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)
If you can change yourself, the world will change too.NEW!Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi, known as the Father of Indian independence.
The words left by the man who led the independence movement by advocating nonviolence and civil disobedience convey the importance of reexamining our own ways of thinking and behavior before trying to change our surroundings or other people.
Many of us likely struggled with relationships and situations during high school life.
Amid those challenges, there must have been moments when changing our perspective or actions just a little led to a positive shift in our feelings or relationships.
It is a quote that reveals the essence of growth and is worth remembering in any situation.
Easier done than said.NEW!
This four-character idiom shows that things often go more smoothly when you actually take action rather than keep worrying.
You’ve probably had times when you imagined failure before even trying and couldn’t take a step forward.
But once you took that first step, you may have realized it wasn’t as hard as you thought.
By acting, your anxiety gradually shrinks, and you become aware of your own potential.
When you move without overthinking, new vistas open up.
It’s a quote that gives a gentle push to high school students standing at the threshold of a new chapter in their lives.
Short quotes to give at the time of graduation—a new departure. Words that inspire courage and hope (31–40)
Practice makes perfect.NEW!
This proverb teaches the importance of not only understanding something as knowledge but also taking action and gaining experience.
You’ve likely faced many moments of confusion when trying something for the first time—studying, club activities, or relationships.
The more you think about it, the more anxious you may feel, but by actually taking action, you gradually build confidence.
It’s the experiences—including failures—that truly become your strength.
The time you spend stepping forward without fearing challenges will surely serve you well in the future.
It’s a quote that encourages the courage to act.
The world is full of hardships, but it’s also full of ways to overcome them.NEW!Helen Keller
Helen Keller, who received an education despite losing her sight and hearing, made a profound impact on the world as a writer and social activist.
Her words embody a strong conviction that even in a life full of hardship, there is always hope and the strength to overcome.
In high school, there will be times when things don’t go as planned or moments when you feel like your spirit might break.
Noticing the people who support you and the strength within yourself becomes the power to rise again.
This quote teaches the importance of believing in the possibilities that lie beyond difficulties.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.NEW!Laozi
These are the words of Laozi, a thinker from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods who left many famous sayings to later generations.
His teaching is that no matter how distant a goal may feel, it all begins with taking the first step.
When thinking about your path or future, you may feel anxious or hesitant and want to stop.
However, the steady accumulation of daily classes, effort, and challenges undoubtedly leads to the future.
What’s important is not aiming for perfection, but continuing to take the steps you can take right now.
It’s a quote that gives you a gentle push forward.
Walls only appear to those who are capable. They come only to people who have the potential to overcome them. That’s why, when I face a wall, I see it as a chance.Ichiro Suzuki
Ichiro Suzuki, formerly a professional baseball player who also excelled in the Major Leagues, left numerous records and stood as one of the world’s most iconic figures in baseball history.
Even for someone as remarkable as Ichiro, there must have been obstacles—difficulties and unexpected incidents that stood in his way.
Yet, it seems he learned that by refusing to slack off and persevering even when his spirit was close to breaking, he could break through those barriers.
His famous words teach us that by pressing on without giving up, we can overcome challenges and connect them to great success beyond.
These are words worth remembering as a mindset for the future as you graduate and move forward.
Love the life you live. Live the life you love.Bob Marley
Bob Marley, an artist who moved many hearts by spreading love, peace, and freedom to the world through music, continued to express the dignity of living true to oneself.
It is not values imposed from the outside, but an attitude of affirming your own life that makes you strong.
At the milestone of graduation, you may feel anxious, bound by others’ expectations and evaluations.
However, cherishing the life you have chosen and finding joy within it will lead you forward.
It is a warm quote that reminds us of the power of self-affirmation.