If you know them, they might become beacons that light your life’s path: a collection of memorable quotes.
In life, worries never seem to end—whether it’s the busyness of each day or anxieties about the future.
At times like these, having something to serve as a guiding star might help you move forward along the path you believe in without hesitation.
With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of memorable quotes.
From sayings that remind you of what truly matters to words that meet you where you are, you’re sure to find something that resonates with your current state of mind.
I hope you’ll recall them whenever you stumble and feel unable to take another step.
- Short but moving words to remember when your heart is tired
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- Words that strongly push you forward and give you energy
- One-Line Life Quotes: Carefully selected words that gently nudge you forward
- Encouraging words that give you strength. Words you’ll want to share with those around you.
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- Quotes that accompany the departure called graduation—words that will give you courage for the life ahead.
- Quotes from great figures that give us the power to live
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If you know them, they might be guiding lights that illuminate your life: A collection of memorable quotes (101–110)
It’s never too late to become the person you wanted to be.George Eliot
George Eliot, a prominent Victorian author known for works rich in psychological insight and realism.
Her famous quote, “It is never too late to be what you might have been,” carries a message that reminds us of ideals we were about to give up on.
As we grow older, we tend to let go of our dreams and ideals.
However, she teaches us that if we truly desire it and put in the effort, we can become the person we wanted to be at any time.
This is a recommended quote for those who need the courage to take the first step.
The goddess of fate favors those who act boldly.Niccolò Machiavelli
Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian political thinker known for advocating a realist political theory that politics should be considered separately from religion and morality.
His famous saying, “Fortune favors the bold,” can give us courage to face challenges.
Those who do nothing will never encounter opportunities, but taking action brings change and progress—doesn’t it? It’s a message I hope people who lack confidence in their initiative will adopt as a personal motto.
There is no piece that cannot move forward.Makoto Nakahara
Shogi player Makoto Nakahara, who holds five Lifetime Titles and also served as president of the Japan Shogi Association.
His famous saying, “There is no piece that cannot move forward,” truly reflects the unique perspective of a professional shogi player.
The eight types of pieces used in shogi each have different characteristics, but whether a piece is weak or strong, they all share the ability to move forward.
The message that anyone can make progress regardless of their abilities or circumstances can be a great source of courage for those on the verge of breaking.
It’s a quote to remember before you give up on something.
Only by living desperately does one’s life shine.Oda Nobunaga
Lord Oda Nobunaga, a warlord counted among the Three Unifiers of the Sengoku period for his innovative political methods.
From his famous saying, “It is only by living desperately that one’s life shines,” we can truly sense the very essence of Oda Nobunaga’s life.
Not only should we act energetically with dreams and goals, but it is by throwing ourselves wholeheartedly into the act of living itself that our lives gain profound meaning.
This message teaches us that such a way of living becomes the proof that we truly lived and allows us to create a life uniquely our own, unlike anyone else’s.
Everyone has their own stage to shine. How brightly you shine depends on you.Naoko Takahashi
Naoko Takahashi first encountered track and field when she joined a club in junior high school.
She was naturally gifted at running, but she says she didn’t really have a strong desire like “I want to devote myself to track and field.” Still, meeting running at such an early stage was simply a matter of good fortune.
Have you already encountered the “something” that will change you? Even if you have, it’s surprisingly easy not to notice it.
No matter how much you love something, sticking with it for a long time is hard; if you have something you love, all you can do is keep honing your craft.
For those who haven’t found that “something” yet, may you discover your own “place to shine” soon!
If you know them, they might become guiding lights that illuminate your life: A collection of memorable quotes (111–120)
If you want something new, you need to let go of something old.Peter Drucker
While the time-honored values of history and tradition are important, clinging to them too tightly can become an obstacle when trying to create something innovative.
Peter Drucker’s famous quote, “If you want something new, you have to stop doing something old,” teaches us that sometimes we need the courage to let go.
This applies not only to management, but also to everyday life: when we want change, there are times we must give up old habits.
It’s a message everyone who seeks change should keep in mind.
The only thing we know about the future is that it will be different from the present.Peter Drucker
The message that “the only thing we know about the future is that it will be different from the present” may seem obvious, yet it’s something many of us tend to forget.
If you find yourself despairing about the future—worrying that your current efforts will be wasted or that nothing will change no matter what you do—please remember this.
Peter Drucker taught that any action you take will inevitably bring about change.
Of course, change for its own sake isn’t the goal; I hope you can use this as a guiding principle to help ensure the future becomes better.