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)
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.
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.
Inspirational quotes that lift you up when you’re feeling down. Words that give you the strength to rise (41–50)
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.
If you don’t give up on yourself, there is no such thing as losing in life.Shigeta Saitō
Psychiatrist Shigeta Saito—who was also active as an essayist and public speaker and was affectionately known as “Mota-san.” From his famous saying, “As long as you don’t give up on yourself, there is no such thing as ‘losing’ in life,” we can learn the truth that everything depends on your own mindset.
Rather than being elated or dejected by wins and losses at life’s turning points, his message teaches that true victory lies in never giving up until the end.
It’s a quote to remember when you’re on the verge of setback or when your spirit is about to break—one that gives you the courage to stand up once more.