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)
If you can dream it, you can achieve it.Walt Disney
Walt Disney was a businessman with many faces—an animation creator, animator, producer, film director, screenwriter, manga artist, voice actor, and entertainer.
His famous quote, “If you can dream it, you can do it,” carries special weight precisely because he founded The Walt Disney Company, which won worldwide popularity after many twists and turns.
Fundamentally, you can’t achieve anything without having a dream or a goal.
Because we can envision our dreams, we make the effort, and if we can picture it, this quote gives us the courage to believe we can make it real.
People stumble their way toward success.Mary Kay Ash
Mary Kay Ash, the entrepreneur known as the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics in the United States, once said, “People stumble toward success.” This quote teaches us that it’s only natural to stumble precisely because the path is difficult.
If we walk an easy, level road, we can move forward without change or hardship, but it’s hard to keep going the same way on a long and rugged journey.
People tend to feel broken or give up when they stumble, but if we can believe it’s because we’re on the right path, we may find the courage to hold our ground and push forward.
There is no piece that cannot move forward.Makoto Nakahara
Makoto Nakahara, a shogi professional who won five lifetime titles and defined an era in the shogi world.
His famous words, “There is no piece that cannot advance,” are a perspective unique to a shogi player.
No matter what kind of personality a piece has, it still moves forward; this reminds us that whether our pace is fast or slow, it’s fine to proceed in our own way.
It’s a quote that gives you a gentle push—one to recall when you find yourself comparing with others or when things aren’t going as you hoped and your spirit is about to break.
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.
Inspirational quotes that lift you up when you’re feeling down. Words that give you the strength to rise (41–50)
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.
If you keep looking down, you won’t be able to find a rainbow.Charles Chaplin
Charles Chaplin, a comedian known as a leading figure of the silent film era, wore many hats: film actor, director, screenwriter, producer, and composer.
His famous quote, “You’ll never find a rainbow if you’re looking down,” offers a message of courage for moments when we feel our spirits breaking.
When people are down, they tend to look downward both emotionally and physically.
Yet this gentle maxim teaches that unless we look ahead and up, we risk missing what is important and beautiful.