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 give at the time of graduation—a moment of departure. Words that inspire courage and hope (1–10)
Trust others, but trust yourself a hundred times more.Osamu Tezuka
These words conveyed by Osamu Tezuka, the manga artist who created many popular works such as Astro Boy and Princess Knight, teach us the importance of believing in others—and in ourselves.
As you graduate and step into a new world, your community will expand and you will meet many more people.
In those moments, it’s important to find people you can trust and live your life alongside them.
Even more important, though, is believing in yourself.
If you don’t first trust yourself, many things will stop going well.
When you’re in trouble, listen closely to someone’s words—and above all, to your own.
Stay hungry. Stay foolish.Steve Jobs
These are famous words spoken by Steve Jobs, one of the founders of Apple, in his commencement address at Stanford University.
The phrase originally appeared in the book Whole Earth Catalog as “Stay hungry, stay foolish.” “Stay hungry” carries the meaning of never fearing change and continuing to pursue what you care about, while “stay foolish” means to keep pushing forward believing in yourself, even if it strays from the conventional path or draws criticism from others.
It may be a mindset necessary for achieving something in life after graduation.
If you were to remove friendship from life, it would be like removing the sun from the world.Marcus Tullius Cicero
If you studied ethics or world history in high school, you’ve probably heard the name Cicero at least once.
When you study Cicero, Plato and Aristotle naturally come up as well, so maybe those who aren’t fond of social studies would rather not hear those names.
Still, this famous quote of his is sure to become a treasure in life.
Even if you have status, honor, and wealth, life feels empty without friendship.
The fact that he speaks this truth to us across time from before the Common Era is something to be truly grateful for.
When you’re unsure how to judge matters of obligation or human feeling, remember these words.
Short quotes to give at the time of departure called graduation. Words that inspire courage and hope (11–20)
You have to fail, or you’ll never succeed.Coco Chanel
There is a proverb that says, “Failure is the mother of success,” and this quote embodies exactly that meaning.
It’s a saying by Coco Chanel, the designer behind Chanel, and is rendered in English as “You have to fail, and I do not succeed.” As a child, Coco Chanel was placed in an orphanage, where she learned sewing; she later tried her hand at singing on stage without much success, and after that gradually built her career as a designer, leading a life full of ups and downs.
Precisely because these words come from her, they carry great persuasive power and teach us the importance of fearlessly taking on challenges.
Boys, be ambitious (Shōnen yo taishi o idake)NEW!William Smith Clark
William Smith Clark, an educator who devoted himself to the development of Hokkaido and, as the first vice principal of Sapporo Agricultural College, nurtured many young people.
His words carry a wish for the younger generation to keep aspiring to great ambitions.
In high school life, while thinking about future paths and practical realities, you may end up underestimating your own potential.
It’s okay if your thoughts and actions don’t take shape right away.
The ideals you hold in your heart will guide your actions and choices, moving your life forward.
These are famous words that broaden your outlook on the future.
Where there is a will, there is a way.Abraham Lincoln
Even today, Abraham Lincoln—widely regarded as the greatest U.S.
president—stands out for his honesty and integrity.
It’s famously said that when he once received three cents too much while working at a store, he spent an hour returning the money.
This quote, which reflects his upright character, will surely stay by your side throughout your life.
No one can stop what a person holds in their heart.
A new environment may rarely go as you wish, but the feeling of “I want to become this!” will become a powerful energy that moves you forward.
Only one thing is needed: to believe you can do it.Anthony Robbins
There are times when it’s hard to feel confident about what you’re doing now or what you’re about to do.
In those moments, remember these words from Anthony Robbins, a writer of self-help books and a motivational speaker.
He teaches that the most important thing is to stop thinking “I can’t” and to believe “I can.” Indeed, if you keep thinking “I can’t,” you start to feel like you really can’t.
When you’re about to start something or give it your best, try taking on the challenge while telling yourself, “I can do it.”