Quotations to include in words of farewell: moving messages from great figures
Many of you may be thinking of offering heartfelt parting words to someone important before you say goodbye.
Even the great figures who left their mark on history shared moving words at moments of departure.
In this article, we introduce a collection of heartwarming quotes perfect for those precious moments before parting.
Alongside your own words, these gems left by great individuals will gently encourage those setting off on their journey.
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Famous quotes to include in words of farewell: moving messages from great figures (1–10)
Humans don’t lose when they’re defeated; they lose when they quit.Richard Nixon
Richard Nixon, an American politician who climbed the ranks from U.S.
Representative and U.S.
Senator to Vice President, ultimately becoming the 37th President.
His famous quote, “A man is not finished when he is defeated.
He is finished when he quits,” carries a compelling resonance with his political life.
In life, there may be times when we fight and lose to someone, but as long as we don’t give up, we can keep pursuing our dreams—this is a message we’d want to offer as words of encouragement.
It’s a quote to give not only to those embarking on a new chapter, but also to those who feel defeated and are on the verge of giving up right now.
There’s no need to look back. There are countless paths ahead of you.Lu Xun
Lu Xun, a Chinese-born thinker who was also active as a novelist and translator, has works included in Japanese language textbooks.
His famous quote, “There’s no need to look back—there are countless paths ahead of you,” is a perfect message for anyone embarking on a new chapter.
Events that have already happened in the past tend to remain vivid in our hearts and can constrain our minds and actions.
Yet because the future holds infinite possibilities, this quote encourages us to renew our spirit and keep moving forward.
Think carefully. But when the time comes to act, stop thinking and move forward.Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon Bonaparte, a hero of the revolutionary era and the military leader who established a military dictatorship as Emperor of the First French Empire.
His famous quote, “Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action comes, stop thinking and go in,” teaches us the process necessary to achieve something, doesn’t it? If you rush ahead without thought, you’ll encounter many failures; if you overthink and never act, nothing will change.
The message—think carefully about what’s necessary, then charge forward with all your might—serves as an encouraging send-off to anyone heading into a new world.
It’s a perfect parting maxim, made all the more persuasive coming from a revolutionary.
Quotations to include in words of farewell: Inspiring messages from great figures (11–20)
Anyone who follows their own path is a hero.Hermann Hesse
Hermann Hesse, a writer who produced many works depicting a gentle way of life and who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
His famous quote, “Anyone who follows their own path is a hero,” is a message that gives a push to those setting out on a new journey, isn’t it? No matter what you aim for or what kind of life you choose to lead, these words affirm that anyone who follows the path they have chosen is a hero, and many people may find courage in that.
It’s an uplifting quote that I recommend as a send-off message, one that can save the heart.
Unless you try building a tall tower, a new horizon won’t come into view.Junichiro Kawaguchi
Junichiro Kawaguchi, an aerospace engineer who also served as director of the Secretariat of the Strategic Headquarters for Space Policy in the Cabinet Secretariat, once said, “Unless you try to build a tall tower, you won’t see a new horizon.” This famous quote emphasizes the importance of continuing to grow.
People can only focus on what they can see from their current vantage point and cannot imagine beyond that.
However, when we accomplish something, a new landscape opens up, and our dreams and goals evolve.
It’s a message that encourages those setting off on a new path and teaches an important way of thinking.
It’s never too late to set your aspirations.Stanley Baldwin
Stanley Baldwin, a British businessman who served as a Conservative politician and held multiple ministerial posts, served as prime minister three times in 1923.
His famous quote, “It is never too late to be what you might have been,” likely resonates all the more with those who have grown older.
Society often prizes youthful energy, and it’s not uncommon to be written off as no longer useful once you pass a certain age.
Yet he reminds us that it’s always the right time in life to set an aspiration.
Younger generations might not fully grasp this yet, but it’s a message I’d like to offer as words of encouragement for the day when it will make sense to them.
In life, you have to make up your own mind and see it through.Taro Okamoto
Taro Okamoto, the artist who served as producer of the theme exhibitions at the 1970 World Exposition and is also known for creating the Tower of the Sun.
His famous quote, “Life is something you must resolve to live and carry through yourself,” conveys the importance of making up your mind.
We are all, to some extent, swayed by the words and actions of those around us.
However, unless we think and act for ourselves, we may lose sight of whose life we are living.
It is a message not to be forgotten—one I would like you to pass on as words of encouragement.