Famous quotes everyone knows, including words from great figures and characters
There are many famous quotes in the world.
Words spoken by renowned historical figures, by those who launched major companies or groundbreaking technologies, and even by popular manga characters—people from all walks of life have left behind words that resonate with our hearts.
In this article, we’ll introduce some of the most well-known quotes among the many out there.
We’ve gathered a variety of sayings: ones that give you strength when you can’t look forward, ones that inspire dreams, and ones that make you reflect on life.
You might find words that bring about a change in your feelings.
Be sure to check them out!
Famous quotes everyone knows. Words from great figures and characters too (1–10)
Genius is an ordinary person who makes an extraordinary effort.Albert Einstein
This is a famous quote left by Albert Einstein, known as a genius physicist.
In this saying, he expresses that there is no such thing as an inborn genius; rather, those who can put in overwhelmingly more effort than others come to be called geniuses.
The fact that someone regarded as a genius left these words suggests that he himself accumulated extraordinary effort.
Among the words of great figures around the world, there are many that speak to the importance of such effort.
My enemy is, for the most part, myself.From Chūya Koyama’s “Space Brothers”
These words appear in Space Brothers, a story that portrays the growth of two siblings aiming to become astronauts and has resonated with many.
It shows that the true wall we face isn’t other people or our environment, but our own doubts and fears.
In studying as well, the reason we stop taking action often lies within ourselves.
When we overcome anxiety about failure and a lack of confidence, we can make great strides forward.
Continuously facing yourself becomes the shortcut to growth.
This quote acknowledges the weaknesses within and gives you the strength to move forward.
Effort is always rewarded. If there is effort that isn’t rewarded, then it can’t yet be called effort.Sadaharu Oh
Sadaharu Oh is a figure who has contributed broadly to the world of baseball as a player, manager, and more, and his many achievements are etched into the sport’s history.
This quote focuses on the relationship between effort and results, and it conveys a vivid sense of the challenges he has taken on.
It expresses the idea that consistent effort will inevitably lead to results, and that as long as results are not yet visible, one has not reached a stage that can truly be called “effort.” These powerful words inspire us to keep working so that we can proudly say we have made efforts that are firmly connected to real outcomes.
I believe that piling up small things is the only way to reach incredible places.Ichiro (Suzuki Ichiro)
These are famous words from Ichiro, known in the baseball world as a person of “effort and perseverance.” The message is that the only way to achieve great results is to build up daily effort.
Hearing this from Ichiro—who has continued to face baseball and set countless records—makes it impossible not to believe it.
It’s something I hope those pursuing dreams and goals will cherish.
It reminds us to stay disciplined: “We must never skip our daily training and move forward steadily, one step at a time.”
If you can dream it, you can do it.Walt Disney
These are the words of Walt Disney, who created numerous Disney works and theme parks such as Disneyland.
In Japanese, they are translated as: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” The message is that by dreaming, you naturally begin to see what you need to do to get there, and if you make the effort to tackle those tasks one by one, your dream can come true.
Precisely because these are the words of Walt Disney—who shaped the dreams he envisioned despite many failures—the importance of having dreams and goals truly comes through.
The word ‘impossible’ exists only in the dictionary of fools.Napoleon Bonaparte
It’s a famous saying attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military leader of the Revolutionary era.
The phrase means that if you’re quick to say “I can’t,” you’ll truly become unable to do it.
It’s said he declared this to a subordinate who answered, “I can’t.” Following this example, if we refrain from saying “I can’t” and keep working toward our goals, we should be able to achieve them.
It’s a phrase worth keeping in mind when pursuing our dreams and goals.
It isn’t the strong who win; those who win are strong.Franz Beckenbauer
These words were spoken by Franz Beckenbauer, who was captain when host nation West Germany won the 1974 World Cup.
In that tournament, the Netherlands’ style of football was drawing worldwide attention, but West Germany defeated them.
With that backdrop, he uttered this line.
It’s a very cool quote that overturned public opinion, proved their strength, and declared that results are everything.