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!
- Beautiful words by great and famous people that illuminate life
- You can see philosophy and a way of life through words. Short famous quotes by historical figures.
- Short quotes that resonate with the heart. Words that reach you effortlessly.
- You might even find your motto—short phrases that leave a lasting impression.
- Knowing this will surely ease your heart… Comforting words from great and famous people.
- Uplifting words by great figures and famous people that, despite their brevity, convey a sense of philosophy.
- If you know them, they’ll surely guide your life! Important words to etch into your heart
- Words from great and famous people that make you forget negativity in an instant!
- Heartfelt! Inspiring Quotes Left by Great Figures of Japan
- Knowing this will surely make you feel positive! Beautiful, heart-touching words
- It’s sure to resonate most with those who are striving! Words of encouragement from great figures and famous people.
- [Heart-Touching] Quotes That Keep You Going Anytime! Fiery Words That Push You Forward
- Witty quotes by great figures and celebrities where wordplay shines even in brevity
Etch it into your heart! Short maxims by great figures that I want you to remember (41–50)
Grasp one principle, and you understand all things.Miyamoto Musashi
Ukosaben is pronounced “uko-saben.” It means wavering as you look to the right and to the left, unable to decide.
While one might think that taking the long way around leads to many encounters, Musashi teaches with this phrase that if you want broad knowledge, you should master one thing.
Whether it’s training to build your ideal physique or learning a foreign language to master linguistics—anything is fine.
If you truly master that one thing, you’ll find many more open paths waiting beyond it!
I will have no regrets in my actions.Miyamoto Musashi
Big or small, I can’t help but feel that life is, to a greater or lesser extent, a series of regrets.
More often than not it’s a fruitless use of time, but drifting into thoughts like “If only I’d chosen right back then,” or “If only I’d acted immediately,” is also part of life.
Still, the truth is that everyone wants to live like Musashi—facing straight ahead and moving forward.
“I have regrets, but I do not regret.” I’d like to learn from that kind of bold resolve!
Take the sky as a road, and see the road as the sky.Miyamoto Musashi
An unexpectedly popular character from the manga Fist of the North Star is Juuza of the Clouds.
His free-spirited personality must have made him a beloved figure.
When you’re going to school or work every day, there are days when everything just feels unbearable.
You might even want to quit living a life that runs on rails someone else laid down.
At times like that, please remember these words from Musashi.
They’ll make your heart take wing and give you the feeling you can walk your path freely.
“It’s up to you to decide how you live.” It almost feels as if he’s gently teaching us even that.
In conclusion
This time we introduced short maxims by great figures—how did you find them? Each one is a famous quote that reflects its author’s thoughts and way of life. I’d be delighted if even one of them resonated with you, gave you the strength to move forward, or helped ease your doubts and anxieties.