Cool quotes from historical figures! A collection of great sayings by luminaries that resonate across the ages
Great figures who have etched their names into history have left behind stirring words along with their achievements.
The strength to overcome adversity, profound insights that pierce the essence of life, and an unwavering belief in the future.
The words of those who have colored world history contain something that resonates across time.
Would you like to encounter the cool, spine-straightening quotes of these great individuals? In this article, we introduce quotations from historical figures that will ignite your spirit.
Surely, they will give you the courage to take a step forward starting tomorrow.
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Cool Quotes from Historical Figures! A Collection of Timeless Sayings from Great People (11–20)
Even if my life is a losing battle, I want to fight to the very end.Vincent van Gogh
An artist from the Netherlands who had a profound impact on the art world of the 20th century and a leading figure of Post-Impressionism, Vincent van Gogh.
His famous quote, “Even if my life is a losing battle, I want to keep fighting until the end,” carries particular weight precisely because he was not widely appreciated during his lifetime.
It’s a message that conveys a resolve and determination to follow the path one believes in, regardless of winning or losing, and it likely resonates across time with many people.
It’s a quote to remember when you feel lost in life.
A strong person does not lament their fate.Arthur Schopenhauer
Arthur Schopenhauer, a German philosopher known as a leading thinker of pessimism who influenced countless philosophers.
The saying, “A strong person does not lament their fate,” might seem surprising coming from Schopenhauer, who developed a philosophy of pessimism.
People often waver when they hear the word fate, and sometimes even use it as an excuse to give up.
Yet this message teaches that if you possess a strong will, you will not be troubled no matter what fate you have, and you can carve out your own life.
There is no past or future; there is only the present moment.Leo Tolstoy
Leo Tolstoy, a towering figure of 19th-century Russian literature and also known as a proponent of nonviolence.
His famous quote, “There is neither past nor future; there is only the present moment,” reminds us of the importance of living fully in the now.
People tend to cling to past successes or feel anxious about a future that has yet to arrive.
However, this message encourages us to recognize that the only time we can immediately change is the present.
My greatest masterpiece is my next work.Charles Chaplin
Charles Chaplin, the film producer known as a comedian who rose to fame in the silent film era and nicknamed the King of Comedy.
His famous quote, “My greatest creation is my next work,” might express his unwavering belief that he is constantly evolving.
The confidence that your future self will surely surpass your present self may be an essential mindset for those who achieve great things.
It’s a cool quote—one you can voice precisely because you’re putting in the effort.
No matter what happens, let’s make sure we never say the word “painful.”Shinsaku Takasugi
Shinsaku Takasugi was a samurai who was active at the end of the Edo period as a proponent of the Sonnō Jōi movement and is also known for founding groups like the Kiheitai.
His famous quote, “No matter what happens, let’s never say the word ‘painful’,” is a message that could only come from someone who lived through such tumultuous times.
When you’re striving toward an enormous goal, it’s natural to face hardships and suffering.
But once you put that into words, doesn’t it make the burden feel even heavier? It’s a quintessentially Japanese maxim that values endurance as a virtue and cherishes the power of words.
Though I know full well what will come of it if I do this, the indomitable Yamato spirit compels me and I cannot help myself.Yoshida Shōin
Born into a lower-ranking samurai family, the thinker Shoin Yoshida was said to have given a lecture on military science before his feudal lord at the age of eleven, thanks to his remarkable talent.
The famous saying “Kaku sureba kaku naru mono to shirinagara yamuniyamarenu Yamato-damashii” is known as a poem Yoshida composed when he was sent to prison.
Its message—“I know that if I do this, it will turn out this way, and yet I cannot help but do it; that is the spirit of Yamato”—surely gives courage to those who have dreams and goals.
It is a memorable quote that teaches the strength of conviction and the importance of taking action.
One face is given to us by God; the other we create ourselves.William Shakespeare
The English playwright William Shakespeare, who left many masterpieces to posterity, including the Four Great Tragedies.
His famous quote, “God has given you one face, and you make yourself another,” suggests that there is a self that can only be forged through accumulated experience.
The message that who we are now is shaped both by what we are born with and cannot change, and by what we can change through our own efforts, likely resonates with many.
It is a quote that teaches the meaning of effort and growth.
What matters is not the length of life, but its depth.Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson, hailed as a leading figure of transcendentalism and an essayist with many facets—thinker, philosopher, writer, and poet—once said, “It is not the length of life, but the depth.” This quote reminds us of what it means to live a fulfilling life.
Longevity is wonderful in itself, but if life is too shallow, it is a shame.
This saying teaches us that what truly matters is pursuing the events that life brings and making our lives profound.
Now is the time to act. It is never too late to do something.Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, who was active as a novelist in France.
His representative work, The Little Prince, has long been loved around the world.
Here is a famous quote from that great writer that expresses his view on the timing of taking action.
It speaks to those who have avoided challenges as they’ve grown older, delivering a powerful message that it’s never too late to try.
It tells us that the moment you decide is the moment to start, giving a firm boost to our resolve to do our best.
Our lives are our art.John Lennon
John Lennon, the founding leader of the Beatles and a singer-songwriter who created many classic songs as a solo artist.
His famous quote, “Our life is our art,” is an expression truly befitting an artist.
It conveys the message that our life is a work we ourselves paint—free to use any colors or techniques—and that it can become something unique and one of a kind.
It may prompt some to reflect on their past and others to look to the future with hope.
It is a quote that makes us realize the value of creating a one-of-a-kind masterpiece in this world.