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 inspirational quotes to give at graduation—the time of departure. Words that evoke courage and hope (21–30)
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.
Believe in yourself (Jibun o shinjite)NEW!
These words convey the importance of not doubting your own potential, especially when you’re swayed by uncertainty or anxiety.
It’s common for high school students to lose confidence by comparing themselves to others or to second-guess their choices.
Even so, the experiences and effort you’ve accumulated remain firmly within you.
Believing in yourself will give you the courage to take on your next challenge.
Even on days when things don’t go as planned, each step you take is genuine growth.
This is a quote that will encourage graduates as they move forward into the future.
Never give up (Please don’t ever give up)NEW!
These words remind us of the importance of believing in ourselves and holding our ground precisely when we face difficulties.
In high school life, some may have worked hard at studying or club activities without seeing results, and felt like giving up along the way.
Even if the time you kept going through tough moments doesn’t immediately show results, it is surely becoming your strength.
The more you persist, the more the view changes, and the more your self-trust deepens.
This quote supports a mindset of moving forward step by step by refusing to give up in any situation.