Short yet inspiring and reassuring quotes from great figures and famous people
When you’re tired from work, worn out by relationships, or exhausted by life itself, having something that soothes your heart can help reset even the toughest moments, right? Immersing yourself in hobbies or entertainment is great, but some of you might not even have time for that.
So this time, I’ve put together a list of wonderful words from great figures and famous people.
Each one is a gem—short, yet healing for the heart.
When something tough happens, check this list so you can revisit it right away.
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Inspiring short quotes that give courage and comfort by great figures and famous people (21–30)
It’s okay. Let’s rebuild again.Akio Tadano
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 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?
It wasn’t by chance that we made it back alive. This is our mission.Sandwich Man
These are words from Sandwichman, a comedy duo from Sendai, that express a determination to keep moving forward.
The key point is that at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake, they happened to be in Kesennuma, Miyagi—one of the disaster areas—while filming a TV show.
They convey what it means that they survived: being alive in that place was both fate and a mission, and they believe they are called to walk forward and pass on the story to the future.
You can feel their love for their hometown and their resolve to carry it on their shoulders as they move ahead.
I can imagine that many people are still struggling emotionally and mentally. So let’s keep supporting one another.Lady Gaga
This is a message Lady Gaga sent to the disaster-affected areas in 2021, ten years after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
It shows her affection for Japan by acknowledging that recovery is still not complete even after so much time, and that emotional support is still needed.
By standing firmly with those who are suffering and grieving while encouraging them to move forward, she gives many people courage and strength.
It also conveys the impression of a message that we must not let the passage of time erode or fade the memory of their pain.
Beneath mud and earth lies solid rock; above clouds and mist shines the sun. At the height of discontent, there is still fortune, nor is hope absent.Kanzo Uchimura
I would like to introduce a famous saying by Kanzo Uchimura: “Beneath the mud lies bedrock; above the clouds and mist shines the sun.
Even at the height of complaint, happiness and hope are not absent.” Kanzo Uchimura was a Christian thinker active in the Meiji era.
Disasters can bring many hardships.
At such times, Uchimura left words he hoped we would remember.
It is said to mean that even when times are painful and difficult now, a stable and bright future surely awaits beyond.
He likens difficult situations to mud, and the bedrock represents the strength within us that lies beneath these serious problems.
Furthermore, he tells us that even when we feel or voice complaints, happiness and hope still exist.
Life brings all kinds of experiences, doesn’t it? Even so, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining a positive outlook.
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.
Prepare pessimistically, act optimistically.Kazuo Inamori
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?