[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 short quotes by great figures (11–20)
Never too late—it’s never too late to take on a challenge.Yuta Tabuse
Yuta Tabuse, the basketball player who made his mark as the first Japanese NBA player, right? This quote seems to capture his approach to basketball and his attitude toward taking on challenges.
Even if the timing looks late in the eyes of the world, that’s no reason to give up—he’s telling us it’s important to keep challenging yourself at any time.
Coming from Yuta Tabuse, who dared to pursue the NBA and then continued to excel after returning to Japan, the words carry a special weight.
God does not play dice.Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein, who made his mark in history as a theoretical physicist, is often called the greatest physicist of the 20th century for fundamentally transforming physics as it had been known.
The following words, spoken in the context of rejecting the indeterminacy of quantum mechanics, strongly convey his way of thinking.
At first glance, they assert that all seemingly ambiguous phenomena in nature are governed by laws, and they also reflect the stance that uncovering those laws is the purpose of physicists.
It was precisely this strong spirit of inquiry—seeking the laws behind what appears ambiguous—that was a major reason he is regarded as the greatest physicist of the 20th century.
To conquer oneself is the greatest victory.Plato
Plato (427–347 BCE) was an ancient Greek philosopher.
These days, I’ve gotten good at always finding reasons to slack off—like “I’m tired today” or “I’m just not feeling it today.” But overcoming that part of myself and putting in the effort is the hardest thing of all.
Perhaps great success awaits beyond that victory.
Life isn’t all about speeding up.NEW!Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi, known as the “Father of Indian Independence,” advocated nonviolent civil disobedience and led India, then a British colony, to freedom.
As part of the civil disobedience movement, he organized boycotts of British goods and staged a protest against the British salt tax known as the Salt March.
He was imprisoned multiple times for these actions, yet he never changed his beliefs and chose the path of patience.
This famous quote reflects that very stance.
These are words that could only come from someone like him, who, over a long period, earned the trust of the people and patiently sought a path to success.
On any path, do not grieve partings.Miyamoto Musashi
Miyamoto Musashi, a remarkable swordsman of the Edo period, left behind many famous sayings and works that can be considered martial guides, such as The Book of Five Rings.
Here is a quote that reflects his stoic mindset.
As long as we live as human beings, we will face many farewells; rather than becoming sentimental about them, it may be important to accept them as a natural part of life.
And if you think about it the other way around, where there are farewells there are also encounters, so perhaps what matters is to live life with a positive outlook.
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.
[2026] Collection of One-Line Quotes by Great Figures (21–30)
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.
