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 new departure. Words that inspire courage and hope (41–50)
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.
Short quotes to gift at the time of setting off for graduation: words that inspire courage and hope (51–60)
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.
Do not abandon the hero within your soul.Friedrich Nietzsche
Here is a famous quote by the 19th-century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche.
This saying conveys the message that we should believe in the potential and strength everyone possesses and keep walking our own path.
Many of us have struggled with thoughts like “I can’t do anything.” You may face such doubts in the future as well.
When that happens, remember these words.
Cherish the resolve to believe in what you’ve done so far and keep challenging yourself without giving up.
Everyone is the protagonist of their own life and has the power to become a hero.
Be consistent from start to finish and push through with sheer courage.Tempū Nakamura
These are the words of Tempu Nakamura, known for founding the Tempukai, an organization that promotes the method of mind-body unification.
When moving forward, when making decisions—at any time—what we need is courage, isn’t it? I believe it’s hard to accomplish anything without courage.
All of you graduates will surely find yourselves hesitating and freezing up in new places.
In those moments, please try to move forward with courage.
It’s okay to fail! As long as you have courage, you can get back up and try again as many times as it takes.
When times are tough, remember these words.
God never gives us trials we cannot overcome.Rikako Ikee
When it comes to Rikako Ikee, she’s a competitive swimmer who achieved numerous remarkable feats, such as making the world championship team as a middle schooler and winning six titles at the Asian Games to earn MVP honors.
Hopes were high for her at the Tokyo Olympics, but in 2019 she was diagnosed with leukemia and stepped away to undergo treatment.
The following year, she showed us she was back in the pool, swimming with vigor.
Knowing that journey helps us understand the feeling behind her words.
Why not offer this famous quote as a protective charm to help the graduates overcome their trials?
My past self will never betray who I am today.Mao Asada
Mao Asada, who helped energize the figure skating world in the 2000s and won a silver medal at the Vancouver Olympics.
This is a quote that seems to embody her single-minded dedication.
Figure skaters face their ever-changing bodies, make constant adjustments, and battle injuries… Many of you probably know that behind those beautiful, fleeting performances lies tremendous effort.
These words, imbued with accumulated hard work and a strong will, are also perfect as a message to send at graduation.
We hope the graduates will spare no effort and boldly carve out their futures with strong hearts.