The words of great figures—who have accumulated many experiences, wrestled with doubts, and taken action throughout their lives—are filled with wisdom for living richly.
One way to learn from them is by reading autobiographies.
But many people may find it hard to make time to read thick volumes packed with the intense lives of those who came before us.
So in this article, we’ve selected and shared some special messages from the famous quotes of various notable people that can serve as hints for life.
If you read them when you hit a wall or feel lost and unsettled, you’ll likely find your heart calming and your thinking becoming clearer.
[One-line Life Quotes] Carefully selected words that gently nudge you forward (81–90)
Because there is a premise of happiness, we are able to find unhappiness.Kazlaser
Kazlaser’s quote from “Kazlaser Clinic” is getting an incredible reaction on Twitter!!
People inevitably tend to focus on misfortune and problems, but happiness is something we can truly feel precisely because those moments exist as a contrast.
That said, there’s no need to let your heart be consumed by misfortune.
By consciously looking away just a little, you become more aware of the small joys and comforts in everyday life.
The more knowledgeable and analytical a person is, the more they notice and feel the problems and misfortunes hidden in daily life; but by intentionally avoiding them, the mind becomes calmer and you can savor everyday happiness more fully.
The very act of looking away is a positive strategy to keep your heart from being ruled by misfortune.
These are the words of Akio Tadano, who ran a ryokan in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture—words about moving forward with a positive spirit even in the face of hardship.
At the time, many interviews carried a heavy sense of gloom and featured questions that stoked anxiety, which is why the fact that he delivered these words with a smile drew so much attention.
They convey a powerful hope amid uncertainty—the sense that by keeping on and not standing still, a new path will open.
The impression is further strengthened by the fact that Mr.
Tadano actually rebuilt his ryokan, embodying the importance of facing forward, just as he said.
If you endure, you will surely become a strong person.Senichi Hoshino
These are the words of Senichi Hoshino, who excelled as a player for the Chunichi Dragons during his career and later made his mark as a manager for the Chunichi Dragons, the Hanshin Tigers, and the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.
During the Great East Japan Earthquake, he was the manager of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, the team from the disaster-stricken region, and his words are remembered for inspiring many people.
He conveys that no matter what difficulties you face, you should give your all in the present and confront them head-on—that strength lies along the path you advance by doing so.
Because these are the words of Hoshino, who rebuilt teams whose results had faltered, they carry real persuasive power; they are words that lift your spirits and make you want to keep pushing forward.
Let me introduce a famous quote left by Kazuo Inamori: “Prepare pessimistically, act optimistically.” Kazuo Inamori was a Japanese entrepreneur and engineer.
He founded Kyocera and Daini Denden, which is now KDDI, and served as chairman of the Inamori Foundation, a public-interest incorporated foundation.
He was also honorary chairman of Japan Airlines.
In the planning stage, with a strong will that says, “No matter what, we must accomplish this,” one should reexamine the plan with a pessimistic eye; then, in the execution stage, with the confidence that “We can definitely do it,” one should carry it out optimistically—brightly and with dignity.
Doesn’t this conviction also apply to disaster preparedness?
There are movies that don’t end with a happy ending, right? How many can you name? I dislike stories that don’t end happily—I simply won’t read, watch, or listen to them.
Depending on how you take it, I think Kazlaser’s words here can sound quite cruel, because there are people who, no matter what, can’t feel happy.
But try prefacing it with “Even so,” and then read the line: “Humans are bound to end up happy anyway.” Doesn’t it even bring Kaz’s smile to mind? It’s something I want you to remember when you feel like you’re about to lose heart.
If you don’t give up on yourself, there is no such thing as losing in life.Shigeta Saitō
232 If you don't give up on yourself, you won't be defeated in life.
Psychiatrist Shigeta Saito—who was also active as an essayist and public speaker and was affectionately known as “Mota-san.” From his famous saying, “As long as you don’t give up on yourself, there is no such thing as ‘losing’ in life,” we can learn the truth that everything depends on your own mindset.
Rather than being elated or dejected by wins and losses at life’s turning points, his message teaches that true victory lies in never giving up until the end.
It’s a quote to remember when you’re on the verge of setback or when your spirit is about to break—one that gives you the courage to stand up once more.
Eliminate mental wavering by returning to the origin.Yuto Nagatomo
Yuto Nagatomo Quotes Collection
We often hear the phrase “Never forget your beginner’s mindset.” It truly is a spot-on saying.
In the words of soccer player Yuto Nagatomo, by reaffirming your starting point and your purpose, you eliminate wavering and gain clarity on what you should do.
In that way, Nagatomo, who stays straight and true, really never wavers.
Jean de La Fontaine is a poet whom every French person knows and is said to remember for life.
His famous quote, “Diligence is the mother of good fortune” (literally, “Effort opens every door”), is simple yet packed with truth.
The message that anything can be achieved if we face it earnestly and make the effort it deserves is something many people understand but struggle to act on.
Of course, there are times when effort alone won’t get us there, but it never leaves us with nothing.
It’s a saying worth engraving in our hearts, one that can serve as a guiding principle in life.
Mother Teresa: "You just need to be yourself" #shorts #GreatFigures #MotherTeresa
Mother Teresa, who stood by the poor and the lonely and continued to pour out unconditional love.
She devoted her life to protecting human dignity.
In these words lies the most important message for our modern world, where we so easily lose sight of human worth.
When you feel pained by comparisons with others, or when you find yourself trying too hard to become someone else, they remind you that you are enough just as you are.
Gently acknowledging who you are now, without denying yourself, becomes a source of strength for living.
It is a tender saying that loosens the heart and brings a sense of peace.