Wonderful quotes and sayings

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

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

Last updated:2026/1/29

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 as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is 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 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)

Lack of desire is the root of laziness. Eiichi Shibusawa

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.

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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

If a person has passion and sincerity, they can accomplish anything. — Shibasaburo Kitasato

Watch “If a person has passion and sincerity, they can accomplish anything. Shibasaburo Kitasato” on YouTube

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.

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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

Your time is limited. So don’t waste it living someone else’s life. —Steve Jobs

Watch “Your time is limited. So don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Steve Jobs” on YouTube

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.

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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

We came here today to overcome it and to become the top. Shohei Ohtani

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!

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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

It's not about technical skill. It's the heart that moves people. Seiji Ozawa

Watch “It’s not about technical skill. It’s the heart that moves people. Seiji Ozawa” on YouTube

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.

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Starting something is easy, but continuing it is difficult. Making it successful is even more difficult.Umeko Tsuda

An epiphany-inducing quote! [Umeko Tsuda]

Starting something is easy, but continuing it is difficult. Making it successful is even more difficult. — Umeko Tsuda

Watch “Starting something is easy, but continuing it is difficult. Making it successful is even more difficult. Umeko Tsuda” on YouTube

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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I’m not interested in whether a job is big or small. I do the work that’s fun.Akira Toriyama

Akira Toriyama: A Collection of Unforgettable Gems of Quotes

I’m not interested in whether a job is big or small. I do the work that’s fun. — Akira Toriyama

Watch “I’m not interested in whether a job is big or small. I do the work that’s fun. — Akira Toriyama” on YouTube

Akira Toriyama is a famous Japanese manga artist in the anime industry.

Many of you may know him from works like Dragon Ball and Dr.

Slump: Arale.

Here’s one of his quotes: “I’m not interested in whether a job is big or small.

I just want to do work that’s fun.” It’s a very Toriyama-like saying.

It was likely this spirit that enabled him to create so many beloved masterpieces that remain popular even after his passing.

It’s a quote we’d like to share with all the people working tirelessly in today’s society.

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