[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.
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- 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!
- Words from famous people that I’d like to adopt as my motto. Inspiring quotes that convey the power of words.
[2026] Collection of One-Line Quotes by Great Figures (21–30)
Find a way. If there isn’t one, make one.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.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.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.
Unless the whole world becomes happy, individual happiness is impossible.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.
Life isn’t all about speeding up.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.
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.
Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.Gandhi
These words make me feel that I can’t afford to waste a single day and that I should spend my time wisely.
If I were to die tomorrow, I think I would live a very fulfilling day.
They make me want to live my life without regrets.
Weaknesses will eventually become character.Einstein
Everyone has weaknesses they’re embarrassed about and want to hide from others.
However, aren’t those weaknesses also part of your character? This quote reminds us that both our strengths and our weaknesses are important aspects of our individuality.
Because we dream, life shines.Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
I think life becomes very boring if you don’t have something to aim for or a view you want to see.
When you’re working hard toward your dream, time flies and people start to shine.
If that’s the case, living a shining life might be more enjoyable.
Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.Einstein
I think everyone has their own definition of common sense.
It’s often the case that what seems like common sense to you isn’t common sense to someone else.
Calling that a collection of prejudices you’ve acquired while growing up is a brilliant choice of words, I think.
Let’s cherish that collection of prejudices and live by it.