20 Short English Quotes for Quick Motivation
Quotes are great tools for finding inspiration and new ways of looking at life. But many well-known quotes are long and can be difficult for English learners to understand.
So in this article, we'll present 20 short but powerful English quotes — perfect for students whose English isn't quite fluent yet. We hope you find something useful and inspiring here.💡
Inspiration in 10 Words or Less!
“Wisdom begins in wonder.”
Who said it: Socrates, Greek philosopher
What it means: The first step to being wise is being curious about the world around us.
“Nothing will work unless you do.”
Who said it: Maya Angelou, American poet and civil rights activist
What it means: Great plans and ideas need action to be successful.
“Never to suffer would never to have been blessed.”
Who said it: Edgar Allen Poe, American writer and poet
What it means: We must experience challenges in order to grow and become better people.
What matters most in life is often invisible.
Who said it: Unknown
What it means: The most important things in life — like experiences and relationships — can only be felt, not seen.
“You can disagree without being disagreeable.”
Who said it: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, American lawyer and Supreme Court justice
What it means: It's possible to treat others with respect even if you don't agree with their opinions.
“We can only learn to love by loving.”
Who said it: Iris Murdoch, British writer and philosopher
What it means: The only way to understand love is through direct, personal experience.
Related article: How to Say "I Love You" in English and Actually Mean It
“Genius is the recovery of childhood at will.”
Who said it: Arthur Rimbaud, French poet
What it means: People who still have the creativity and curiosity of a child can do great things. ("At will" means "anytime you want.")
“You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.”
Who said it: Wayne Gretzky, American athlete
What it means: You can't win if you don't try.
“Be curious, not judgmental.”
Who said it: Walt Whitman, American poet
What it means: Instead of criticizing others, we should keep an open mind and try to understand experiences and opinions that are different from our own.
“Everything you can imagine is real.”
Who said it: Pablo Picasso, Spanish painter
What it means: Our imaginations create our experiences.
Do you have a favorite quote?
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“You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.”
Who said it: Indira Gandhi, former Indian Prime Minister
What it means: You can't communicate well with others if you're angry or aggressive. (The verb “clench” means "to close tightly.")
“Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.”
Who said it: Ludwig Jacobowski, German poet
What it means: Instead of being sad because something you enjoyed has ended, be happy that you experienced it.
“Think big thoughts, but relish the small pleasures.”
Who said it: H. Jackson Brown, Jr., American author
What it means: Have large dreams, but don't forget about the small things we can enjoy every day. (The verb "relish" means "to greatly enjoy.")
“The greatest danger to our future is apathy.”
Who said it: Jane Goodall, American primatologist
What it means: We must be passionate about something in order to have a successful future. ("Apathy" is a lack of interest or enthusiasm.)
Related Daily News lesson: Primatologist Jane Goodall Dies at 91
"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
Who said it: Oscar Wilde, Irish poet and playwright
What it means: Instead of trying to copy others, accept and appreciate what makes you unique. (Here, "taken" means "unavailable.")
“If you’re going through hell, keep going.”
Who said it: Winston Churchill, former British Prime Minister
What it means: Don't stop moving forward, even if you're in a very difficult situation.
Related article: How to Tell Someone You Support Them in English
“Despite the forecast, live like it’s spring.”
Who said it: Lilly Pulitzer, American fashion designer and businessperson
What it means: Keep a positive and hopeful attitude (like the feeling of spring) even if difficult times come (like a storm that a weather forecast warns you about).
“Whatever you are, be a good one.”
Who said it: Abraham Lincoln, former US president
What it means: No matter what your job or title is, be the best you can be.
“Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.”
Who said it: Gloria Steinem, American writer and feminist
What it means: Imagining your future is the first step to making it real.
“You never fail until you stop trying.“
Who said it: Albert Einstein, German-born physicist
What it means: Don't give up!
Wrap-up
Quotes don't have to be long or difficult to have a big effect.
We hope these short quotes have motivated you to think differently or to accomplish something new — whether it's learning English or improving your life in some other way. If you ever feel like you need motivation, come back to this article for a boost!
