Wonderful quotes and sayings

[2026] Collection of One-Line Quotes from Great Figures

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked for 10 years as a kindergarten teacher and for 7 years as an after-school childcare instructor, then took a post as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I also engaged in activities that shared Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational play, working with many children. Afterwards, through freelance writing, planning, and editing work at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and conveying ideas. Leveraging the perspective cultivated in educational settings and my experience as an editor, I aim to deliver practical information—focusing on fields related to music and children—that values both input and output. Hobbies include instruments, singing, handcrafts, toys, drawing, traditional play, the outdoors, books, DIY, and crafts. Special skill: spinning-top tricks.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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 short quotes by great figures (11–20)

If you want to create something interesting, you should tap into human instincts.Kazuo Umezu

Kazuo Umezu, who made his name as a horror manga artist, drew attention not only for his distinctive art style but also for his signature red-and-white stripes.

These are words that feel like his self-analysis of his attitude as a creator and why he was able to produce hits.

He suggests that works which appeal to human instincts are truly interesting, and that skillfully tapping into that instinct is the key to creating hits.

While his words are centered on manga, this quote about appealing to instinct seems applicable to other genres as well.

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A truth of one day is not an eternal truth.Che Guevara

“New Human” Che Guevara: Collection of Quotes [Ideology Edition]

A truth of one day is not an eternal truth. — Che Guevara

What we call “truth” reflects social norms and individual values.

However, norms and values change over time and from person to person.

We should try to look at and think about things from various angles so we don’t get too fixated on any one idea.

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No matter what it is, it’s important not to forget the passion you had at the beginning and to steadily bring it to fruition within yourself.Toshiyuki Nishida

Heart-Touching Quote [Toshiyuki Nishida]

No matter what it is, it’s important not to forget the passion you had at the beginning and to steadily bring it to fruition within yourself. Toshiyuki Nishida

Watch on YouTube: “No matter what it is, it’s important not to forget the passion you had at the beginning and to steadily bring it to fruition within yourself. — Toshiyuki Nishida”

Toshiyuki Nishida is a Japanese actor and singer.

He has starred in countless works, and many people are likely familiar with the Tsuribaka Nisshi (Diary of a Fishing Fool) series, in which he plays the lead.

One of Nishida’s famous quotes is: “In anything you do, it’s important not to forget the passionate feelings you had at the beginning, and to steadily realize them within yourself.” He puts into words something that people chasing their dreams tend to forget as they move forward.

Perhaps it is precisely because Nishida has walked the same path for so many years that he feels these words are “important.” It’s something we should keep close to our hearts.

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If you can change, you can go on creating yourself forever.Katsuya Nomura

[Katsuya Nomura Quotes] Have the courage to change

If you can change, you can go on creating yourself forever. — Katsuya Nomura

Not only as a player but also as a manager, Katsuya Nomura made significant contributions to the world of baseball, and his unique, often called “boyaki” (grumbling) style of commentary drew attention as well.

Among his many famous sayings, there are words that convey the importance of change and taking on challenges.

He teaches us that trying to change is frightening for anyone, but if we find the courage to take that first step, it leads to new possibilities and growth.

Precisely because Katsuya Nomura nurtured many star players as a manager, his words carry a powerful sense of conviction.

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Know yourself and love yourself.Quincy Jones

thought-library.org

Quincy Jones, who had an immense impact on popular music, passed away in November 2024, and tributes to him have continued ever since.

Today, we’d like to share one of his famous quotes: “Know yourself, love yourself.” These words reflect his wish for people to live true to themselves.

In a world where we tend to let society’s standards determine our path and our happiness, his words resonate all the more.

Perhaps all we truly need to live is to know ourselves and love ourselves—no more, no less.

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No fence reading ‘No entry beyond this point’ can be put up in the face of great ambition, talent, and diligence.Ludwig van Beethoven

Seiji Ozawa Beethoven Symphony No. 5 (Fate)

No fence reading 'No entry beyond this point' can be put up in the face of great ambition, talent, and diligence.Ludwig van Beethoven

Watch on YouTube: “No fence reading ‘No entry beyond this point’ can be put up in the face of great ambition, talent, and diligence. Ludwig van Beethoven.”

In life, there are no limits before those who set high goals and keep learning.

Beethoven, who continued composing even as he lost his hearing and created numerous masterpieces, was a person of perseverance and effort.

The masterpieces he produced while overcoming hardships will continue to resonate in people’s hearts forever.

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[2026] Collection of One-Line Quotes by Great Figures (21–30)

Move aside, fate. I’m coming through.Michael Jordan

Quotes to read only when you can't get motivated to study

Move aside, fate. I’m coming through.Michael Jordan

These are cool words that express a strong will: I won’t walk down a path of destiny made by someone else; I’ll change even my own fate.

They’re empowering words that make you feel that someone who has reached the top through effort and ingenuity has to be this confident.

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