Famous quotes everyone knows, including words from great figures and characters
There are many famous quotes in the world.
Words spoken by renowned historical figures, by those who launched major companies or groundbreaking technologies, and even by popular manga characters—people from all walks of life have left behind words that resonate with our hearts.
In this article, we’ll introduce some of the most well-known quotes among the many out there.
We’ve gathered a variety of sayings: ones that give you strength when you can’t look forward, ones that inspire dreams, and ones that make you reflect on life.
You might find words that bring about a change in your feelings.
Be sure to check them out!
Famous quotes everyone knows. Words from great figures and characters too (1–10)
My enemy is, for the most part, myself.NEW!From Chūya Koyama’s “Space Brothers”
These words appear in Space Brothers, a story that portrays the growth of two siblings aiming to become astronauts and has resonated with many.
It shows that the true wall we face isn’t other people or our environment, but our own doubts and fears.
In studying as well, the reason we stop taking action often lies within ourselves.
When we overcome anxiety about failure and a lack of confidence, we can make great strides forward.
Continuously facing yourself becomes the shortcut to growth.
This quote acknowledges the weaknesses within and gives you the strength to move forward.
I believe that piling up small things is the only way to reach incredible places.Ichiro (Suzuki Ichiro)
These are famous words from Ichiro, known in the baseball world as a person of “effort and perseverance.” The message is that the only way to achieve great results is to build up daily effort.
Hearing this from Ichiro—who has continued to face baseball and set countless records—makes it impossible not to believe it.
It’s something I hope those pursuing dreams and goals will cherish.
It reminds us to stay disciplined: “We must never skip our daily training and move forward steadily, one step at a time.”
Effort is always rewarded. If there is effort that isn’t rewarded, then it can’t yet be called effort.Sadaharu Oh
Sadaharu Oh is a figure who has contributed broadly to the world of baseball as a player, manager, and more, and his many achievements are etched into the sport’s history.
This quote focuses on the relationship between effort and results, and it conveys a vivid sense of the challenges he has taken on.
It expresses the idea that consistent effort will inevitably lead to results, and that as long as results are not yet visible, one has not reached a stage that can truly be called “effort.” These powerful words inspire us to keep working so that we can proudly say we have made efforts that are firmly connected to real outcomes.
You’re going to stumble many times from now on. But you also have the strength to get back up each time.Nobita Nobi 'Doraemon'
These are lines from Doraemon, spoken to present-day Nobita by himself from 45 years in the future.
When you think of Nobita, he’s the kind of kid who messes up no matter what he does, gets made fun of by Gian and Suneo, and is constantly scolded by his mom.
To such a Nobita, his future self offers these words.
Because it’s the future Nobita—someone who has stumbled many times yet kept getting back up and moving forward—who says them, they carry great weight.
Getting such wonderful advice from your future self feels kind of romantic and lovely, doesn’t it?
It isn’t the strong who win; those who win are strong.Franz Beckenbauer
These words were spoken by Franz Beckenbauer, who was captain when host nation West Germany won the 1974 World Cup.
In that tournament, the Netherlands’ style of football was drawing worldwide attention, but West Germany defeated them.
With that backdrop, he uttered this line.
It’s a very cool quote that overturned public opinion, proved their strength, and declared that results are everything.
If you can dream it, you can do it.Walt Disney
These are the words of Walt Disney, who created numerous Disney works and theme parks such as Disneyland.
In Japanese, they are translated as: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” The message is that by dreaming, you naturally begin to see what you need to do to get there, and if you can make the effort to tackle those tasks one by one, your dreams can come true.
Because these words come from Walt Disney—who shaped the dreams he envisioned despite various setbacks—they convey the importance of having dreams and goals.
No success for those without dreams.Yoshida Shōin
Yoshida Shōin, a thinker and educator of the Edo period, is said to have influenced the patriots of the Meiji Restoration through his teaching at the Shōka Sonjuku.
The following is a celebrated quote left by this educator, who had a profound impact on Japanese history, expressing the power of pursuing one’s dreams.
It conveys that by having a dream and moving toward it, one can bring out one’s abilities and achieve great results.
Whether it is a grand dream or a nearer goal, these words inspire faith in the power of advancing toward something.