Short maxims by great figures that you’ll want to etch into your heart and remember
When it comes to living our lives, doesn’t everyone have their own guiding principles?
They can take many forms—relationships, work, romance, and more.
Because the criteria we use to make decisions lead directly to our actions, having a consistent core makes life easier both for yourself and for those around you.
With that in mind, here are some short maxims left to us by great figures of the past.
If you don’t yet have a clear set of guiding principles, I hope you’ll find something in this article.
And of course, even if you already have your own philosophy, I encourage you to take a look!
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Words to carve into your heart! Short maxims by great figures to remember (1–10)
Genius is nothing more than a mediocre person who works hard.Albert Einstein
When we encounter people whom the world calls geniuses, we sometimes suffer by feeling the difference in talent between them and ourselves.
Sharing what such so-called geniuses are really like, these words from Albert Einstein tell us that anyone has the potential to become a genius.
Genius is not determined solely by innate talent; it is something forged through sustained effort.
If you keep trying without giving up, the power to be called a genius can be granted to anyone.
These words give us the courage to keep moving forward without quitting, especially when our efforts don’t seem to lead to the results we hope for.
Those who do not advance will surely retreat, and those who do not retreat will surely advance.Yukichi Fukuzawa
The world changes as time passes, and some people may feel they’re struggling to keep up.
Here are words from Yukichi Fukuzawa that convey how we should frame our mindset as we move through the flow of life’s time.
As time flows, our actions amount to one of two things: advancing or falling behind, and he asks which we will choose.
Standing still also leads to retreat, which suggests an encouragement to take on challenges and keep moving forward.
A person who tries to be everyone’s friend is no one’s friend.Wilhelm Pfeffer
We might sometimes think that people with lots of friends are wonderful and look happy.
But for that person, can the people around them really be called true friends? These words by Wilhelm Pfeffer, the German plant physiologist said to have laid the foundations of modern plant physiology, prompt us to reflect on the pros and cons of what in Japanese is called happō bijin—that is, trying to please everyone.
Having many friends isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but when you’re in trouble, will those people truly help you? Will they stay by your side? It may be more important to find one friend who genuinely cares about you than to have many friends.
I want to etch these into my heart! Short maxims by great figures to remember (11–20)
Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt, who served as the 26th president of the United States as well as governor of New York.
His words tell us to set firm goals and move forward with our feet planted on the ground to achieve them.
If your steps are light and unsteady, you may have your feet swept out from under you or be easily discouraged by small setbacks.
Even if there are walls you must overcome, take strong steps so you won’t be defeated by things that happen when you’re not grounded.
And always be sure not to lose sight of your goals, no matter what.
It is not noble to be superior to others.Ernest Hemingway
These are the words of Ernest Hemingway, a Nobel Prize-winning author who had a profound impact on literary history.
His words show that value lies not in comparing ourselves to others, but in our own growth.
When you keep studying, you may find yourself worrying about others’ grades and progress, and feel anxious.
But what truly matters is whether you’ve taken one step forward from who you were yesterday.
Small, steady efforts build confidence and sustain your attitude toward learning.
It’s a famous quote that quietly teaches the meaning of striving on your own terms.
Find a way. If there isn’t one, make one.Hannibal Barca
Hannibal Barca, renowned as Carthage’s great general who defeated the Roman army at the Battle of Cannae.
This famous quote is undeniably the powerful words of a true commander.
In 221 BCE, at the young age of twenty-six, he became the army’s commander and achieved numerous victories.
Perhaps this was because, as the quote suggests, he constantly sought ways to win, and if none could be found, he would create them himself.
His lofty ambition and unwavering resolve elevated him to a great general and made him a figure remembered and spoken of to this day.
People deserve praise or blame solely based on whether they have the perseverance to see things through.Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci, a master artist of the Renaissance known for The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa.
From this quote he left behind, we can sense the importance of perseverance.
The ability to carry through without abandoning what you have decided to do is essential for success.
By continuing to make efforts without giving up until the end, people earn praise and etch their names into history.
Leonardo da Vinci is known as a remarkably versatile figure, even called a “universal genius.” Perhaps it was precisely because he possessed this power of perseverance.