Quotes from great figures that give us the power to live
There are many people in the world called “great figures” who have astonished others, created useful technologies, and moved people’s hearts.
In this article, we carefully select and introduce famous quotes spoken by such great figures.
We’ve gathered quotes from a variety of perspectives—ones that give you the strength to face forward when you feel like giving up, ones that help you take one more step, and ones that let you feel love and dreams.
You might even come across a quote that supports your days—and your life.
Quotes from great figures that give us the strength to live (1–10)
Walls (obstacles) only appear to those who are capable.Ichiro (Suzuki Ichiro)
Ichiro Suzuki, formerly a professional baseball player who achieved numerous accomplishments not only in Japan but also in Major League Baseball.
His disciplined dedication to the game captivated people and influenced many who followed.
One of his famous quotes is, “Walls only appear to those who can overcome them.” In other words, obstacles come only to those capable of surpassing them—when you face a wall, it’s a chance.
Most of us tend to dislike the walls that stand in our way, but let’s see them as opportunities for growth and strive to overcome them!
You have to fail, or you’ll never succeed.Coco Chanel
Coco Chanel, known as the founder of the Chanel brand, had a profound impact on the world as a fashion designer.
These are the words left by this great fashion designer who represents the 20th century, expressing the relationship between failure and success.
She asserts that failure is necessary for success, and that without failure, success cannot be born.
It’s also a statement imbued with a positive attitude: the more you feel discouraged by failure, the more you should learn from it and move toward success.
If you can dream it, you can do it.Walt Disney
Here is a famous quote that in English goes, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” It is said to be a saying by Walt Disney, who created the worlds of Disney films and Disney resorts around the globe.
If you can dream “I want to do this” or “I want to be like that,” then you can surely make it happen—what an encouraging message.
If you’re striving toward your dreams and ever hit a wall and feel like giving up, try remembering these words.
They’ll surely give you the courage to try again.
Do not compare yourself to anyone else in this world.Bill Gates
Bill Gates, also known for founding Microsoft, is a great entrepreneur who contributed to the evolution of computers.
Here is a famous quote from this indispensable figure in the history of computing that focuses on one’s relationship with oneself and others.
It rejects the tendency we all have to compare ourselves with those around us, encouraging us instead to hold firmly to the idea that we are who we are.
It also conveys the notion that staying true to yourself—rather than comparing yourself to others—is what ultimately leads to results.
It’s never too late to become the person you wanted to be.George Eliot
George Eliot, one of Britain’s most representative authors, is also known for works such as Adam Bede and Middlemarch.
Among the many words this great writer left behind is a famous quote that seems to express a spirit of challenge and a refusal to give up.
As we grow older, we may find ourselves giving up on our ideals more often, but this quote urges us to keep our sense of challenge alive nonetheless.
It conveys a powerful message that it is never too late—that at any moment, we can still move toward our ideals.
It doesn’t matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.Confucius
Confucius, who was active as a thinker in China during the Spring and Autumn period, left behind many sayings and ideas as the founder of Confucianism.
Among the words that have had a great influence on later generations, this is a famous saying that expresses the importance of continuing to move forward.
It tells us that even when we face walls or experience failure, the most important thing is not to stop, and that moving forward while drawing on those experiences leads to results.
These words seem to give us the courage to take one more step, even in situations where we feel tempted to stand still.
To look squarely at yourself as you are—that is strength.Taro Okamoto
Taro Okamoto, who thrived as an artist, is known for his eccentric style exemplified by the Tower of the Sun and for the phrase “Art is an explosion.” This is a famous quote left by that great artist—who consistently expressed a powerful individuality—that conveys the importance of being aware of your true self.
In a world where we tend to focus on fitting in, it takes courage to face ourselves, and he tells us that those who can actually do so are the strongest.
These words suggest that by thoroughly analyzing both our strengths and our weaknesses, we can walk toward a better future.