[2026] Collection of One-Line Quotes from Great Figures
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.
- One-line Quotes from Great Figures That Strike the Heart | A Collection of Words That Leave a Deep Impression
- One-Line Life Quotes: Carefully selected words that gently nudge you forward
- Words that strongly push you forward and give you energy
- Heartfelt! Inspiring Quotes Left by Great Figures of Japan
- [One-liner Quotes] Recommended for those hesitant about effort! A collection of quotes that might make you want to try harder
- Maybe powerful words can give you strength? A collection of uplifting short quotes
- Short quotes that reach your heart in an instant. Words to encourage you right now.
- Quotes on Effort: A curated selection of passionate messages left by great figures and famous people
- A must-see for those who just can’t stay positive! A collection of inspiring quotes to lift a heavy heart
- Quotes you'll want to say out loud! A collection of cool lines from anime and words that strike the heart
- Mottos that are sure to lift your spirits and keep you positive!
- Words from great and famous people that make you forget negativity in an instant!
- [Quotes About Work] For those who are struggling with work and those who love it! Recommended for anyone thinking about work! A collection of famous quotes on “work.”
[2026] Collection of One-Line Quotes by Great Figures (1–10)
Find a way. If there isn’t one, make one.NEW!Hannibal Barca
Hannibal Barca, renowned as Carthage’s great general who defeated the Roman army at the Battle of Cannae.
This famous quote is undeniably the powerful words of a true commander.
In 221 BCE, at the young age of twenty-six, he became the army’s commander and achieved numerous victories.
Perhaps this was because, as the quote suggests, he constantly sought ways to win, and if none could be found, he would create them himself.
His lofty ambition and unwavering resolve elevated him to a great general and made him a figure remembered and spoken of to this day.
People deserve praise or blame solely based on whether they have the perseverance to see things through.NEW!Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci, a master artist of the Renaissance known for The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa.
From this quote he left behind, we can sense the importance of perseverance.
The ability to carry through without abandoning what you have decided to do is essential for success.
By continuing to make efforts without giving up until the end, people earn praise and etch their names into history.
Leonardo da Vinci is known as a remarkably versatile figure, even called a “universal genius.” Perhaps it was precisely because he possessed this power of perseverance.
As you stretch yourself to broaden your horizons, it’s possible you’ll actually grow taller. That’s part of what makes life interesting.NEW!Saburō Shiroyama
This quote left by the novelist Saburō Jōyama teaches us the importance of taking on challenges.
Don’t you sometimes find yourself thinking with a narrow perspective? It’s easy to let yourself be carried along without broadening your view or attempting anything new.
But if you widen your perspective just a little, you may realize that what you face is easier to overcome than you thought.
When you stretch yourself to take on a challenge, you begin to see a different landscape—as if you’ve actually grown taller.
When you want to take that first step, remember these words.
[2026] Collection of short quotes by great figures (11–20)
Unless the whole world becomes happy, individual happiness is impossible.NEW!Kenji Miyazawa
These are words by Kenji Miyazawa, the poet and writer of children’s stories famous for the poem “Be Not Defeated by the Rain.” Kenji Miyazawa is also known for works such as Night on the Galactic Railroad, The Restaurant of Many Orders, and Matasaburo of the Wind.
All humans live by supporting one another.
Even if we feel as though we live on our own, it’s hard to completely separate ourselves from others.
In other words, unless those around us are happy and the entire world becomes happy, our own happiness cannot truly exist.
Not only do we want our own happiness, but we also want the people around us and people across the world to be happy—these are words to keep close to heart.
The desire to make a significant impact on the world is my motivation at work.Elon Musk
“The desire to have a significant impact on the world is what motivates me in my work.” This is a famous quote by Elon Musk, the American entrepreneur known as the world’s richest person.
Speaking of Elon Musk, he has launched numerous ventures such as SpaceX in space exploration, SolarCity, and the electric vehicle company Tesla.
It’s a quote that resonates precisely because it comes from him.
I imagine many people in Japan have been inspired by these words and boosted their motivation.
The flower that blooms in adversity is more precious and beautiful than any other.Walt Disney
Even in adversity, if you don’t give in or despair and keep climbing back up, flowers will bloom there—and they are beautiful precisely because they bloom in that place.
Walt Disney’s words give me courage when things don’t go well day after day and I feel like giving up or falling into despair.
It’s exactly when times are tough that I want to resolve to keep trying.
In love, if you truly love someone, you have to go all in and be bold!Alain Delon
Here’s a famous quote from the French film actor Alain Delon.
Speaking of Alain Delon, he’s a major star in the movie world! His exceptional good looks drew attention in Japan as well, captivating many people.
In his love life, he went through multiple marriages and divorces, and numerous scandals were reported.
“If you truly love someone, you have to go all in!” carries particular weight precisely because it comes from him.
When you’re struggling with love, it feels like he’s telling you, “Don’t regret it!” and giving you a push forward.