Short quotes to give at the time of graduation—a send-off. Words that inspire courage and hope.
When you reach the milestone of graduation, having a short quote that resonates can help you walk the new path ahead with a more positive outlook.
In this article, we introduce short quotes perfect for graduation scenes, left by great figures who excelled in various fields.
Because they’re brief, these phrases are easy to recall when you feel lost or anxious—and they’ll gently give you a push forward.
Words about believing in hard work, overcoming trials, and staying true to yourself…
You’re sure to find a quote you’ll want to etch into your heart!
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Short quotes to gift at the time of setting off for graduation: words that inspire courage and hope (51–60)
You can just be yourself.Mother Teresa
When you step into society, it’s easy to forget who you are.
In those moments, remember these words from Mother Teresa, who, as a nun, devoted herself to supporting the poor and the sick.
You might be criticized for being yourself, or feel like things don’t go well when you stay true to who you are.
But you are you.
No matter the circumstances, for your own sake, don’t forget to be yourself—stay true to who you are, and keep living as yourself, even in a new place.
While there is life, there is hope.Miguel de Cervantes
No matter how hopeless an event may be, as long as we are alive, we can always rise again in some form.
The person who spoke words that let light shine into such despair was Miguel de Cervantes, the novelist who wrote Don Quixote de la Mancha.
He endured many hardships—living in poverty, being taken captive, and being imprisoned—yet he continued to write as long as he lived.
Precisely because of who he was, his words inspire us to keep trying in any situation, as long as we still have life.
There is no piece that cannot move forward.Makoto Nakahara
Makoto Nakahara, the 16th Lifetime Meijin and a shogi professional who holds five lifetime titles.
Here are words he shared from a shogi player’s unique perspective.
In shogi, the pieces move in many directions—forward, backward, left, right, and diagonally.
Just like those pieces that can advance in any direction, it’s as if he’s telling graduates that from now on they, too, can move forward in any direction.
Even if you find yourself at a standstill, these words give you the strength to face forward, believing that you have the power to keep moving ahead.
Life is one of two things: you either face it with courage, or you throw it away.Helen Keller
When you find it hard to take the first step with courage, try recalling these words.
They are from Helen Keller, who drew on her own experiences to contribute to the education and welfare of people with disabilities.
Having lost her sight and hearing and endured many hardships, her words serve as lessons for living.
If you lack courage and do nothing, you waste your life; but if you face your fears and dare to try, life becomes rich.
Keep these motivating words close to your heart as you pursue your dreams and goals, and let’s bravely take on every challenge!
There is never only one path in human life. There are hundreds, thousands, even tens of thousands of paths.Ryoma Sakamoto
Ryoma Sakamoto, a leading samurai of the Tosa Domain at the end of the Edo period, remains hugely popular even today.
Hearing these words of his makes me feel I can look at life from a broader perspective.
There’s no need to cling to a single path—thinking, “This is the only way for me,” or “I have to follow this route to achieve my goal.” There might be another path where you can thrive even more, and there may be many different routes to reach your goals.
When you’re stuck because you’re fixated on one thing, remember these words and consider the possibilities of many paths.