One-line Quotes from Great Figures That Strike the Heart | A Collection of Words That Leave a Deep Impression

No matter what others say, it doesn’t matter. I am me.Kate Moss (model / United Kingdom)

Metrocity 2019 S/S Campaign #KISSKISS with Kate Moss

Kate Moss, the legendary British model who was especially active in the ’90s.

At a time when the fashion industry favored tall models, she succeeded with a publicly listed height of 170 cm—which isn’t particularly tall—thanks to her own glamorous aura and relatable appeal.

In that sense, you could say she embodied the spirit of “It doesn’t matter what others say.

I am who I am.” In life, it’s hard not to worry about how we’re perceived, but I believe Kate Moss’s words give us the strength not to absolutize others’ gazes or evaluations, and instead to calmly face ourselves and keep doing what we can.

After turning 40, she also said she felt “more comfortable being myself.” I’d like to keep nurturing a mindset that allows me to live true to myself, just like Kate Moss.

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KEI

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Don’t think, feel.Bruce Lee (martial artist / Hong Kong)

Don’t think! Feeeel!

This is a line from Bruce Lee’s signature work, Enter the Dragon.

It’s from the scene where he tries to teach a young man the essence of combat, and the image of Bruce Lee with his hands clasped behind his back is striking.

The quote continues, “It is like a finger pointing to the moon—don’t concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory,” giving it a somewhat philosophical, even Zen-like quality.

Incidentally, Bruce Lee studied philosophy at university.

It’s one of those memorable quotes to recall when you’re feeling lost in life.

Frustration is given only to those who can endure it.Hideki Matsui (baseball player)

The five consecutive intentional walks at Koshien sparked a huge controversy that drew in even people who weren’t interested in baseball.

“It’s not against the rules,” some said.

“No, it’s an ethical issue,” argued others—newspapers were filled with it day after day.

There’s no need to detail Hideki Matsui’s accomplishments after he turned pro; he spent roughly half of his career in the majors, so he was never a figure small enough to be contained within the realm of high school baseball.

Given the World Series MVP, the People’s Honor Award, and the many other accolades he received, it’s not hard to imagine the effort behind them.

You rarely hear negative words from a consummate professional; perhaps that’s exactly why he was able to reach such heights.

These are words to keep close at hand.

The most important things for humans are love and humanity.Chiune Sugihara

He upheld humanitarianism and issued visas for life. [Chiune Sugihara]

During World War II, Chiune Sugihara saved many refugees.

Serving as a Japanese consular official and diplomat, he was called the “Schindler of the East.” One of his famous sayings is, “For human beings, the most important things are love and humanity.” This statement reflects the conviction behind his issuing visas and saving thousands of refugees.

With love, he simply wanted to help the person before him, and that sentiment led to his actions.

Even in times when our hearts are prone to grow desolate, we must learn from these words the importance of caring for others.

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SAKI

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Honesty is the best policy.Hideyo Noguchi

These words teach us that honesty is the most trusted weapon in any situation.

At times we may be tempted to get by with lies or evasions, but in the long run, being sincere works in our favor.

In relationships and at work, it is precisely by being honest that we earn others’ trust.

If you recall this saying when facing difficulties, it will give you the courage to stand firm and confront them without running away.

It’s a straightforward quote that shows living with integrity is the shortest path to success and trust.

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mutō

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Even if my life is a losing battle, I want to fight until the very end.Vincent van Gogh

That’s a very powerful quote.

There probably aren’t many people who choose to fight a losing battle when they know they’ll lose.

No one likes losing, and working hard only to lose is painful.

But it seems Van Gogh wanted to live his life to the very end, even knowing it was a losing battle.

How about you? You never really know if it’s a losing battle until the very end.

Van Gogh wasn’t appreciated during his lifetime, but he became very famous after his death.

Perhaps that’s because he kept believing in himself and lived true to that belief until the end.

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sasashina

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If you think they’re above the clouds, you can’t win, so in a match it’s equal (fair) between us.Sota Fujii

Yoshiharu Habu is also famous in Japan’s shogi world, isn’t he? A memorable quote from an interview after a match with Habu really conveys the feeling of living in the world of competition.

In response to the interviewer who described Habu as “a person above the clouds,” Sota Fujii gave a characteristically Fujii-like reply that became a famous line.

Indeed, when results haven’t yet been achieved, even someone ranked above you is equal.

And if you convince yourself before the battle that your opponent is stronger, you might lose in spirit.

It’s a quote that can be seen as guidance for one’s mindset, directed at people striving toward their goals.

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Nakajima Junko

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