The right quote can be inspiring, motivating, or uplifting. Often, the best quotes encourage us to think differently, keep going, and reach for success. It also helps to hear a quote from someone who has gone before us, often sharing what he or she has learned from their mistakes.
Some of the best and brightest throughout history have left behind famous quotes that we can use today. These quotes often provoke us to think differently or inspire us not to give up. After all, many of these people are merely sharing what they’ve learned, hoping to lead and motivate the next generation.
Many of the quotes on this list come from some of the most well-known people throughout history. From Aristotle, who led the movement on ancient Greek philosophy, to Oprah Winfrey, who continues to encourage, inspire, and lead today, these quotes have left a lasting legacy even into the 21st century.
To determine the most famous quotes from some of the brightest people throughout history, 24/7 Tempo compiled information from several online sources. These include Inc., Goodreads, and Readers Digest, among others. Additionally, for more inspiring quotes, check out some of the most moving speeches that have ever been delivered in a movie.
“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”
- Said by: Maya Angelou
- Known for: Author, activist, poet, scholar
This quote from Maya reminds us that we often make mistakes when we don’t fully understand how to do something. However, once we learn and educate ourselves, it’s best to practice our new knowledge and avoid making the same mistakes we made in the past.
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
- Said by: Mahatma Gandhi
- Known for: Social activist, politician, leader of the nationalist movement in India
Known for his nonviolent protests and pursuit of social justice, the “Father of the Nation,” a.k.a. Mahatma Gandhi encouraged others to take risks and never stop learning.
“It is not that I’m so smart. But I stay with the questions much longer.”
- Said by: Albert Einstein
- Known for: Scientific discoveries, theoretical physics
Many recognize the name Albert Einstein. While most know him as an intelligent scientist who discovered the theory of relativity, not everyone fully understood his desire to remain curious. Einstein encouraged others to stay curious, too.
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
- Said by: Mark Twain
- Known for: Author, novelist writer
Though his real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens, Mark Twain used his pen name to write novels like “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” in 1867. Twain was also known for his reflective thoughts, encouraging others to dig into what they were created to do on this earth.
“Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas.”
- Said by: Marie Curie
- Known for: Scientist, physicist, work on radioactivity
Marie Curie famously made this statement to a reporter after the reporter mistook her for the housekeeper of the Curie’s residence while on vacation.
“It often requires more courage to dare to do right than to fear to do wrong.”
Portrait of American President Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865), the sixteenth President of the United States, dressed in a suit and bow tie, April 9, 1865. Five days after this portrait was taken President Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a performance of 'Our American Cousin' at Ford's Theater. (Photo by Alexander Gardner/Getty Images)
- Said by: Abraham Lincoln
- Known for: U.S. President, ending slavery, the Emancipation Proclamation
While the exact time and place of this famous Lincoln quote are unknown, many today still look to this quote as leadership advice.
“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”
- Said by: Henry David Thoreau
- Known for: Poet, essayist, philosopher
Thoreau’s most-known work revolves around Transcendentalism which he documented in his 1854 book full of essays entitled “Walden.” Thoureau’s idea with this quote is that the most successful people are often simply working hard and enjoying the simplicities of life instead of striving toward success.
“There is no great genius without some touch of madness.”
- Said by: Aristotle
- Known for: Greek philosopher
This quote has been attributed to Aristotle, though it was found in Seneca’s Latin work, “De Tranquillitate Animi,” which loosely translates to “On Tranquitlity of Mind.” Aristotle was known for his philosophical ideas that encouraged others to take risks.
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.”
CUPERTINO, CA - APRIL 08: Apple CEO Steve Jobs speaks during an Apple special event April 8, 2010 in Cupertino, California. Jobs announced the new iPhone OS4 software. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
- Said by: Steve Jobs
- Known for: Co-founder of Apple
Steve Jobs is known today as one of the most visionary people in telecommunications. This quote, which was part of a 2005 commencement speech at Standford, inspired others to take action and the next step forward, even if they can’t see the whole picture yet.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”
- Said by: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Known for: Leader of civil rights movement, Nobel Peace Prize winner
This quote comes from one of Dr. King’s infamous speeches. On November 17, 1957, King delivered his sermon entitled, “Loving Your Enemies” at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Alabama.
“I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow.”
- Said by: Woodrow Wilson
- Known for: U.S. President during WWI
This quote comes from Wilson’s 1914 speech to the National Press Club. His idea is to collaborate with others who think differently than you.
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
1800S 1877 Replica First Thomas A Edison Incandescent Carbon Filament Lamp Light Bulb (Photo By /Classicstock/Getty Images)
- Said by: Thomas Edison
- Known for: Inventor
Thomas Edison was famously known for his inventions which included the incandescent lightbulb and the phonograph, among other items. This quote from Edison reminds others to not quit after experiencing a failure, but rather to learn and keep moving forward.
“I know that I am intelligent because I know that I know nothing.”
- Said by: Socrates
- Known for: Greek philosopher
Socrates was well known for his belief that true wisdom was derived from acknowledging one’s own ignorance. This quote from Socrates was his way of admitting that humans have limited wisdom.
“Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is the probable reason why so few engage in it.”
- Said by: Henry Ford
- Known for: Inventor, businessman, founder of Ford Motor Company, inventor of Model T and moving assembly line
As an inventor and constant creator, Henry Ford spent much time thinking. This quote was published in the San Francisco Chronicle on April 13, 1928.
“Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else’s opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.”
- Said by: Oscar Wilde
- Known for: Poet, author, artist
In 1905, Wilde wrote these infamous words in his letter from prison, entitled “De Profundis.” Wilde was known for encouraging others to be themselves and to live in authenticity. He is also often quoted as saying, “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.” However, there is no evidence that Wilde ever said these specific words.
“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
- Said by: Warren Buffett
- Known for: Investor, philanthropist, co-founder of Berkshire Hathaway
In this famous quote, Warren Buffett reminds investors and others going about life to remain patient. We might not see rewards immediately, but we can still create a legacy that affects others down the road.
“Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
- Said by: Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- Known for: Supreme Court Justice
This infamous quote from Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the response she gave to a question regarding what advice she would give young women back in 2015. The event where Bader-Ginsburg gave this famous quote was at the Radcliffe Institute after she had been awarded the Radcliffe Medal.
“The difference between winning and losing is most often not quitting.”
- Said by: Walt Disney
- Known for: TV and motion picture producer, animator, creator of Micky Mouse, founder of Disney
Walt Disney, known for his entrepreneurial endeavors and as the founder of Disney, offered this quote as a reminder to not give up when things become challenging. Disney himself was rejected numerous times before creating Walt Disney World.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
- Said by: Eleanor Roosevelt
- Known for: First Lady to Franklin D. Roosevelt, human rights advocate
Roosevelt, a First Lady and advocate for women’s and human rights, always ensured others knew they had the power to stand up for who they were. This quote was originally spotted in the June 1941 Reader’s Digest.
“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid of failure. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.”
- Said by: Oprah Winfrey
- Known for: Talk show host, actress, entrepreneur
While Oprah may be most well-known as a talk show host, she continues to inspire and encourage others through the lessons she’s learned and the legacy she creates. This quote spurs others not to be afraid of failure, but to accept it as a way forward instead. For more fun and inspiring quotes, check out the 50 greatest movie quotes of all time.