Encouraging quotes for when you're feeling down. Words that give you the strength to rise again.
I messed up at work, I got a bad grade on a test, I had a fight with a friend…
When we’re living our lives, there are bound to be times when we feel down.
In this article, we’ll introduce famous quotes we hope you’ll read when you’re feeling low.
We’ve gathered words that offer meaning to failure, encourage you by saying there’s no need to be discouraged, and remind you to cherish yourself—messages that can lift you up from many different angles.
When you want some gentle words of encouragement, be sure to check these out!
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Quotes that lift you up when you’re feeling down: words that give you the strength to rise (31–40)
No matter how deeply your heart is filled with sorrow, if you keep believing, the dream you wish for will come true.Cinderella 'Cinderella'
Even in ordinary life, there are times when we face hardships or feel sad.
Students struggling with exams or people dealing with unexpected problems at work may relate.
Without a ray of hope, some might feel like shutting down.
At times like these, Cinderella’s words—showing how she stayed positive and overcame even the toughest days—can help you find a hopeful mindset, too.
Perhaps it’s precisely because these words come from the adorable Cinderella that they linger in our hearts.
You fool, why are you so down? If it’s no good, then it’s no good—so be it.Sachiyo Nomura
Sachiyo Nomura, who was active in a wide range of fields, appeared on many television programs and also published books.
Her straightforward way of speaking, free of falsehoods, captivated many people and at times gave them courage.
One of her famous quotes is: “Don’t be silly—why are you so down? If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work, and that’s fine.” These words teach us the importance of trying anything without fear of failure and of accepting what is right in front of us.
They are words that gently nudge you forward when you’re struggling.
The greater the soul, the deeper the anguish.Ango Sakaguchi
Ango Sakaguchi was one of Japan’s leading writers who lived through the prewar and postwar eras.
In his representative work, the essay “On Decadence,” he writes in provocative terms about Japanese culture and Western civilization.
One of Sakaguchi’s famous sayings is that the greater the soul, the deeper its anguish.
This means that by understanding the essential depths of human nature, finding one’s own challenges, and striving to resolve them, a person gains greater depth as a human being.
To be troubled is not a bad thing; it is a profoundly human thing.
Beyond the worries you face now, there may be something that leads to great growth.
There’s no need to look back. There are countless paths ahead of you.Lu Xun
Lu Xun, a Chinese novelist also known as the “father of modern Chinese literature.” His work “My Old Home” appears in Japanese textbooks, so some of you may recognize his name.
Many people find encouragement in this famous quote he left behind.
At times, we can’t move forward because we’re trapped by past failures.
But that’s exactly when you should remember these words: As long as you keep moving, the road will open.
Even if you fail, don’t be overly discouraged—try to keep moving toward the future.
You must not mistake a single defeat for a decisive one.F. Scott Fitzgerald
F.
Scott Fitzgerald, the American author best known for The Great Gatsby, continued to engrave human frailty and beauty into literature even as he cycled through triumph and failure.
His words speak gently to those whose hearts are on the verge of breaking under the weight of defeat.
At times, a single failure can make it feel as though everything has ended.
But perhaps it is only a passing point in life.
Even if you stop or turn back, the road continues as long as you don’t give up.
These are words that quietly nudge you forward—giving your gaze the strength to face ahead once more.
So what if you failed? Learn from the failure and try again.Walt Disney
Walt Disney created numerous characters, including Mickey Mouse, and had a profound impact on the world of entertainment.
Among the many sayings left by this great entertainer, this one focuses on trying again after failure.
Everyone feels discouraged when faced with failure, but instead of giving up, it tells us that it’s important to learn from the experience and try again.
It’s a message that inspires the courage to stand up, reminding us that repeated attempts lead to success.
If you truly fought for what is right, there’s no shame in losing.Katherine Anne Porter
Katherine Anne Porter, an American political activist who worked across a wide range of fields as a journalist, essayist, short story writer, novelist, and poet.
Her message, “If you’ve fought truly for the right thing, there is no shame in losing,” may sustain us even when we face unwanted outcomes.
Not only in struggles but also when we act on our convictions, results don’t always follow.
Outcomes matter, of course, but what truly counts is what we were striving for; this famous quote teaches us that if we gave our all, there is no need to regret the result—even if it is a disappointing one.
Success and failure are not the end. What matters is the courage to keep going.Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II, and his determination to lead without losing hope in harsh circumstances has inspired many people.
There is a famous quote by Winston Churchill: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” It means that success is not the goal, and failing is not a reason to give up.
Persisting without being swayed by any situation leads to personal growth.
It’s a quote that gives us courage when we struggle with studying, work, and other challenges.
I’m not interested in where you stumbled. I’m concerned with how you rise from it.Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln, who also served as President of the United States, is known for his efforts to abolish slavery.
There’s a famous quote by this figure, often called the “Great Emancipator” and the “Father of Emancipation,” that focuses on the act of rising after failure.
It pushes back against society’s tendency to fixate on failure and powerfully asserts that true value lies in getting back up.
It conveys a strong message of encouragement: even if you fail, don’t give up—stand up again and again and keep challenging yourself.
To look squarely at yourself as you are—that is strength.Taro Okamoto
Taro Okamoto, who flourished as an artist, drew attention for his eccentric style—exemplified by the Tower of the Sun—and for the phrase “Art is an explosion.” This quote by the great artist, who won popularity from many angles, expresses a steadfast commitment to being true to oneself.
In everyday life, we tend to worry about how others see us.
Within that context, being able to reflect on who you truly are is presented as a sign of strength.
It suggests that, at times, squarely facing the values you hold within can give you the courage to move forward.