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 your motto: powerful quotes that convey the force of language (51–60)
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.
There is no piece that cannot move forward.Makoto Nakahara
Shogi player Makoto Nakahara, who holds five Lifetime Titles and also served as president of the Japan Shogi Association.
His famous saying, “There is no piece that cannot move forward,” truly reflects the unique perspective of a professional shogi player.
The eight types of pieces used in shogi each have different characteristics, but whether a piece is weak or strong, they all share the ability to move forward.
The message that anyone can make progress regardless of their abilities or circumstances can be a great source of courage for those on the verge of breaking.
It’s a quote to remember before you give up on something.
Words from famous people you'd like to make your motto. Inspiring quotes that convey the power of words (61–70)
To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.Confucius
Confucius, a philosopher from China’s Spring and Autumn period and known as the founder of Confucianism.
His famous saying, “To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage,” means that failing to do what one ought to do as a human being stems from a deficiency of courage.
Even in everyday life, helping those in need is something we naturally should do as people, yet don’t we sometimes pretend not to notice out of embarrassment or similar feelings? This saying reminds us of the reality that there are people who could be saved if only we mustered the courage.
If you have no failures in life, you fail at life.Shigeta Saitō
Known by the nickname “Mota-san,” psychiatrist Shigeta Saito was also active as an essayist and public speaker.
His famous saying, “If you have no failures in life, you will fail in life,” is a message that warns us about the pitfalls of perfectionism.
No one wants to fail, and we tend to think that piling up only successes will make us happy.
However, if we keep pushing forward without ever experiencing failure, our hearts may break when we face difficulties we’ve never encountered before.
This quote reminds us that those who accumulate all kinds of experiences—knowing both success and failure—are the ones who ultimately succeed.
Only by living desperately does one’s life shine.Oda Nobunaga
Lord Oda Nobunaga, a warlord counted among the Three Unifiers of the Sengoku period for his innovative political methods.
From his famous saying, “It is only by living desperately that one’s life shines,” we can truly sense the very essence of Oda Nobunaga’s life.
Not only should we act energetically with dreams and goals, but it is by throwing ourselves wholeheartedly into the act of living itself that our lives gain profound meaning.
This message teaches us that such a way of living becomes the proof that we truly lived and allows us to create a life uniquely our own, unlike anyone else’s.