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 departure called graduation. Words that inspire courage and hope (11–20)
Keep hope alive.Jesse Jackson
Do you know Barack Obama, the first American president of African and Hawaiian descent? From the moment he took office, an “Obama fever” swept across the United States, and even now there are still many supporters who hope for his return to the presidency.
A forerunner to Obama was Jesse Jackson, who is also famous for being the first African American to be nominated as a presidential candidate.
His words seem to carry a strong preface of “no matter what difficulties you face.” Believe in yourself and keep moving forward—only you can keep your hopes alive.
Whether others laugh or not, you should just sing your own song.Taro Okamoto
These are words that Taro Okamoto wrote in his book, Words to Live Strong.
In the passage, he uses singing as an example, but it may apply not only to singing, but also to other arts, to work, and even to one’s appearance.
Rather than doing things with others’ evaluations in mind, the message suggests that we should express what we believe is good and what feels true to ourselves.
It’s one of the thoughts I hope graduates—about to set out into an even wider world—will keep in their hearts.
The greatest source of growth lies in our choices.George Eliot
After graduating, you all chose what you believed in from among many options—going on to further education, getting a job, or choosing a freer way of life.
Those who continued their studies may eventually go on to graduate school or study abroad; those who started working may change jobs.
You will face new choices again and again.
Life is a series of choices.
When you feel, “Choosing is exhausting…,” please remember this famous quote by George Eliot.
By the way, George Eliot is one of the representative authors of the Victorian era, and Middlemarch is considered a masterwork among masterpieces.
If you have time, do give it a read.
Everything seems impossible until it’s done.Nelson Mandela
These are the words of Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa.
He is known for dedicating his life to the anti-apartheid movement.
He worked to improve the status of Black people—something that had long seemed impossible throughout history.
Hearing his words makes us realize that it’s not good to think “there’s no way I can do it” before even trying, or to give up just because results don’t come quickly.
To accomplish anything, it’s important to keep moving forward step by step.
To conquer oneself is the greatest victory.Plato
These are the words of Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher.
When you challenge someone in a contest or pursue a dream or goal you’ve set for yourself, the first opponent you must defeat is your own self—and that is the greatest victory of all.
Before a match you might find you can’t focus on practice, or before an exam you end up playing instead of studying… We sometimes lose to ourselves even before the real challenge begins.
If you discipline yourself and first overcome your own weaknesses, nothing tougher remains.
It’s a timeless, penetrating truth that hasn’t faded one bit over the course of millennia.
Don’t rush. But don’t give up.Shigeta Saitō
Dr.
Shigeo Saito was a psychiatrist who also worked as a writer.
These words he left behind are ones I hope graduating students who are about to start pursuing their dreams will cherish.
The stronger your desire to “make your dream come true,” the more you may feel impatient—“hurry, hurry”—but nothing good comes from rushing, does it? Even if you can’t achieve it right away, his message is to keep moving forward steadily, step by step, without giving up.
It may be precisely when you want to move ahead quickly that you need to pause and think calmly.
Short inspirational quotes to give at graduation—the time of departure. Words that evoke courage and hope (21–30)
Boys, be ambitious (Shōnen yo taishi o idake)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.
