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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Inspiring quotes to lift you up when you’re feeling down: words that give you the strength to rise (21–30)
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.
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.
Just because you failed once doesn’t mean everything is a failure.Marilyn Monroe
Despite an active career of only about ten years, the American actor Marilyn Monroe is still known across generations for her impact.
Her famous quote, “Just because you fail once doesn’t mean you’re going to fail at everything,” is one we’d like to dedicate to everyone with dreams and goals.
Many people, after experiencing failure, tend to feel deeply discouraged or become so intimidated that they can’t attempt the next challenge.
However, if we can believe that one failure doesn’t decide everything, we can reset our mindset and move forward toward the next attempt.
It’s a message that encourages a positive outlook on life.
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.
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.
If it’s going to get you so down, you might as well toss away the source of your dissatisfaction.Tina Turner
Tina Turner, an American singer known as the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll with numerous accolades to her name, once said, “If it’s going to get you down, just toss out what’s bothering you.” For those who are constantly weighed down by worries, this quote may be eye-opening.
The idea of cutting off anything that backs you into a corner might be essential for enriching your life.
Whether psychological or physical, it’s a message that reminds us of the importance of choosing what to keep and what to let go.