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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- A prescription for a weary heart! What comforting words can support and reassure you?
- It soothes a cornered heart! Words to say to someone who’s mentally exhausted.
- Live life positively! The importance of greetings and inspiring quotes as told by great figures
- [Heart-Touching] Quotes That Keep You Going Anytime! Fiery Words That Push You Forward
- Beautiful words by great and famous people that illuminate life
- Powerful yet gentle, words that save the heart... Encouraging words that lift you up in tough times.
- When you’re feeling unmotivated! Inspiring words from great figures and famous people
Gently illuminating a downcast heart. Words that bring happiness from that very moment (1–10)
You were born into this world with a single precious life—you are someone invaluable.Jakuchō Setouchi
Jakucho Setouchi was a Tendai Buddhist nun who also thrived as a novelist, receiving numerous honors such as Person of Cultural Merit, the Order of Culture, the Women’s Literature Prize, the Tanizaki Jun’ichirō Prize, and the Noma Literary Prize.
Her famous words, “You are a precious being, born into this world with a single, irreplaceable life,” overflow with a kindness that feels accepting.
When failures or troubles continue, many of us may begin to doubt our own worth.
Yet the message to cherish yourself—the only you in the world—can help heal a wounded heart.
It is a quotation to remember in hard times, one that illuminates life.
Always keep your face toward the sun, and you will never notice the shadows.Helen Keller
Helen Keller, a political activist who became the first person with both visual and auditory impairments to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree at Radcliffe College of Harvard University.
Her famous quote, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows,” is a message I’d like to offer to those who tend to be trapped in negativity.
If you face the sun, your shadow will always stretch behind you.
Isn’t it a gentle admonition to not look back, but to keep your eyes fixed only on the path ahead?
At the very least, if I don’t praise and acknowledge myself, I won’t be saved.Akihiro Miwa
Akihiro Miwa, a multi-talented celebrity who calls himself Japan’s first singer-songwriter and makes his presence felt beyond music in many fields, once said: “If at least you yourself don’t praise and acknowledge yourself, you won’t be saved,” a quote that continues, “The only person who can be on your side is you.” Even if no one around you recognizes you, the message that you must at least acknowledge yourself or you’ll hit a dead end is likely to bring comfort to many.
It’s a quote that reminds us of the importance of loving ourselves.
Suffering is a byproduct born from growth. It never ends with just that.Iris Murdoch
Iris Murdoch, the Irish-born philosopher known for the saying, “You taught me how to love; now please teach me how to forget.” Her quote, “Suffering is a by-product of growth; it does not end there,” may give us the courage to accept the pain we face now.
It tells us that while suffering can arise in the process of growth, it has meaning and does not last forever.
It’s a soul-soothing quote to keep close to the heart for those pursuing their dreams and goals.
It’s okay to be kinder to yourself.Adrienne Rich
Adrienne Rich, an American poet who received high acclaim for her 1951 poetry collection A Change of World, once said, “You can be kinder to yourself.” For Japanese people in particular—who often value endurance and self-sacrifice as virtues—these words may strike a deep chord.
We all sometimes put ourselves last because we think too much about those around us.
But this quote reminds us that it’s important to care for ourselves just as we care for others.
If you keep looking down, you won’t be able to find a rainbow.Charles Chaplin
Charles Chaplin, the British film director who was a leading comedian of the silent film era and hailed as the King of Comedy, once said, “You’ll never find a rainbow if you’re looking down.” It’s a quote that encourages us while giving us a gentle push forward.
By broadening our perspective, we can discover many things.
There are certainly things you can find by looking down, but then you’ll only notice what’s below.
This quote teaches us the importance of lifting our heads and turning our eyes to many things, especially in difficult times.
He who runs away can fight another day.Demosthenes
Despite being counted among the Ten Attic Orators, the ancient Greek statesman Demosthenes met an untimely death.
His famous saying, “The man who has run away will live to fight another day,” teaches us that fleeing is neither defeat nor the end.
Rather than rushing headlong into a battle with no chance of victory, withdrawing and regrouping when the odds are against you is important in any endeavor.
It’s a quote that reminds us to stay calm: if you haven’t been defeated, you can fight again and again.