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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- Gems of famous quotes give us insights—words that move the heart and stir the soul.
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- 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.
- Healed in a single word… Words that blow away negative feelings and bring a smile.
You might even find a personal motto? Short, memorable phrases (21–30)
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!
It always seems impossible until it’s done.Nelson Mandela
These words tell us that it’s important to take on challenges even when they seem impossible, and that success awaits only if we keep pushing forward without giving up.
They’re from Nelson Mandela, who also served as president of South Africa, and you can sense in them the history of someone who kept confronting obstacles without surrender.
When those around you think something is impossible, you’re often pressured to stop trying and faced with many moments when giving up seems reasonable; this message urges us to find the courage to hold on at those times.
It also suggests that to achieve great results, we sometimes have to walk a harsh path that others may not understand.
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!
If you keep looking down, you won’t be able to find a rainbow.Charles Chaplin
Even if something wonderful is right in front of you, you won’t discover it if you keep looking down.
These words encourage us to look ahead, even when we’re going through tough times.
They’re from Charlie Chaplin, a film actor known for his works full of humor, who also thrived as a film director.
When we feel down, we tend to hang our heads.
But it’s precisely when we’re discouraged that we should face forward to find something lovely—like a rainbow—that must be out there somewhere.
Believe that good things follow hardship, and first, try lifting your head.
If you’re afraid of criticism, you can’t change anything.Sanae Takaichi
These are words Ms.
Takaichi said in an interview that express her stance on what politicians ought to do.
She argues that taking on major reforms is a necessary attitude for politicians, and that if they fear criticism, those reforms cannot move forward.
It’s a statement that conveys a determination to push ahead—listening to both support and criticism while steering politics toward a better future.
The very fact that she dares to say this suggests she is striving to change something.
If we were just one minute earlier, we could save one more person.Calvin Coolidge
Let me introduce a powerful quote from Calvin Coolidge: “If you are one minute early, you can save one more person.” Calvin Coolidge was an American politician who also served as President.
This saying—“If you are one minute early, you can save one more person”—was apparently an American firefighting slogan that was introduced to Japan when the American Red Cross used it in 1923 (Taisho 12) to appeal for aid following the Great Kanto Earthquake.
These powerful words that crossed the ocean truly strike a chord, don’t they?