No matter the era, there are always quotes that lighten our hearts or give us a push forward.
In particular, the words of those often called great figures—people who left remarkable achievements in various forms—can be immensely helpful when we’re lost in life or facing decisive moments, even if their quotes don’t apply to our lives exactly as they are.
In this article, we’ve selected such quotes from great individuals, regardless of time period or field.
You just might find a quote that stays with you for life!
Be sure to check them out.
[2026] Collection of One-Line Quotes by Great Figures (1–10)
Lack of desire is the root of laziness.Eiichi Shibusawa
Today's proverb/quote (Lack of desire is the root of laziness)
Speaking of Eiichi Shibusawa, he’s famously known as the “Father of the Modern Japanese Economy.” He devoted himself to establishing and managing banks and many companies.
Many of you may also know him because his portrait appears on the 10,000-yen note issued in 2024.
Are you familiar with his saying, “Lack of desire is the root of idleness”? By “lack of desire,” he means failing to find challenges or goals in one’s current situation and thus becoming lazy.
Desire is not something bad; rather, having dreams and desires serves as the driving force to take action and is essential for growth.
It’s precisely because Shibusawa embraced ambition and acted proactively that he continues to exert a powerful influence on modern society.
If a person has passion and sincerity, they can accomplish anything.Shibasaburo Kitasato
(Quotation) If you have passion and sincerity toward others — Shibasaburo Kitasato Narration: Tomoko Mukai
Do you know the saying, “If a person has passion and sincerity, they can accomplish anything”? These are the words of Shibasaburo Kitasato, whose portrait was chosen for the new 1,000-yen bill issued in 2024.
People often say that society has reached an impasse, but that is a great misunderstanding; society itself never reaches a dead end.
If anything is at an impasse, it is because there is no passion and sincerity.
It’s a quote that makes you straighten your back.
When things aren’t going well, it’s something we should keep in mind and continue to strive forward.
Your time is limited. So don’t waste it living someone else’s life.Steve Jobs
YOUR TIME IS LIMITED | “Don’t waste your life living someone else’s life | Steve Jobs Motivation
When we think of Steve Jobs, we know him as the founder of Apple who created many innovative products like the iPhone and iPad.
Here’s a famous quote he shared in his Stanford University speech after being told he had limited time left: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” It conveys a strong message that life is finite, that we shouldn’t live according to what others tell us, and that we should prioritize what we truly want to do.
We came here today to overcome it and to become the top.Shohei Ohtani
At the 2023-03-22 WBC final against the United States, Shohei Ohtani led the team huddle, saying, 'Let’s stop admiring them.' #ShoheiOhtani #WBC #SamuraiJapan
Shohei Ohtani, a professional baseball player, has countless passionate fans.
He’s also memorable for the many quotes he’s shared that move people’s hearts.
Are you familiar with this famous Ohtani quote: “Let’s stop idolizing others.
Even if there’s a player you admire in a game, just for today, set that admiration aside.
To surpass them, to reach the top, let’s focus only on winning.” As expected from Ohtani, his choice of words that lifts other players’ spirits is wonderful, and it’s a quote that truly reflects his strong will to win!
It’s not about technical skill. It’s the heart that moves people.Seiji Ozawa
[A Musician’s Daily Quote] Seiji Ozawa: “It’s not about being good or bad at technique. It’s the heart that moves people.” #shorts #Quotes #SeijiOzawa
Let me introduce a famous quote by Seiji Ozawa: “It’s not about technical skill.
It’s the heart that moves people.” Seiji Ozawa is well known as the male conductor who served as music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
This quote of his seems to encourage us by saying that even without advanced technique, if you put your heart into what you do and approach it earnestly, there are forms of success that aren’t based on technique alone.
When things aren’t going well or times are tough, it’s something we’d like to remember and draw strength from.
Starting something is easy, but continuing it is difficult. Making it successful is even more difficult.Umeko Tsuda
An epiphany-inducing quote! [Umeko Tsuda]
I’d like to share a famous quote by Umeko Tsuda: “It is easy to start something, but difficult to continue it.
To make it successful is even more difficult.” Umeko Tsuda is well known for having gone to the United States as part of the Iwakura Mission and for being selected as the portrait on Japan’s new 5,000-yen bill in 2024.
Starting may be simple, but continuing and achieving success is hard.
Still, success requires sustained effort and the perseverance to keep challenging yourself.
Persisting and continuing to work hard at anything is the guidepost to success.
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