Words for graduates: a collection of inspiring quotes from great figures to give you a push forward
As you reach the milestone of graduation, you may feel a vague sense of anxiety alongside your expectations for the new world that’s about to begin.
At times like these, words that resonate can gently stay by your side.
The great figures who left their mark on history, as well as pioneers in various fields, also carved out their own paths while overcoming doubts and inner struggles.
In this article, we present a selection of gem-like quotes as words of encouragement for graduates.
Short yet profound, simple yet powerful, these words will support your heart as you take your first step forward.
- [Graduation] A moving line to add to a message board: words that touch the heart
- Quotes that accompany the departure called graduation—words that will give you courage for the life ahead.
- Short quotes to give at the time of graduation—a send-off. Words that inspire courage and hope.
- Short, heart-stirring words of encouragement! Courageous quotes that push you to take a step toward tomorrow.
- A cool one-line message of support
- Guaranteed to move you! Memorable words by great figures and famous people.
- Words that strongly push you forward and give you energy
- Heartfelt! Inspiring Quotes Left by Great Figures of Japan
- [Spring Quotes] Glamorous words perfect for adding color to a new beginning
- For exam-takers! A collection of quotes that become profound and interesting once you understand their meaning
- Uplifting words by great figures and famous people that, despite their brevity, convey a sense of philosophy.
- Cheers to hardworking kids! A collection of recommended quotes to gift to children
- [Heart-Touching] Quotes That Keep You Going Anytime! Fiery Words That Push You Forward
Words for Graduates: A Collection of Inspiring Quotes from Great Figures (1–10)
It’s never too late to become the person you wanted to be.George Eliot
A quotation by George Eliot, a female author who represents 19th-century British literature.
It’s said that she used a male pen name despite being a woman because of the stereotype at the time that women wrote only lighthearted romances.
Her words carry depth, reflecting her wide and profound knowledge from religion to philosophy.
Graduation is both a farewell and the start of a new world.
The message that, regardless of your position, the world can expand depending on you is likely to give great hope to young people.
Because we dream, life shines.Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
It is said that the reason the name “Amadeus” became widely known as Mozart’s middle name was the film Amadeus by the great director Miloš Forman.
The epic portrays Mozart’s turbulent life from the perspective of his rival, Salieri.
This phrase was likely uttered during the period when Mozart’s life was still in full bloom.
I also think it symbolizes his free-spirited nature—always taking the initiative, writing only the music he wanted to compose.
It is one of those forward-looking words I would love to offer to graduates who have many dreams ahead of them.
If you can dream it, you can do it.Walt Disney
Speaking of graduation, it’s a major turning point in life, isn’t it? Everyone spreads their wings into society carrying their dreams.
To those graduates, I’d like to offer the words: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” This famous quote by Walt Disney carries the meaning that if you can envision a dream, you can surely make it come true—dreams do come true.
You will likely face various hardships and obstacles from here on.
Even so, these words encourage you to keep going—by continuing to dream, you move closer to making those dreams a reality.
Words for Graduates: A Collection of Inspiring Quotes from Great Figures (11–20)
There’s no need to look back. There are countless paths ahead of you.Lu Xun
When we pause for a moment, anyone can feel anxious—was this really the right choice, did I make a mistake? At times like that, wouldn’t it be wonderful to hear, “There’s no need to look back.
There are countless roads before you”? These words are a famous quote by Lu Xun, the Chinese novelist.
As we walk along the road of life, looking back reveals the past, while ahead the road of the future stretches out.
Even if the future is still unseen, by setting goals and moving forward, the path will come into view.
It carries a powerful message: don’t be bound by the past—face forward and keep going.
If you think you can, you can; if you think you can’t, you can’t. This is an unwavering, absolute law.Pablo Picasso
As words I’d like to offer to the graduates, I’d like to introduce a famous quote from the renowned painter Pablo Picasso: “If you think you can, you can.
If you think you can’t, you can’t.
Either way, you are right.” When you take on a challenge, if you go in thinking you can’t, you won’t achieve results.
But believing you can and putting in the effort leads to success.
Instead of deciding you can’t before you even start, have the courage to try and work at it.
These are words I’d like to give to the graduates as they set out on a new path.
In this world, there is a unique path that only you can walk. Do not ask where that path will lead. Simply keep moving forward.Friedrich Nietzsche
If you studied ethics or philosophy in high school or college, you’ve probably encountered Nietzsche at least once.
Sometimes he tormented us on exams; other times his ideas left a deep impression.
These words of his concern the “Way.” They’re perfect for those who powerfully embrace training and discipline as a path—like in tea ceremony, flower arrangement, or judo.
“The path you walk is yours alone” is a reassuring message for graduates facing uncertainty.
Rather than dense philosophical discourse, Nietzsche’s words here slip easily into the heart—there’s something quietly comforting about them, isn’t there?
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.
