Recommended as life tips! A collection of short, memorable quotes from great figures
Many people who have achieved great things throughout human history have left behind quotes that symbolize their legacy.
These words often capture their guiding principles or philosophies, and many can serve as hints for living well even in the modern day.
Here, we present a selection of short yet profound quotations left by great figures.
Whether you have dreams and goals, or are troubled or uncertain about something, you’re sure to find words that fit your situation.
Please use them as a reference.
Recommended as life tips! A collection of short, memorable quotes from great figures (1–10)
Without trust, there is no friendship; without sincerity, there is no trust.NEW!Samuel Johnson
Samuel Johnson was an 18th-century British poet, critic, and philologist, also known for compiling an English dictionary.
This quote says that merely sharing pleasant times does not constitute true friendship.
The foundation is sincerity—whether you can trust the other person.
Keeping promises, not lying, and not betraying others—such steady accumulation breeds trust and only then leads to friendship.
Johnson’s words are stern but highly realistic.
When a relationship wavers, they serve as a guide for reflecting on what was missing.
It is a timeless saying that those who value friendship would do well to keep in mind.
We must win/earn every single step ahead of us.NEW!Florence Nightingale
This quote by Florence Nightingale teaches us the mindset needed to achieve our dreams and goals.
In a world full of temptations, it can be very difficult to keep putting in the effort.
We tend to think, “I can do it tomorrow,” or “Skipping a day is fine,” don’t we? However, if we can’t do the one task right in front of us, we’ll never reach our dreams or goals—because each and every one of those tasks matters.
Remember: to fulfill high ideals, we must devote ourselves to steady daily practice.
Only one thing is necessary: believe you can do it.NEW!Anthony Robbins
Anthony Robbins, known as a global self-improvement leader, has encouraged people to change their behavior through numerous books and lectures.
These words support the confidence that can waver when diving into a new environment.
It’s the idea that more than differences in ability or experience, the belief that you can do it generates action, and that action leads to results.
In April’s season of new beginnings, there are many moments when anxiety comes first, but simply shifting your mindset can change the view.
This quote reminds us that the power to believe in ourselves paves the way to the future.
The problem lies in the future. That’s why I don’t look back at the past.NEW!Bill Gates
Bill Gates, one of Microsoft’s founders and a well-known American entrepreneur.
This quote that places importance on the future comes from a successful person—him.
People often look back on the past, don’t they? It’s fine to revisit good memories.
But if what you’re looking back on is past failures or mistakes, you might get stuck there.
What lies ahead of you isn’t the past—it’s the future.
Let the past be refined into experience and lessons, and live while imagining a bright future.
Be true to the dreams of your youth.NEW!Friedrich von Schiller
What did you want to be when you were a child? A firefighter, a police officer, a baker, a candy shop owner…
You probably had all sorts of dreams.
But as we grow up and spend our days simply working through tasks, we begin to forget what we wanted to do and who we wanted to become.
In such times, remember the words of Friedrich von Schiller.
In those days when you were purely pursuing something…
your dream may still be there.
Why not give it a try? Do you have anything to lose?NEW!
When we hesitate to do something, isn’t it often because of the possibility of failure or risk? No one likes to fail, and we can’t know whether our lives will change for better or for worse in a new world.
But think about it for a moment: Do you really want to spend your days unchanging in a stable world just because you’re afraid of failure and risk? This quote asks us that question and teaches us that sometimes we need to take risks.
By continuing to take on challenges without fearing risk or failure, we may find success.
One more step. I think this at all times: one more step. This moment is the most important. One more step.NEW!Saneatsu Mushanokōji
Saneatsu Mushanokōji, a novelist also known for participating in the launch of the magazine Shirakaba.
This quote embodies a spirit of never being satisfied with the status quo and always striving to improve.
It’s good to act with goals, but if you want to keep growing, you need to move even further forward.
This is the “one more step” for that purpose.
By never forgetting that step, no matter the circumstances, you’ll always be able to meet a new version of yourself.
Even a small step is fine—let’s become a better version of ourselves than we were yesterday.