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 power to live (31–40)
You should have more faith in your talents and what you’ve done.Ichiro
It teaches us the importance of not underestimating ourselves and having confidence in the effort we’ve built up.
The more things don’t go well, the more we tend to think, “Maybe I can’t do it,” but the time we’ve spent working hard has never been wasted.
For example, even when results don’t come in a sport you’ve practiced for years, believing in the effort you’ve made and continuing on can turn into strength.
In studying as well, those who have kept at it steadily are the ones who can demonstrate their abilities when it counts.
These words convey that believing in yourself becomes the foundation that supports your next step.
There are no solutions in life. What exists in life is only a force in motion. We have to create that force. The solutions will follow afterward.Saint-Exupéry
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the novelist who wrote The Little Prince, a work loved around the world.
Here is a passage from one of his masterpieces, Night Flight.
Life never goes backward.
As we keep moving forward, we must overcome many things.
However, moving forward requires effort.
He tells us that as we proceed through life by trial and error, we can find solutions to each of our problems.
If you’re troubled and have come to a standstill, try, above all, to take a step forward.
What matters is not practice, but the passion for practice.Pelé
Which is better: practicing just because you’re vaguely told to, or practicing hard with a clear goal in mind? Pelé, called the King of Soccer and admired by players and fans around the world—he captivated so many people precisely because, true to these words, he kept practicing tirelessly with passion, scored countless goals, and became a beloved figure worldwide.
Spending time on practice is sometimes important, but even more important, he teaches us, is approaching practice with your heart fully invested and your soul in it.
Expectations aren’t something to meet, but to exceed.Shohei Ohtani
It teaches a positive mindset that aims not just to meet what others ask of you, but to go beyond.
Instead of stopping at “this is good enough,” it emphasizes the importance of continually pushing yourself with the belief that “I can do more.” For example, when people expect you to “get a hit,” you don’t settle for a hit—you work with the determination to go for a home run.
In studying, too, rather than thinking “as long as I pass,” you challenge yourself to “do my very best,” which leads to growth.
These words gently show a way of thinking that turns expectations not into pressure, but into an opportunity to develop yourself.
If you laugh, the world laughs with you. If you cry, you cry alone.Ella Wheeler Wilcox
If you smile, the world smiles with you... A famous quote by Ella Wheeler Wilcox.
These are the opening words of “Solitude,” a work by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, a poet who was active in the United States.
They express the connection between sorrow and loneliness and also convey how important it is to stay positive.
When you are laughing, people gather; when you are sad, you are alone—this encourages us to be as positive as possible so that people will come together.
It also stirs the courage to face hardship, reminding us that it is we ourselves who overcome suffering.
Unless one has eaten bread with tears, one cannot know the taste of life.Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Goethe: “Only those who have eaten their bread with tears know the taste of life.” #shorts #Goethe #Quotes
These are words that appear in Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who was active as a poet in Germany.
They speak to the idea that life is not composed only of joyous times, but also includes deep sorrow and loneliness, and that it is precisely these experiences that lead to the richness of life.
It expresses that life’s depth is revealed through negatives such as sadness, suffering, and solitude—that they are not merely bad.
It also suggests that rather than stopping and seeing suffering as something purely negative, it is important to move forward from it.
Beyond the clouds, the sky is always blue.Louisa May Alcott
Beyond the clouds, the sky is always blue. #Shorts #LouisaMayAlcott #LouisaMayAlcott #Quotes #SelfImprovement #SelfAffirmation #Business #Knowledge
These are the words of Louisa May Alcott, an American novelist, speaking to the idea that if we endure even in painful times, brighter days are sure to come.
Even when the sky is covered with clouds, there is blue sky beyond them—this conveys the fact that with time, hardship will pass.
If we think of the bright essence as merely hidden by clouds, it may help us remember that brightness.
The message is hopeful: suffering doesn’t last, and there is surely something bright ahead.
Face great sorrows with courage, and face small sorrows with patience. After you finish the day’s work through hard effort, sleep in peace. The rest is in God’s hands.Victor Hugo
Inner peace taught by Victor Hugo #Courage #Perseverance #PeaceOfMind
These are the words of Victor Hugo, who was active as a poet in France, offering advice on how to strive day by day.
From the idea that when suffering is great you need courage, and when it is small you need patience, you can sense a message encouraging us to overcome difficulties with the strength that suits the situation.
It also gives the impression of portraying the importance of rest after making an effort, and conveys a powerful call to move forward with faith.
The words express a gentle reminder not to take on too much, that it’s important to stay composed and proceed calmly.
It’s okay to feel regret, to cry, to rejoice. That’s what it means to be human.Shuzo Matsuoka
Energize Yourself! Shuzo Matsuoka Quotations
These are the words of Shuzo Matsuoka, speaking to the idea that humans have a range of emotions—joy, sadness, and more—and that we don’t have to hide them.
As we go through each day, our emotions naturally shift; instead of suppressing them, expressing them as they are is part of being human.
It also conveys the message that even when we accept and move forward with our more vulnerable feelings, they can become the strength that carries us to the next step.
You can feel a strong wish for each person to affirm their own humanity, believe in themselves, and keep moving forward.
