Words that gently illuminate a downcast heart—the kind that make you happy from that very moment.
The turning points in life that everyone experiences.
In such moments, have you ever found that a phrase you happened to hear seeped into your heart and kindled a warm light?
Sometimes it’s words you revisit within yourself, sometimes it’s a few words someone says to you—either can gently embrace our hearts.
In this article, we’ve compiled words from great figures and notable people that can sit with a downcast heart and encourage a step toward tomorrow.
We hope you find words that quietly stay close to your heart.
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Gently illuminating a downcast heart. Words that bring happiness from that very moment (1–10)
Only you understand your own worth.Pearl Bailey
Pearl Bailey, an American singer who made her Broadway debut in 1946 and thrived across a wide range of fields including acting, comedy, and writing.
Her famous quote, “You’re the only one who knows your worth,” teaches the futility of worrying too much about others’ evaluations.
The message that you can decide your own value can become the energy that sustains your spirit, no matter how much you’re denied or criticized by those around you.
These are empowering words that people with low self-esteem especially should know.
All misfortunes are nothing but stepping stones to the future.Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau, an American poet who, while experiencing a variety of jobs such as pencil manufacturing, teaching, and surveying, never held a lifelong steady position and instead pursued work as a writer.
The famous quote, “All misfortune is but a stepping stone to the future,” feels like it overlaps with Thoreau’s life, doesn’t it? No matter how painful things are, the message that it isn’t everything and that it’s enough if we can ultimately find happiness likely lightens many hearts.
It’s a positive and bold maxim that refuses to let misfortune end as misfortune.
If you fail, you can try again. If trying again doesn’t work, think it through once more and try again.Konosuke Matsushita
Konosuke Matsushita, an entrepreneur known as the “God of Management” who also devoted himself to fostering politicians, once said: “If you fail, just try again.
If trying again doesn’t work, come up with another idea and try once more.” Coming from Matsushita, who single-handedly built what is now Panasonic Holdings, these words carry particular weight.
It’s a message that encourages us to keep going no matter how many times we fail, and it can be a lifeline for those feeling down after a setback.
It’s a quote that soothes the hearts of people paralyzed by the fear of failure.
Words that gently light up a downcast heart: phrases that bring happiness from that moment (11–20)
There’s no need to look back. There are countless paths ahead of you.Lu Xun
Lu Xun, a Chinese novelist known for employing Western techniques in his fiction and widely read across East Asia, including Japan.
His famous quote, “There is no need to look back; before you lies any number of paths,” teaches us the importance of focusing on the future rather than the past.
The road we have traveled is a single path for anyone, but we can hold hope in the fact that there are countless paths we can choose from ahead.
It’s a message that I especially want those who have endured painful experiences to engrave in their hearts—a guiding principle for life.
As long as a person is alive, there is a need for their existence.Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American essayist who is also known as a thinker, philosopher, writer, and poet, and is regarded as a leading figure of Transcendentalism.
His famous quote, “Every person has a necessary place as long as they live,” may resonate especially with those who struggle with low self-esteem.
There are times when nothing goes right and we begin to question our own purpose, aren’t there? In such moments, if we can believe that our life has meaning, it may ease our hearts.
This is a quote to remember when you feel despair—a saying that can save your spirit.
It’s just a bad day, not a bad life.Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp is a quintessential Hollywood actor who has captivated many fans with his distinctive roles.
From his portrayal of Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean to countless other characters, the roles he plays possess a unique charm and are loved around the world.
Behind his glamorous career, he has faced numerous hardships and scandals, yet he has always stayed true to himself.
His words remind us that no matter how difficult a day may be, it does not define your entire life.
While life has its good days and bad days, the message is optimistic: suffering does not last forever.
It is a quote that, especially when you’re feeling down, reminds you of the importance of staying calm and looking at things with a long-term perspective.
You can just be yourself.Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun who stood by people in difficult circumstances.
Her work was recognized worldwide and influenced many, including through receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
Her words convey the importance of valuing your own worth without comparing yourself to others.
We may sometimes lose sight of ourselves as we try too hard to meet others’ expectations, but her message reminds us that being true to ourselves is the most beautiful and precious thing.
Her famous saying helps us realize that, in any situation, living honestly according to our own hearts—not others—leads to happiness.