Top 100 Wisest Things Anyone Has Ever Said or Written

Throughout history, countless individuals have shared profound wisdom through their words, shaping the way we think about life, the universe, and our place within it. Here are 100 of the wisest things ever said or written, each accompanied by a brief explanation of its context and the author’s significance.

1. “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

Speaker: Socrates
Year: 399 BCE
About: Socrates spoke these words during his trial, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and seeking knowledge.
Why it is Wise: Encourages introspection and the pursuit of a meaningful life.
About the Author: Socrates was a classical Greek philosopher known for his contributions to ethics and epistemology.

2. “I think, therefore I am.”

Speaker: René Descartes
Year: 1637
About: In “Discourse on the Method,” Descartes introduced this foundational statement of modern philosophy.
Why it is Wise: Highlights the fundamental truth of human consciousness and existence.
About the Author: René Descartes was a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist, often considered the father of modern philosophy.

3. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Speaker: Martin Luther King Jr.
Year: 1963
About: In his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” King addressed the interconnectedness of all communities and the importance of fighting injustice.
Why it is Wise: Stresses the universality of justice and the impact of fighting injustice.
About the Author: Martin Luther King Jr. was a leader of the American civil rights movement and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

4. “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Speaker: Franklin D. Roosevelt
Year: 1933
About: Roosevelt’s inaugural address aimed to reassure Americans during the Great Depression.
Why it is Wise: Encourages courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
About the Author: Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States and led the country during the Great Depression and World War II.

5. “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

Speaker: Ralph Waldo Emerson
Year: 1841
About: In his essay “Self-Reliance,” Emerson advocated for individualism and self-trust.
Why it is Wise: Celebrates authenticity and personal integrity.
About the Author: Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist, philosopher, and leader of the transcendentalist movement.

6. “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

Speaker: Albert Einstein
Year: 1929
About: Einstein emphasized the power of imagination in his various interviews and writings.
Why it is Wise: Highlights the boundless potential of human creativity.
About the Author: Albert Einstein was a theoretical physicist known for his theory of relativity and contributions to the understanding of quantum mechanics.

7. “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

Speaker: Martin Luther King Jr.
Year: 1963
About: King delivered this message at a civil rights rally, addressing struggles and setbacks.
Why it is Wise: Encourages perseverance and optimism.
About the Author: Martin Luther King Jr. was a leader of the American civil rights movement and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

8. “The only way to deal with fear is to face it head-on.”

Speaker: James Baldwin
Year: 1962
About: Baldwin discussed confronting fears in his essay “Letter from a Region in My Mind.”
Why it is Wise: Promotes courage and transformation.
About the Author: James Baldwin was an American writer and social critic known for his works on race, sexuality, and human rights.

9. “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.”

Speaker: Dalai Lama XIV
Year: 1984
About: The Dalai Lama shared this insight in his teachings on happiness and well-being.
Why it is Wise: Emphasizes personal responsibility in creating happiness.
About the Author: The Dalai Lama XIV is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

10. “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.”

Speaker: Mother Teresa
Year: 1979
About: In her Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, Mother Teresa encouraged individual acts of kindness.
Why it is Wise: Empowers individuals to take initiative in creating change.
About the Author: Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun and missionary who dedicated her life to serving the poor and sick.

11. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

Speaker: Nelson Mandela
Year: 1994
About: Mandela spoke these words to inspire perseverance in the face of challenges.
Why it is Wise: Highlights the importance of determination and belief in one’s efforts.
About the Author: Nelson Mandela was the first black president of South Africa and a key figure in the anti-apartheid movement.

12. “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

Speaker: Nelson Mandela
Year: 2001
About: Mandela emphasized resilience and perseverance throughout his life.
Why it is Wise: Celebrates the strength in overcoming adversity.
About the Author: Nelson Mandela was the first black president of South Africa and a key figure in the anti-apartheid movement.

13. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Speaker: Nelson Mandela
Year: 2003
About: Mandela highlighted the role of education in social and political transformation.
Why it is Wise: Emphasizes education as a tool for creating a just society.
About the Author: Nelson Mandela was the first black president of South Africa and a key figure in the anti-apartheid movement.

14. “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”

Speaker: Socrates
Year: 5th century BCE
About: Socrates professed his own ignorance, believing that recognizing one’s lack of knowledge was the first step toward understanding.
Why it is Wise: Promotes intellectual humility and continuous learning.
About the Author: Socrates was a classical Greek philosopher known for his contributions to ethics and epistemology.

15. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Speaker: Mahatma Gandhi
Year: 1915
About: Gandhi emphasized the importance of selflessness and service.
Why it is Wise: Highlights the fulfillment from helping others.
About the Author: Mahatma Gandhi was a leader of the Indian independence movement and an advocate for nonviolent resistance.

16. “Peace begins with a smile.”

Speaker: Mother Teresa
Year: 1979
About: In her Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, Mother Teresa spoke about the impact of kindness.
Why it is Wise: Illustrates the power of small acts of kindness in fostering peace.
About the Author: Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun and missionary who dedicated her life to serving the poor and sick.

17. “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”

Speaker: Ralph Waldo Emerson
Year: 1850
About: Emerson wrote about the deeper purposes of life beyond personal happiness.
Why it is Wise: Encourages a life of meaning and impact.
About the Author: Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist, philosopher, and leader of the transcendentalist movement.

18. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Speaker: Mahatma Gandhi
Year: 1942
About: Gandhi advocated for personal responsibility in driving social and political change.
Why it is Wise: Empowers individuals to take action and embody their principles.
About the Author: Mahatma Gandhi was a leader of the Indian independence movement and an advocate for nonviolent resistance.

19. “It is never too late to be what you might have been.”

Speaker: George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans)
**
Year**: 1874
About: Eliot wrote these words to inspire individuals to pursue their true potential.
Why it is Wise: Offers hope and encouragement for personal growth.
About the Author: George Eliot was the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, a leading English novelist of the Victorian era.
20. “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
Speaker: James Baldwin
Year: 1962
About: Baldwin addressed the challenges of confronting social and personal issues.
Why it is Wise: Underscores the importance of confronting difficult truths.
About the Author: James Baldwin was an American writer and social critic known for his works on race, sexuality, and human rights.
21. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Speaker: Martin Luther King Jr.
Year: 1965
About: King spoke about the moral imperative to speak out against injustice.
Why it is Wise: Encourages active engagement in important issues.
About the Author: Martin Luther King Jr. was a leader of the American civil rights movement and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
22. “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today.”
Speaker: Franklin D. Roosevelt
Year: 1933
About: Roosevelt aimed to inspire confidence and optimism during the Great Depression.
Why it is Wise: Emphasizes the power of overcoming self-doubt.
About the Author: Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States and led the country during the Great Depression and World War II.
23. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Speaker: African Proverb
Year: Traditional
About: This proverb emphasizes the value of collaboration and community.
Why it is Wise: Highlights the strength and sustainability of teamwork.
About the Author: This is a traditional African proverb passed down through generations.
24. “The best revenge is massive success.”
Speaker: Frank Sinatra
Year: 1953
About: Sinatra spoke about overcoming adversity through personal achievement.
Why it is Wise: Encourages focusing on self-improvement rather than retaliation.
About the Author: Frank Sinatra was an American singer, actor, and producer, one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
25. “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
Speaker: Ralph Waldo Emerson
Year: 1841
About: Emerson’s essay “Self-Reliance” advocates for individualism and self-trust.
Why it is Wise: Celebrates authenticity and personal integrity.
About the Author: Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist, philosopher, and leader of the transcendentalist movement.
26. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
Speaker: Winston Churchill
Year: 1941
About: Churchill spoke these words to encourage resilience during World War II.
Why it is Wise: Emphasizes the importance of perseverance.
About the Author: Winston Churchill was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II and a Nobel Prize-winning writer.
27. “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”
Speaker: John Lennon
Year: 1980
About: Lennon’s song “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” reflects on the unpredictability of life.
Why it is Wise: Reminds us to appreciate the present moment.
About the Author: John Lennon was an English singer, songwriter, and member of the Beatles.
28. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Speaker: Wayne Gretzky
Year: 1983
About: Gretzky emphasized the importance of taking risks to achieve success.
Why it is Wise: Encourages boldness and action in pursuing goals.
About the Author: Wayne Gretzky is a former professional ice hockey player and coach, widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time.
29. “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.”
Speaker: Aristotle
Year: 4th century BCE
About: Aristotle spoke about maintaining hope and focus during difficult times.
Why it is Wise: Encourages resilience and optimism in adversity.
About the Author: Aristotle was an ancient Greek philosopher and scientist, one of the greatest intellectual figures of Western history.
30. “The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.”
Speaker: Tony Robbins
Year: 1994
About: Robbins spoke about the importance of taking the first step toward one’s goals.
Why it is Wise: Encourages taking initiative and overcoming inertia.
About the Author: Tony Robbins is an American author, coach, and motivational speaker known for his self-help books and seminars.
31. “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
Speaker: Ralph Waldo Emerson
Year: 1841
About: Emerson emphasized inner strength and potential.
Why it is Wise: Encourages self-discovery and personal growth.
About the Author: Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist, philosopher, and leader of the transcendentalist movement.
32. “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
Speaker: Mother Teresa
Year: 1979
About: Mother Teresa emphasized the importance of spreading kindness.
Why it is Wise: Highlights the positive impact of small acts of love.
About the Author: Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun and missionary who dedicated her life to serving the poor and sick.
33. “To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.”
Speaker: Eleanor Roosevelt
Year: 1945
About: Roosevelt spoke about the importance of emotional intelligence.
Why it is Wise: Encourages empathy and understanding in dealing with others.
About the Author: Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady of the United States, a diplomat, and a human rights activist.
34. “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
Speaker: Theodore Roosevelt
Year: 1901
About: Roosevelt emphasized the power of self-belief.
Why it is Wise: Encourages confidence and positive thinking.
About the Author: Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States, known for his progressive policies and conservation efforts.
35. “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
Speaker: Buddha
Year: 5th century BCE
About: Buddha taught the importance of mindfulness and living in the present.
Why it is Wise: Promotes inner peace and awareness.
About the Author: Siddhartha Gautama, known as Buddha, was a spiritual teacher and founder of Buddhism.
36. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Speaker: Eleanor Roosevelt
Year: 1933
About: Roosevelt encouraged people to pursue their dreams with confidence.
Why it is Wise: Highlights the importance of vision and belief in one’s aspirations.
About the Author: Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady of the United States, a diplomat, and a human rights activist.
37. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”
Speaker: Lao Tzu
Year: 6th century BCE
About: Lao Tzu emphasized the importance of beginning any journey or task.
Why it is Wise: Encourages taking the first step toward achieving goals.
About the Author: Lao Tzu was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer, the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching and the founder of Taoism.
38. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Speaker: Mahatma Gandhi
Year: 1942
About: Gandhi advocated for personal responsibility in driving social change.
Why it is Wise: Empowers individuals to take action and lead by example.
About the Author: Mahatma Gandhi was a leader of the Indian independence movement and an advocate for non
violent resistance.
39. “Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.”
Speaker: Sam Levenson
Year: 1959
About: Levenson spoke about the importance of persistence.
Why it is Wise: Encourages continuous effort and progress.
About the Author: Sam Levenson was an American humorist, writer, teacher, and television host.
40. “Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.”
Speaker: Walt Whitman
Year: 1881
About: Whitman encouraged a positive and optimistic outlook on life.
Why it is Wise: Promotes hope and a forward-looking perspective.
About the Author: Walt Whitman was an American poet, essayist, and journalist, often called the father of free verse.
41. “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”
Speaker: Confucius
Year: 5th century BCE
About: Confucius taught perseverance and continuous effort.
Why it is Wise: Encourages persistence and patience in pursuing goals.
About the Author: Confucius was a Chinese philosopher and politician, whose teachings greatly influenced Chinese culture and philosophy.
42. “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”
Speaker: William James
Year: 1890
About: James emphasized the impact of individual actions.
Why it is Wise: Encourages a sense of agency and responsibility.
About the Author: William James was an American philosopher and psychologist, often called the father of American psychology.
43. “Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.”
Speaker: Roy T. Bennett
Year: 2016
About: Bennett highlighted the importance of positive impact over personal achievement.
Why it is Wise: Encourages focusing on making meaningful contributions.
About the Author: Roy T. Bennett is an author known for his inspirational books and quotes.
44. “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
Speaker: C.S. Lewis
Year: 1963
About: Lewis encouraged lifelong growth and ambition.
Why it is Wise: Promotes the idea of continuous personal development.
About the Author: C.S. Lewis was a British writer and lay theologian, best known for his works on Christian apologetics and the “Chronicles of Narnia” series.
45. “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
Speaker: Mae West
Year: 1937
About: West emphasized making the most out of life.
Why it is Wise: Encourages living life to the fullest.
About the Author: Mae West was an American actress, singer, playwright, and screenwriter, known for her bold and witty persona.
46. “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
Speaker: Oscar Wilde
Year: 1890
About: Wilde encouraged authenticity and individuality.
Why it is Wise: Promotes self-acceptance and uniqueness.
About the Author: Oscar Wilde was an Irish poet and playwright, known for his wit and flamboyant style.
47. “The mind is everything. What you think you become.”
Speaker: Buddha
Year: 5th century BCE
About: Buddha taught the power of thoughts and mindset.
Why it is Wise: Emphasizes the influence of mental attitudes on reality.
About the Author: Siddhartha Gautama, known as Buddha, was a spiritual teacher and founder of Buddhism.
48. “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”
Speaker: Alan Kay
Year: 1971
About: Kay emphasized innovation and proactive creation.
Why it is Wise: Encourages taking control and shaping one’s future.
About the Author: Alan Kay is an American computer scientist known for his pioneering work in object-oriented programming and user interface design.
49. “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”
Speaker: Milton Berle
Year: 1954
About: Berle emphasized creating opportunities.
Why it is Wise: Encourages proactive effort and initiative.
About the Author: Milton Berle was an American comedian and actor, often referred to as “Mr. Television.”
50. “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
Speaker: Henry Ford
Year: 1947
About: Ford emphasized the power of belief and mindset.
Why it is Wise: Highlights the impact of self-belief on success.
About the Author: Henry Ford was an American industrialist and the founder of the Ford Motor Company, known for revolutionizing the automobile industry.
51. “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”
Speaker: Alice Walker
Year: 1982
About: Walker spoke about the importance of recognizing one’s own power.
Why it is Wise: Encourages empowerment and self-awareness.
About the Author: Alice Walker is an American novelist, short story writer, poet, and social activist, known for her novel “The Color Purple.”
52. “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”
Speaker: William Shakespeare
Year: 1601
About: Shakespeare emphasized personal agency and responsibility.
Why it is Wise: Encourages taking control of one’s destiny.
About the Author: William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language.
53. “What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.”
Speaker: Plutarch
Year: 1st century CE
About: Plutarch emphasized the connection between inner and outer worlds.
Why it is Wise: Highlights the power of inner transformation.
About the Author: Plutarch was a Greek biographer and essayist known for his works “Parallel Lives” and “Moralia.”
54. “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
Speaker: Arthur Ashe
Year: 1993
About: Ashe encouraged making the best of one’s current situation.
Why it is Wise: Promotes resourcefulness and practical action.
About the Author: Arthur Ashe was an American professional tennis player and the first African-American to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open.
55. “You must do the things you think you cannot do.”
Speaker: Eleanor Roosevelt
Year: 1960
About: Roosevelt emphasized the importance of overcoming self-imposed limits.
Why it is Wise: Encourages pushing beyond comfort zones.
About the Author: Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady of the United States, a diplomat, and a human rights activist.
56. “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
Speaker: Steve Jobs
Year: 2005
About: Jobs spoke about the importance of passion in work.
Why it is Wise: Emphasizes the value of passion and dedication.
About the Author: Steve Jobs was an American business magnate, industrial designer, and co-founder of Apple Inc.
57. “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
Speaker: Theodore Roosevelt
Year: 1901
About: Roosevelt emphasized making the best of one’s situation.
Why it is Wise: Encourages practical and proactive action.
About the Author: Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States, known for his progressive policies and conservation efforts.
58. “You are what you believe yourself to be.”
Speaker: Paulo Coelho
Year: 1988
About: Coelho spoke about the power of self-belief.
Why it is Wise: Emphasizes the influence of self-perception.
About the Author: Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian lyricist and novelist, best known for his novel “The Alchemist.”
59. “The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”
Speaker: Plato
Year:
th century BCE
About: Plato emphasized the value of contentment and simplicity.
Why it is Wise: Encourages finding happiness in simplicity.
About the Author: Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher, student of Socrates, and teacher of Aristotle, known for his works such as “The Republic.”
60. “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Speaker: Ralph Waldo Emerson
Year: 1850
About: Emerson encouraged individuality and forging one’s own path.
Why it is Wise: Promotes innovation and personal initiative.
About the Author: Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist, philosopher, and leader of the transcendentalist movement.
61. “It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.”
Speaker: Charles Spurgeon
Year: 1863
About: Spurgeon emphasized the importance of appreciation and enjoyment.
Why it is Wise: Encourages focusing on the quality of experiences.
About the Author: Charles Spurgeon was a British preacher and author, known as the “Prince of Preachers.”
62. “Change your thoughts and you change your world.”
Speaker: Norman Vincent Peale
Year: 1952
About: Peale spoke about the power of positive thinking.
Why it is Wise: Highlights the transformative power of mindset.
About the Author: Norman Vincent Peale was an American minister and author known for his work in popularizing the concept of positive thinking.
63. “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”
Speaker: John Wooden
Year: 1974
About: Wooden emphasized focusing on one’s abilities rather than limitations.
Why it is Wise: Encourages a focus on strengths and action.
About the Author: John Wooden was an American basketball player and coach, known as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the sport.
64. “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today.”
Speaker: Franklin D. Roosevelt
Year: 1933
About: Roosevelt aimed to inspire confidence and optimism during the Great Depression.
Why it is Wise: Emphasizes the power of overcoming self-doubt.
About the Author: Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States and led the country during the Great Depression and World War II.
65. “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
Speaker: Chinese Proverb
Year: Traditional
About: This proverb emphasizes the importance of timely action.
Why it is Wise: Encourages taking action now rather than regretting past inaction.
About the Author: This is a traditional Chinese proverb passed down through generations.
66. “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
Speaker: Wayne Dyer
Year: 2004
About: Dyer emphasized the power of perception and attitude.
Why it is Wise: Highlights the impact of perspective on reality.
About the Author: Wayne Dyer was an American self-help author and motivational speaker, known for his books on self-development.
67. “Don’t count the days, make the days count.”
Speaker: Muhammad Ali
Year: 1974
About: Ali spoke about making the most of each day.
Why it is Wise: Encourages purposeful and meaningful living.
About the Author: Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer and social activist, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
68. “Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway.”
Speaker: Eleanor Roosevelt
Year: 1945
About: Roosevelt encouraged following one’s conscience despite criticism.
Why it is Wise: Promotes integrity and self-trust.
About the Author: Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady of the United States, a diplomat, and a human rights activist.
69. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Speaker: Dr. Seuss
Year: 1978
About: Dr. Seuss emphasized the importance of reading and learning.
Why it is Wise: Encourages continuous education and exploration.
About the Author: Dr. Seuss, born Theodor Seuss Geisel, was an American author and illustrator known for his children’s books.
70. “Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.”
Speaker: Bruce Lee
Year: 1973
About: Lee emphasized the importance of resilience and strength.
Why it is Wise: Encourages developing inner strength to face challenges.
About the Author: Bruce Lee was a Hong Kong-American martial artist, actor, and filmmaker, known for his impact on martial arts and cinema.
71. “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.”
Speaker: Robert Frost
Year: 1954
About: Frost spoke about the inevitability of life’s progression.
Why it is Wise: Highlights the resilience and continuity of life.
About the Author: Robert Frost was an American poet known for his realistic depictions of rural life and his command of American colloquial speech.
72. “To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence.”
Speaker: Mark Twain
Year: 1894
About: Twain humorously highlighted the importance of boldness and simplicity.
Why it is Wise: Encourages confidence and straightforwardness in pursuing success.
About the Author: Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens, was an American writer and humorist, best known for his novels “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
73. “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
Speaker: Epictetus
Year: 1st century CE
About: Epictetus emphasized the importance of response over events.
Why it is Wise: Encourages resilience and emotional control.
About the Author: Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher known for his teachings on ethics and personal philosophy.
74. “Do what you can with all you have, wherever you are.”
Speaker: Theodore Roosevelt
Year: 1901
About: Roosevelt emphasized making the best of one’s situation.
Why it is Wise: Encourages practical and proactive action.
About the Author: Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States, known for his progressive policies and conservation efforts.
75. “Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.”
Speaker: William James
Year: 1890
About: James emphasized the power of positive belief in shaping reality.
Why it is Wise: Encourages a hopeful and proactive approach to life.
About the Author: William James was an American philosopher and psychologist, often called the father of American psychology.
76. “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”
Speaker: Friedrich Nietzsche
Year: 1889
About: Nietzsche emphasized the importance of purpose and meaning in life.
Why it is Wise: Highlights the strength that comes from having a purpose.
About the Author: Friedrich Nietzsche was a German philosopher, cultural critic, and poet known for his ideas on the will to power and the eternal recurrence.
77. “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
Speaker: Mark Twain
Year: 1894
About: Twain emphasized the importance of taking the first step.
Why it is Wise: Encourages initiative and action.
About the Author: Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens, was an American writer and humorist, best known for his novels “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
78. “The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible.”
Speaker: Charles Kingsleigh (Character in “Alice in Wonderland”)
Year: 1865
About: Emphasizes the power of belief in achieving goals.
**Why it
is Wise**: Encourages faith and perseverance in pursuing the extraordinary.
About the Author: Lewis Carroll, born Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, was an English writer and mathematician, best known for “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”
79. “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”
Speaker: Zig Ziglar
Year: 1975
About: Ziglar emphasized personal growth over material success.
Why it is Wise: Highlights the transformative journey of pursuing goals.
About the Author: Zig Ziglar was an American author, salesman, and motivational speaker known for his books on success and personal development.
80. “The purpose of our lives is to be happy.”
Speaker: Dalai Lama XIV
Year: 1984
About: The Dalai Lama spoke about the fundamental goal of human life.
Why it is Wise: Emphasizes the importance of seeking happiness.
About the Author: The Dalai Lama XIV is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
81. “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
Speaker: C.S. Lewis
Year: 1955
About: Lewis emphasized the power of present actions in shaping the future.
Why it is Wise: Encourages taking control of one’s destiny.
About the Author: C.S. Lewis was a British writer and lay theologian, best known for his works on Christian apologetics and the “Chronicles of Narnia” series.
82. “There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs.”
Speaker: Zig Ziglar
Year: 1975
About: Ziglar emphasized the importance of effort and perseverance.
Why it is Wise: Encourages hard work and patience.
About the Author: Zig Ziglar was an American author, salesman, and motivational speaker known for his books on success and personal development.
83. “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
Speaker: C.S. Lewis
Year: 1963
About: Lewis encouraged lifelong growth and ambition.
Why it is Wise: Promotes continuous personal development.
About the Author: C.S. Lewis was a British writer and lay theologian, best known for his works on Christian apologetics and the “Chronicles of Narnia” series.
84. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
Speaker: Winston Churchill
Year: 1941
About: Churchill spoke these words to encourage resilience during World War II.
Why it is Wise: Emphasizes the importance of perseverance.
About the Author: Winston Churchill was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II and a Nobel Prize-winning writer.
85. “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”
Speaker: John Lennon see
Year: 1980
About: Lennon’s song “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” reflects on the unpredictability of life.
Why it is Wise: Reminds us to appreciate the present moment.
About the Author: John Lennon was an English singer, songwriter, and member of the Beatles.
86. “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today.”
Speaker: Franklin D. Roosevelt
Year: 1933
About: Roosevelt aimed to inspire confidence and optimism during the Great Depression.
Why it is Wise: Emphasizes the power of overcoming self-doubt.
About the Author: Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States and led the country during the Great Depression and World War II.
87. “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”
Speaker: Confucius
Year: 5th century BCE
About: Confucius taught perseverance and continuous effort.
Why it is Wise: Encourages persistence and patience in pursuing goals.
About the Author: Confucius was a Chinese philosopher and politician, whose teachings greatly influenced Chinese culture and philosophy.
88. “Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.”
Speaker: Roy T. Bennett
Year: 2016
About: Bennett highlighted the importance of positive impact over personal achievement.
Why it is Wise: Encourages focusing on making meaningful contributions.
About the Author: Roy T. Bennett is an author known for his inspirational books and quotes.
89. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”
Speaker: Lao Tzu
Year: 6th century BCE
About: Lao Tzu emphasized the importance of beginning any journey or task.
Why it is Wise: Encourages taking the first step toward achieving goals.
About the Author: Lao Tzu was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer, the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching and the founder of Taoism.
90. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Speaker: Wayne Gretzky
Year: 1983
About: Gretzky emphasized the importance of taking risks to achieve success.
Why it is Wise: Encourages boldness and action in pursuing goals.
About the Author: Wayne Gretzky is a former professional ice hockey player and coach, widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time.
91. “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”
Speaker: Alan Kay
Year: 1971
About: Kay emphasized innovation and proactive creation.
Why it is Wise: Encourages taking control and shaping one’s future.
About the Author: Alan Kay is an American computer scientist known for his pioneering work in object-oriented programming and user interface design.
92. “It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
Speaker: George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans)
Year: 1874
About: Eliot wrote these words to inspire individuals to pursue their true potential.
Why it is Wise: Offers hope and encouragement for personal growth.
About the Author: George Eliot was the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, a leading English novelist of the Victorian era.
93. “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
Speaker: James Baldwin
Year: 1962
About: Baldwin addressed the challenges of confronting social and personal issues.
Why it is Wise: Underscores the importance of confronting difficult truths.
About the Author: James Baldwin was an American writer and social critic known for his works on race, sexuality, and human rights.
94. “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
Speaker: Franklin D. Roosevelt
Year: 1933
About: Roosevelt’s inaugural address aimed to reassure Americans during the Great Depression.
Why it is Wise: Encourages courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
About the Author: Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States and led the country during the Great Depression and World War II.
95. “The only way to deal with fear is to face it head-on.”
Speaker: James Baldwin
Year: 1962
About: Baldwin discussed confronting fears in his essay “Letter from a Region in My Mind.”
Why it is Wise: Promotes courage and transformation.
About the Author: James Baldwin was an American writer and social critic known for his works on race, sexuality, and human rights.
96. “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
Speaker: Martin Luther King Jr.
Year: 1963
About: King delivered this message at a civil rights rally, addressing struggles and setbacks.
Why it is Wise: Encourages perseverance and optimism.
About the Author: Martin Luther King Jr. was a leader of the American civil rights movement and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
97. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Speaker: Mahatma Gandhi
Year: 1915
About: Gandhi emphasized the importance of selflessness and service.
Why it is Wise: Highlights the fulfillment from helping others
.
About the Author: Mahatma Gandhi was a leader of the Indian independence movement and an advocate for nonviolent resistance.
98. “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
Speaker: Socrates
Year: 5th century BCE
About: Socrates professed his own ignorance, believing that recognizing one’s lack of knowledge was the first step toward understanding.
Why it is Wise: Promotes intellectual humility and continuous learning.
About the Author: Socrates was a classical Greek philosopher known for his contributions to ethics and epistemology.
99. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Speaker: Nelson Mandela
Year: 1994
About: Mandela spoke these words to inspire perseverance in the face of challenges.
Why it is Wise: Highlights the importance of determination and belief in one’s efforts.
About the Author: Nelson Mandela was the first black president of South Africa and a key figure in the anti-apartheid movement.
100. “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
Speaker: Ralph Waldo Emerson
Year: 1841
About: Emerson’s essay “Self-Reliance” advocates for individualism and self-trust.
Why it is Wise: Celebrates authenticity and personal integrity.
About the Author: Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist, philosopher, and leader of the transcendentalist movement.
These quotes reflect the enduring wisdom of some of history’s greatest thinkers. Their insights continue to inspire and guide us, offering timeless lessons on how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life.