For exam-takers! A collection of quotes that become profound and interesting once you understand their meaning
Are you unsure what to say to friends or younger classmates who are tense during exam season? Serious messages are great, but sometimes you want to help them relax with a lighthearted, funny encouragement that brings a little smile.
In fact, many great figures and popular characters have left us with memorable, humorous quotes.
In this article, we’ll introduce quotes from historical figures and characters that are perfect for cheering on exam-takers—lines filled with humor and warmth that become even funnier when you catch the meaning.
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- If you know them, they might become beacons that light your life’s path: a collection of memorable quotes.
For Exam-Takers! A Collection of Quotes That Become Deep and Fascinating Once You Understand Their Meaning (11–20)
Study is the gradual discovery of one’s own ignorance.William Durant
Will Durant, who made his mark in America as a historian and philosopher, is also remembered for helping to popularize philosophy.
Here is a famous quote by this great philosopher—whose career as a teacher is also often recounted—that focuses on the question of why we study.
He argues that studying is the process of discovering and resolving what we did not know, and that its purpose is to help us grow beyond our own ignorance.
These are words that are worth revisiting precisely when you feel stuck in your studies, reminding you of the joy of broadening and deepening your knowledge.
Even if someone else is better than you, that is not a disgrace. But if you are not better this year than you were last year, that is truly a disgrace.John Lubbock
John Lubbock, who was active in nineteenth-century Europe with a focus on Britain, left achievements in finance and archaeology.
The scholar—said to have influenced Japan in the Meiji era—left a famous quote about what we should compare ourselves to.
It speaks to those who suffer by comparing themselves to others, saying that the only comparison that truly matters is between one’s past and present self, and that we should feel ashamed only if we are not better than we were before.
It encourages us to first assess our current situation clearly and focus solely on becoming a better version of ourselves—offering a cue to shift our mindset.
Those who cannot fight for the present have no right to talk about next time or next year.Roberto Baggio
Roberto Baggio, who made his mark as a soccer player in Italy, drew attention not only for his athletic achievements but also for his charitable work for peace.
This is a famous quote from a player whose attitude reflects standing by others, speaking about the importance of fighting to survive in the present.
While effort is often associated with working toward the future, he argues that what truly matters is to battle wholeheartedly in the time we call “now.” Before talking about the future, we should focus on enriching our current situation; thinking about the future can come after.
These are words that encourage us to give our all in the present.
The word “give up” doesn’t exist in Shinji Ishimaru’s dictionary.Shinji Ishimaru
These are the words Mr.
Shinji Ishimaru spoke right after the Tokyo gubernatorial election results came in, laying out how he intends to move forward from here.
They express a resolve to devote his life to progress, insisting that this is no time to give up if we are to change a Japan facing daunting challenges.
The phrasing seems consciously reminiscent of Napoleon’s words, which is noteworthy, and it conveys an attitude of aiming to accomplish something monumental—akin to a revolution.
While declaring his own refusal to give up, he also seems to teach people the importance of not giving up.
Beneath mud and earth lies solid rock; above clouds and mist shines the sun. At the height of discontent, there is still fortune, nor is hope absent.Kanzo Uchimura
I would like to introduce a famous saying by Kanzo Uchimura: “Beneath the mud lies bedrock; above the clouds and mist shines the sun.
Even at the height of complaint, happiness and hope are not absent.” Kanzo Uchimura was a Christian thinker active in the Meiji era.
Disasters can bring many hardships.
At such times, Uchimura left words he hoped we would remember.
It is said to mean that even when times are painful and difficult now, a stable and bright future surely awaits beyond.
He likens difficult situations to mud, and the bedrock represents the strength within us that lies beneath these serious problems.
Furthermore, he tells us that even when we feel or voice complaints, happiness and hope still exist.
Life brings all kinds of experiences, doesn’t it? Even so, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining a positive outlook.
It takes time for effort to show results. Many people get bored, lose their way, and give up before then.Henry Ford
Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor, is also called the king of automobiles because of his track record of leaving behind mass-production techniques.
Here is a famous quote from this great entrepreneur, who had a profound impact on future generations of technology, focusing on how far one should continue to persevere.
It conveys the reality that it takes time for effort to become visible as results, and it tells us that those who do not give up during that long period are the ones who achieve great success.
Even when you don’t feel you’re getting the results you hoped for, these words encourage you to keep working without giving up.
People stumble their way toward success.Mary Kay Ash
Mary Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, is remembered not only for her achievements but also for her commitment to empowering women in business.
This quote, from someone with a career that exemplifies the life of a strong woman, expresses a spirit of challenge.
On the path to success, you are bound to stumble at times; yet it tells us that those who get back up and keep moving forward are the ones who ultimately succeed.
The very fact that you’ve stumbled means you are walking toward success—words that help us view difficulties in a positive light.
Those who make an effort do not necessarily succeed. However, those who have succeeded have certainly made an effort.Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven, a German composer who left behind numerous masterpieces, is a historic figure often called a “musical saint.” Even people who aren’t well-versed in music know of this great musician.
The quote he left, which speaks to the relationship between effort and results, tells us that although not all effort is rewarded, if we don’t keep trying, we won’t even grasp the slightest chance—that it’s important to move forward without giving up.
Even if the possibility is small, these words embolden us to believe in ourselves and keep making an effort.
When you give it your all, you find wisdom; when you do things halfway, you complain; when you’re careless, you make excuses.Takeda Shingen
Takeda Shingen, who served as the military governor of Kai Province around present-day Yamanashi, wielded such power that he was feared by those around him as a Sengoku warlord.
This is a famous quote left by that great general—also known as a master strategist—that speaks to the importance of committing yourself earnestly.
It tells us that the quality of our words changes depending on how seriously we confront things, and that the wisdom gained through wholehearted effort is what leads to results.
These words may prompt us to reflect on our own speech and actions and consider whether we are truly giving our all.
If you’re wondering who has decided that it can’t be done, it’s yourself. Other people don’t decide that for you.Akira Takada
Here’s a famous quote from Akira Takata, the founder of Japanet Takata.
Many of us have probably felt in daily life that “people think I can’t do it.” This is something to remember at such times.
The feeling of “I can’t” may not be something others are imposing on you, but rather a belief you’ve convinced yourself of.
By thinking “I can’t,” you might also be missing your own opportunities.
Precisely because we don’t know what will succeed, this quote encourages us to challenge ourselves.
