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 way of life through words. Short famous quotes by historical figures (1–10)
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.
Be all the more cautious when making that final push.Takeda Shingen
Takeda Shingen, a warlord who was active during the Sengoku period, ruled Kai—present-day Yamanashi Prefecture—and was feared under the nickname “The Tiger of Kai.” These are words attributed to a figure said to have wielded great power even among the warlords of the era, speaking to how vital it is not to let your guard down.
They convey that it is precisely when your goal is within reach that your focus tends to waver, and that you should approach that final push with even greater caution.
The words also strongly convey an attitude of never becoming complacent, no matter how powerful you are, and of seeing things through to the very end with full effort.
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.
You can see philosophy and ways of life through words. Short quotes by historical figures (11–20)
In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity.Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein, who worked as a theoretical physicist, is often called the greatest physicist of the 20th century for his many groundbreaking contributions, including the proposals of special and general relativity.
These are words left by that great physicist, whose name is etched in history, conveying that challenges can lead to opportunities.
They tell us that what matters is how we learn from difficulties and that those difficulties are surely connected to major opportunities.
It’s the kind of message that encourages us not to suffer and give up in the face of hardship, but to confront it and rise above it.
Honesty is always the best policy.George Washington
George Washington, remembered as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, devoted himself to American independence and served as the nation’s first president.
These are words left by this figure—arguably the most important in American history—expressing the importance of being honest.
He tells us that even if you lie to cover things up, the truth will eventually come out, and that being honest is the wiser course to both prevent that and earn trust.
The message also conveys a strong sense of moving straight toward one’s goals, advancing with self-belief.
Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt, who also distinguished himself as President of the United States, is known for mediating the ceasefire in the Russo-Japanese War and receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
These are words that seem to express the attitude he left behind as a great statesman in American history: steadily advancing toward a grand goal.
He tells us that it is important to keep our gaze fixed high on our lofty objectives while moving forward without getting carried away.
It’s the kind of message that makes you feel that truly great goals await at the end of steady, incremental effort.
The future depends on what we do now.Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi, who was active as a political leader in India, is also known for his steadfast commitment to nonviolent civil disobedience.
The words left by this figure, who devoted himself to India’s independence, convey that the present is connected to the future.
To build a better future, what we do in this very moment matters, and we should strive to take actions that will improve what lies ahead.
Even when faced with difficulties, these words give us the courage to take a step forward for the sake of the future.