Famous Inspirational Quotes
That Sounds Familiar, Doesn't It?

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Famous inspirational quotes are famous for a reason--the meaning behind the quotation has touched people in such a way that it strikes a resonating chord deep within, and so is easily remembered.

Have you ever noticed how some famous inspirational quotes are so popular, it's almost like they became "instant celebrities" overnight? Movies definitely contribute to a lot of the quotes that are floating around--both inspirational ones--and not so inspirational ones (ie: really stupid sayings.)

Here, however, you will find several quotations that convey meaning and motivation. What you won't find is a random listing of hundreds of quotes that are supposedly "famous" or made by famous people. That's not the goal.

All the famous inspirational quotes found on this page are fairly well known... and yes, they are usually made by a famous person, that's how the "word" gets around, after all. But at the same time, you'll find them a good reflection of life itself, and well worth taking the time to ponder how each wise saying may relate to your own life.

Be sure to check out our books of quotations as well, so you can add to (or begin) your own uplifting collection of quotation books to have on hand to refer to whenever the mood strikes.

"Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today."

~Lord Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield (1694 - 1773)
At one time he was the "gentleman of the bedchamber" to the Prince of Wales. He later became a British statesman.

What we say today:
"Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today."

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)
Famous American author, essayist, poet, and philosopher.

"Don't hurry, don't worry. You're here for a short visit. So be sure to stop and smell the flowers."

~Walter Hagen (1892 - 1969)
He was a famous golfer in the first half of the 20th century. Hagen won the U.S. Open twice and was the first American to win the British Open in 1922.

What we say today:
"Don't forget to stop and smell the roses."

"When I look back on all these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened."

~Sir Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965)
A British politician who served as Prime Minster of the United Kingdom--twice. The first was from 1940 to 1945 and was famous for his leadership in the British war effort. His second service to office was held between 1951 and 1955.

What we say today:
"95% of what we are afraid of, never happens."

"Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration."

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

~Thomas Edison (1847 - 1931)
Edison was a businessman and a prolific American inventor. Holding 1,093 U.S. patents (along with patents in other countries), he invented many devices during his lifetime. The ones that we are most familiar with, and which he is most famous for, are the phonograph and a long lasting light bulb.

"Eighty percent of success is just showing up."

~Woody Allen (1935 - )
Born Allen Stewart Königsberg, he is a well-known actor, jazz musician, comedian, playwright, writer, and American film director.

"Measure twice, cut once."

~Craftsman's Aphorism

"It is necessary for us to learn from other's mistakes. You will not live long enough to make them all yourself."

~Hyman George Rickover (1900 - 1986)
Known as the "Father of the Nuclear Navy", he became the longest-serving active duty military officer in U.S. history with 63 years of continuous service.

What we say today:
"Learn from the mistakes of others."

"You will always miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

~Wayne Gretzky (1961 - )
Nicknamed "The Great One" Gretzky is one of the most famous professional Canadian hockey players in history. He won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers, as well as setting numerous hockey records during his career.

"Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right."

~Henry Ford (1863 - 1947)
Ford was the founder of the Ford Motor Company and is considered the father of modern assembly lines used in mass production. Ford revolutionized transportation with his invention of the Model-T automobile introduced on October 1, 1908. Horse-drawn carriages soon became a thing of the past.

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent."

~Calvin Coolidge (1872 - 1933)
30th President of the United States from August 2, 1923 to March 4, 1929).

"What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve."

~Napolean Hill (1883 - 1970)
Hill was an American author who was one of the earliest producers of the modern genre of personal-success literature. His most famous work, Think and Grow Rich, is one of the best-selling books of all time.

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."

~Lao Tzu (Laozi) (6th Century BC)
He was believed to be a great philosopher of ancient China and is considered to be the father of Taosism (which is both a religion and a philosophy that advocates following the Tao or the way of nature.) It is still widely debated as to whether he was a real person or a mythical figure.

"I think therefore I am."

~Rene Descartes (1596 - 1650)
Descartes was a highly influential French philospher, mathematician, writer, and scientist. He is also known as the Father of Modern Philosophy and the Father of Modern Mathematics. Much of subsequent Western philosophy is a reaction to his writings.

"Energy and persistence conquer all things."

~Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)
Franklin was one of the most important and influential Founding Fathers of the United States of America. A noted polymath, Franklin was a leading author and printer, satirist, political theorist, politician, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman and diplomat. As a scientist he was a major figure in the Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. He invented the lightning rod, bifocals, the Franklin stove, a carriage odometer, and a musical instrument. (Source: wikipedia.org)

If you've enjoyed reading through this selection of famous inspirational quotes, you may also enjoy checking out our page on inspiring thoughts. It's a collection of enlightening quotations that are perfect for introspection, discussions, and meditation.

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