Life quotes to inspire and empower you in difficulty

Life presents us with beautiful moments. But it also brings its fair share of challenges. We all encounter hardships that test our resilience. It may be personal setbacks, professional roadblocks, or unexpected twists.

During such times, we need to find solace and inspiration in the wisdom of others. And what better way than through the power of their words? Life quotes possess the ability to touch our souls and guide us. This is even amidst the darkest of circumstances.

This article explores a collection of life quotes to inspire and empower you during difficult times. These are from great thinkers throughout history.

Moreover, they serve to remind you that you are capable of growth and resilience.

Life quotes to inspire.
Life quotes to inspire. Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash

Life quotes from books

Through the wisdom shared in books, you discover that you are not alone in your struggles.

Authors have captured the essence of the human experience. So these serve to remind you that hardships are an integral part of the journey toward growth and fulfillment.

Embrace the power of literature and their life quotes. Find solace, inspiration, and empowerment from words within the pages of these books.

  • “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”

“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott.

  • “To choose doubt as a philosophy of life is akin to choosing immobility as a means of transportation”

“The Life of Pi” by Yann Martel.

  • “Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in yet.”

“Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Maud Montgomery.

  • “It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”

“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho.

  • “Most of us can’t help but live as though we’ve got two lives to live, one is the mockup, the other the finished version, and then there are all those versions in between.”

“Call Me By Your Name” by André Aciman

  • “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”

“The Fellowship of the Ring” by J.R.R. Tolkien.

  • “In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.”

“The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank.

  • “What’s the point of having a voice if you’re gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn’t be?”

“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas.

  • “Nothing in the world is ever completely wrong. Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.”

“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho.

  • “Just think happy thoughts and you’ll fly.”

“Peter Pan” by J.M. Barrie.

A life quote from a book.
A life quote from a book. Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

Life Quotes from movies

Movies have a unique way of capturing the essence of life and conveying powerful messages that resonate with audiences around the world.

From heartfelt dramas to uplifting comedies, movies have gifted us with memorable quotes that encapsulate profound truths about the human experience.

These life quotes from movies have the ability to touch our hearts, inspire us, and provide valuable insights into navigating the ups and downs of life.

  • “It’s not destroying. It’s making something new.” 

“Annihilation” (2018)

  • “You know, the ancient Egyptians had a beautiful belief about death. When their souls got to the entrance to heaven, the guards asked two questions. Their answers determined whether they were able to enter or not. ‘Have you found joy in your life?’ ‘Has your life brought joy to others?’”

“The Bucket List” (2007)

  • “When will the lesson be learned! You cannot reason with a tiger when your head is in its mouth!” 

“Darkest Hour” (2017)

  • “Do, or do not. There is no “try”.

“Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” (1980)

  • “Don’t let anyone ever make you feel like you don’t deserve what you want.”

“10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)

  • “In this life, you don’t have to prove nothin’ to nobody but yourself. And after what you’ve gone through, if you haven’t done that by now, it ain’t gonna never happen. Now go on back.”

“Rudy” (1993)

  • “Life is not the amount of breaths you take. It’s the moments that take your breath away.”

“Hitch” (2005)

  • “It’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything.”

“Fight Club” (1999)

  • “At some point you’ve got to decide for yourself who you gonna be. Can’t let nobody make that decision for you.”

“Moonlight” (2016)

  • “Oh yes, the past can hurt. But you can either run from it, or learn from it.”

“The Lion King” (1994)

People watching a movie.
People watching a movie. Photo by Krists Luhaers on Unsplash

Life Quotes from Philosophers

From the stoic teachings of Marcus Aurelius to the existential ponderings of Friedrich Nietzsche, philosophers have explored the depths of human emotions, the pursuit of meaning, and the art of living.

Their life quotes encapsulate profound truths about resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom.

So, in a world filled with uncertainties, the wisdom of philosophers serves as a guiding light. It reminds us of the enduring questions and universal truths that transcend time and culture.

Moreover, their life quotes invite us to engage in introspection. It pushes us to ponder the meaning of our actions, and to cultivate virtues such as courage, wisdom, and compassion.

  • “Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories. One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.”

Sun Tzu

  • “All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.”

Arthur Schopenhauer

  • “I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them.”

John Stuart Mill

  • “Life is not a problem to be solved but a reality to be experienced.” 

Søren Kierkegaard

  • “It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.”

Confucius

  • “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”

Heraclitus

  • “Don’t live your life through what-ifs, live it with I knows.”

Marco Zuniga

  • “Someone once asked me “Why do you always insist on taking the hard road?” I replied, “Why do you assume I see two roads?”

Anonymous

  • “The object of rewards is to encourage; that of punishments, to prevent. If rewards are high, then what the ruler wants will be quickly effected; if punishments are heavy, what he does not want will be swiftly prevented.”

Han Fei

  • “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.”

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

A statue of philosophers.
A statue of philosophers. Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash

Life Quotes from Celebrities

Celebrities, with their fame and influence, often have a platform to share their wisdom and insights about life.

Their life quotes can offer a unique perspective, drawing from their personal experiences, successes, and challenges.

While celebrities may often live in the spotlight, their quotes demonstrate that they too face struggles and have had to overcome adversity.

They remind us that fame and fortune do not exempt anyone from life’s hardships.

These quotes offer glimpses into the lives of those who have achieved great success.

They us that we are all on a unique journey and that our own stories have the potential to inspire and impact others.

  • “If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

  • “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.”

Maya Angelou

  • “I always had the ability to say no. That’s how I called my own shots.”

Sidney Poitier

  • “If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.”

Oprah Winfrey

  • “If you set your goals ridiculously high and it’s a failure, you will fail above everyone else’s success.”

James Cameron

  • “I think the first half of my 20s I felt I had to achieve, achieve, achieve. A lot of men do this. I’m looking around now and I’m like, Where am I running?”

Justin Timberlake

  • “You have a responsibility to your work, to your choices. Once you get to a certain level of quality and commitment, you don’t want to go back and make Booty Call 7.”

Jamie Foxx

  • “Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams. If you’re wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn’t love you anymore.”

Lady Gaga

  • “No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.”

Taylor Swift

  • “You pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too. That’s a part of it.”

Denzel Washington

A celebrity onstage.
A celebrity onstage. Photo by Melanie van Leeuwen on Unsplash

Life Quotes that Guide

Life is a tapestry woven with the threads of wisdom, inspiration, and reflection.

Throughout the realms of literature, cinema, philosophy, and the voices of celebrated individuals, we find a diverse array of quotes that resonate deeply with the human experience.

These words encapsulate the essence of our journey. They remind us of the power of self-discovery, the importance of perseverance, and the beauty of embracing both the challenges and joys life presents.

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Hannah

I'm a Christian who sees the church as my second home. Not only were my parents the ones who raised me, but our church elders and members also played a significant role. However, despite attending church every Sunday, I still have some questions regarding my faith. As a writer, the articles I create serve as answers to the questions I've had and continue to have, and I hope they can serve a purpose for others who are searching for the same answers.