You might even find your motto—short phrases that leave a lasting impression.
Words from great and famous people can linger in our hearts, even if they’re just a single phrase.
Those who have achieved something or who keep taking on challenges each have their own convictions and resolve, and even their briefest words carry power.
This time, I’ve put together a list of such memorable quotes.
They’re all the kind of sayings you’ll want to etch into your heart and remember.
Since they’re short, they’re perfect as personal mottos—so don’t miss them!
Jot them down so you can recall them right away.
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- Uplifting words by great figures and famous people that, despite their brevity, convey a sense of philosophy.
- Just remembering them fills you with courage! Striking quotes that touch the heart from great figures and famous people
- Gives you the power to face challenges! Inspiring words of courage from great and famous people.
- Recommended as life tips! A collection of short, memorable quotes from great figures
- [Heart-Touching] Quotes That Keep You Going Anytime! Fiery Words That Push You Forward
- Gems of famous quotes give us insights—words that move the heart and stir the soul.
- You can see philosophy and a way of life through words. Short famous quotes by historical figures.
- If you know them, they’ll surely guide your life! Important words to etch into your heart
- Short quotes that resonate with the heart. Words that reach you effortlessly.
- Powerful words give you a push! Words that help you try even harder than before.
- Knowing this will surely make you feel positive! Beautiful, heart-touching words
You might even find your motto? Short, memorable phrases (1–10)
You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist.Indira Gandhi

When you shake hands, it’s natural to do so with an open hand.
Clenching your fist might suggest you’re angry with the other person or harboring violent feelings.
These words proclaim the true meaning of opening your hand and engaging in a firm handshake.
They come from Indira Gandhi, who became India’s first female prime minister.
Her message is that merely making a fist and resorting to violence resolves nothing and brings no peace.
This is a mindset we should value not only in the face of something as vast as war, but also in our everyday relationships.
What matters isn’t who you’ve been up to now, but who you’ll be from here on.Ella Fitzgerald

These words give you the strength to switch gears and do your best from here on out, no matter what failures you’ve had in the past.
They’re from Ella Fitzgerald, the jazz singer who won 13 Grammy Awards and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
No matter how much you struggle, you can’t change the past.
What matters is the future: how you improved afterward, what you discovered, and what you’ll do next.
If you tend to get caught up in the past, hold these words close and turn your eyes forward.
There is no piece that cannot move forward.Makoto Nakahara

Makoto Nakahara, the 16th Lifetime Meijin in shogi and a holder of numerous lifetime titles.
With the unique perspective of a professional shogi player, his words will give a gentle push to those who have hit a wall.
Shogi pieces can move forward in many directions—vertically, horizontally, and diagonally.
Just like those pieces, people too can keep moving forward.
Even if you’re feeling down because you can’t seem to move ahead, believe that you still can, hold these words close to your heart, stand up, and take that first step!
You might even find a personal motto? Short, memorable phrases (11–20)
If it doesn’t get dark, you can’t see the stars.Charles Beard

Dark nights and darkness are often seen as something negative, but these words remind us that there are things we can see only because we experience darkness.
They are by Charles Beard, an American historian and political scientist.
The stars we see precisely because we are in the deep dark are new discoveries that we could not see when we were outside the darkness.
So even if we lose our way and feel down in a painful darkness, this message encourages us to look for what we can do there, to search for anything we can see, and to use it to take the next step forward.
That’s fine—people should live their own way.Tarō Asō
@animationmeigen [Taro Aso] Do what you love rather than going to school and studying.Translation#Animation Quotes Collection
♪ Original song – Animated Quotes Collection – Animated Quotes Collection
It gently untangles the hearts of modern people who tend to be swayed by others’ values.
Everyone has their own environment and experiences, so it’s only natural that our ways of life differ.
There’s no meaning in judging someone’s choices as right or wrong; what matters most is whether that person is convinced and walking their own path.
If you keep conforming to the voices around you, you can lose sight of your own life.
Respecting others also leads to affirming your own way of living.
It’s a quote characteristic of Taro Aso, a longtime politician, showing the breadth to embrace diversity.
If you can dream it, you can achieve it.Walt Disney

Walt Disney, who created Disneyland and produced numerous Disney works.
Here is a quote that could only come from someone who kept giving dreams to people around the world.
In reality, making dreams come true is very difficult.
However, this saying seems to tell us that what’s most important first is to believe that dreams absolutely can come true.
In fact, Disney works include depictions that convey “dreams come true when you believe.” If you can dream, and truly believe from the bottom of your heart that it will come true, you can make that dream a reality! Hold that conviction firmly, and let’s achieve our dreams and goals!
It’s never too late to become the person you wanted to be.George Eliot

Many people may find themselves struck by these words left by the British writer George Eliot.
Have you ever thought, even when you want to do something, “I’m too old,” or “It’s no longer possible at my age”? As this quote suggests, it is never too late to start something or to become someone new! There are many people who acquire new knowledge or learn new skills even in their later years.
If you tend to blame your age for things, let these words give you a push—and go do what you want to do!


