve won—can be a salvation for those on the verge of breaking.
It’s a maxim that, if adopted as a personal motto, will surely strengthen the heart.