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)
Because we dream, life shines.Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was active as a musician mainly in what is now Austria, is remembered as one of the leading figures of Classical music.
Here are words from that great musician that speak directly to the importance of dreaming.
He tells us that by having clear dreams—ideals and goals—we can determine the direction we should take and find the strength to keep striving.
His words teach us that moving toward our dreams is precisely what makes life shine brightest and feel most fulfilling.
Without trust, there is no friendship; without sincerity, there is no trust.Samuel Johnson
Samuel Johnson was an 18th-century British poet, critic, and philologist, also known for compiling an English dictionary.
This quote says that merely sharing pleasant times does not constitute true friendship.
The foundation is sincerity—whether you can trust the other person.
Keeping promises, not lying, and not betraying others—such steady accumulation breeds trust and only then leads to friendship.
Johnson’s words are stern but highly realistic.
When a relationship wavers, they serve as a guide for reflecting on what was missing.
It is a timeless saying that those who value friendship would do well to keep in mind.
Friends double joy and halve sorrow.Friedrich von Schiller
These are words by Friedrich von Schiller, who was active in Germany as a poet and thinker, speaking about the effects of friendship.
The content seems to express the movements of our emotions when spending time with friends, conveying that good things are amplified and bad things can be shared.
It also communicates that true friendship is a relationship in which we can talk about good things and rejoice together, and consult about bad things and share the burden.
You can also feel that having someone you can trust enriches your life.
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.
You can see philosophy and way of life through words. Short famous quotes (21–30) by historical figures
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.