With all of its ups and downs, the journey of life is one that is not easily summed up in words. But luckily for you, our list of inspirational life quotes is filled with powerful sayings and musings from famous people from all walks of life who have found a way to whittle down the unique lived experiences that make us who we are into a few sentences and phrases.
On this list you will find beautiful and short quotes that reflect on the things that mean most in life, including sayings about family and incredible messages about friendships. You’ll also find deep and even sometimes sad quotes that will help you to put life into perspective. Happy quotes that will encourage you to find the beauty in life's most mundane moments are also included. Whether you’re looking for positive quotes to inspire you to move forward, quotes that give you peace or wise words that will help you navigate a significant life change or transition, we have it all spelled out right here.
So, go ahead and dive right into these notable quotes about life. You may even uncover your next Monday motivation or self-care mantra.
1
Zhuangzi
"Life comes from the earth and life returns to the earth."
2
William Osler
"We are here to add what we can to life, not to get what we can from life."
3
William Hazlitt
"The art of life is to know how to enjoy a little and to endure very much."
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4
Wayne Dyer
"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."
5
Vincent Van Gogh
"For the great doesn't happen through impulse alone, and is a succession of little things that are brought together."
6
Vince Lombardi
"Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."
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7
Vernon Howard
"You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need."
8
Theodore Roosevelt
"Believe you can and you're halfway there."
9
T.S. Eliot
"To do the useful thing, to say the courageous thing, to contemplate the beautiful thing: that is enough for one man's life."
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10
Sydney J. Harris
"When I hear somebody sigh, 'Life is hard,' I am always tempted to ask, 'Compared to what?'"
11
Stephen Jay Gould
"We pass through this world but once."
12
Stephen Covey
"Live out of your imagination, not your history."
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13
Søren Kierkegaard
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards."
14
Sai Baba
"Life is a song - sing it. Life is a game - play it. Life is a challenge - meet it. Life is a dream - realize it. Life is a sacrifice - offer it. Life is love - enjoy."
15
Roy T. Bennett
"Accept yourself, love yourself, and keep moving forward. If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down."
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16
Roy. T. Bennett
"Don't waste your time in anger, regrets, worries, and grudges. Life is too short to be unhappy."
17
Rose Kennedy
"Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments."
18
Robert Louis Stevenson
"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant."
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19
Robert Frost
"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."
20
Rick Riordan
"If my life is going to mean anything, I have to live it myself."
As an avid enthusiast and scholar of literature and philosophy, it's apparent that the journey of life is a vast and intricate tapestry of experiences, emotions, and perspectives. Delving into the profound realm of inspirational quotes, I can attest to the power of words in encapsulating the essence of our existence. Allow me to draw upon my extensive knowledge to shed light on the concepts embedded in the collection of life quotes you've presented.
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Zhuangzi's Philosophy on Life:
- "Life comes from the earth and life returns to the earth."
- This quote reflects a fundamental concept in Eastern philosophy, particularly in Taoism. Zhuangzi emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, where existence originates from the earth and eventually returns to it. It underscores the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world.
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William Osler's Perspective on Contribution:
- "We are here to add what we can to life, not to get what we can from life."
- William Osler's quote echoes a philosophy of altruism and the idea that our purpose in life is to make positive contributions to the world around us. It encourages a mindset focused on giving and enriching the lives of others.
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William Hazlitt's Art of Life:
- "The art of life is to know how to enjoy a little and to endure very much."
- Hazlitt's words delve into the balance of life, highlighting the importance of finding joy in small moments while also acknowledging the inevitable challenges and endurance required throughout one's journey.
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Wayne Dyer's Perception Shift:
- "If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."
- Wayne Dyer introduces the idea of perspective shaping reality. This concept aligns with the notion that altering one's viewpoint can lead to a transformative shift in how one perceives and experiences life.
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Vincent Van Gogh's Notion of Greatness:
- "For the great doesn't happen through impulse alone, and is a succession of little things that are brought together."
- Van Gogh's quote emphasizes the cumulative nature of greatness, suggesting that significant achievements result from a series of small, deliberate actions rather than impulsive endeavors.
These quotes collectively touch upon themes of interconnectedness, purpose, balance, perspective, and the cumulative nature of life's experiences. Each quote is a philosophical gem, providing insight and guidance for individuals navigating the intricate tapestry of existence. If you seek further exploration of these themes or desire more quotes tailored to specific aspects of life, feel free to delve deeper into this captivating realm.
