You can see philosophy and a way of life through words. Short famous quotes by historical figures.
When asked to name someone who achieved great feats and etched their name into history, who comes to mind?
Many of us learned in school about people who created ideas and things that are now taken for granted, or those who laid the foundations of culture.
This time, we’ve compiled a list of short quotes left by especially famous historical figures—names that almost everyone has heard at least once.
Each quote reveals the person’s philosophy and way of life, so be sure to check them out!
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You can see philosophy and ways of life through words. Short quotes by historical figures (11–20)
Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison, who was active as an inventor in the United States, is remembered chiefly for his various electrical inventions.
Here is a famous quote from this man, who carved his name in history as the “Wizard of Invention,” about what it takes to be called a genius.
While genius is often thought to be a matter of talent, he said that inspiration accounts for only about one percent, and that the truly valuable part is the ninety-nine percent of effort required to realize it.
These words teach us that, to accumulate experience within ourselves and to turn flashes of insight into reality when the moment comes, effort must come first.
There is nothing in the world as strong as insensitivity.Katsu Kaishū
Katsu Kaishū, who served as a shogunal retainer in the Edo period, is remembered for numerous achievements, including helping to realize the bloodless surrender of Edo Castle.
These are words by a key figure of the turbulent late shogunate era, speaking about the strength of what is often seen negatively as insensitivity.
Everyone unconsciously worries about others, and a mindset of yielding to the other person can make it hard to generate innovative ideas.
In such circumstances, being somewhat insensitive is also important; he suggests that the determination to pursue one’s own ideals is precisely what can lead to the creation of something truly innovative.
Let those who wish to leave, leave.Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great, monarch of the Kingdom of Macedon, one of the empires of ancient Greece.
Often called one of the most successful military commanders in history, Alexander the Great left behind numerous famous sayings.
Among them, this short yet resolute quote was addressed to the many soldiers who were exhausted by the long campaign.
It conveys the meaning: let those who wish to leave, leave; even if our numbers are few, we will continue the campaign with those who still have the will to fight.
What I’m doing is by no means something big, but it is something necessary.Che Guevara
This is one of the famous quotes left by Che Guevara, a revolutionary from Argentina.
Do you have any goals right now? Whether it’s work, your future, hobbies, or dreams, there are many challenges on the way to achieving big goals.
By overcoming those small challenges and accumulating experience, you move closer to your goal.
The road to achieving your goal can be long, and at times you may feel like your spirit is breaking.
However, those daily challenges are also necessary to reach your goal.
When you feel lost or come to a halt, try to remember these words.
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.
Your happiness in life depends on the quality of your thoughts.Marcus Aurelius Antoninus
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, one of the Five Good Emperors and the 16th Roman emperor.
He is also known for leaving behind his work Meditations, and can be regarded as a model of a philosopher-king who preferred learning over war.
He was also a thinker within Stoic philosophy.
The happiness of life changes according to the quality of one’s own thoughts.
Controlling the mind and emotions through thought also affects how we ultimately interpret things.
In other words, a single way of thinking can make you happy—or unhappy.
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.
If you try, you can achieve; if you don’t try, you won’t. Whatever fails to be accomplished fails because people do not attempt it.Uesugi Yōzan
Uesugi Yōzan was a mid-Edo period feudal lord and the 9th daimyō of the Yonezawa Domain in Dewa Province.
These words are said to be a lesson he composed and gave to his retainers.
Both “為す” (nasu) and “成す” (nasu) are pronounced the same.
“為す” means to take action; “成す” means to accomplish something.
In other words, if you try, you can do it.
You can’t do anything if you don’t try.
If something can’t be done, it’s because the person doesn’t attempt it.
These words teach the importance of effort and taking action.
No success for those without dreams.Yoshida Shōin
Yoshida Shoin was a samurai of the Edo period and also an educator.
He founded the Shoka Sonjuku and is known for having mentored figures such as Ito Hirobumi and Takasugi Shinsaku.
His saying “Those without dreams cannot succeed” is actually part of a longer passage: “Those without dreams have no ideals; those without ideals have no plans; those without plans have no execution; those without execution have no success.
Therefore, those without dreams have no success.” These words teach us that to achieve our goals, we must first set them and then carry out the plans to accomplish them.
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.