20 Short English Quotes for Quick Motivation [Updated]
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Quotes and proverbs are great tools for finding inspiration and fresh ways of looking at life. However, many well-known quotes are long and can be difficult for English learners to understand.
But there are still plenty of great quotes that aren't very long. In this article, we'll present 20 short English quotes that are just 10 words or less — perfect for people whose English isn't quite fluent yet. We hope you find something useful and inspiring here!
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
Who said it: Oscar Wilde, Irish poet and playwright
What it means: Accept and appreciate what makes you unique instead of trying to copy others. (Here, "taken" means "unavailable.")
“People change and forget to tell each other.”
Who said it: Lillian Hellman, American playwright
What it means: Our thoughts and feelings can change, but we don't always communicate these changes to one another, which can lead to misunderstandings.
“Nothing will work unless you do.”
Who said it: Maya Angelou, American poet and civil rights activist
What it means: Even great plans and ideas need action to become successful.
“Never to suffer would never to have been blessed.”
Who said it: Edgar Allen Poe, American writer and poet
What it means: Experiencing challenges is a basic part of life, but these challenges lead to growth and wisdom that would not be possible without them.
What matters most in life is often invisible.
Who said it: Unknown
What it means: Emotions, experiences and relationships are often more valuable than things like money or physical objects.
“We can only learn to love by loving.”
Who said it: Iris Murdoch, British writer and philosopher
What it means: Love cannot be understood by studying or observing. Instead, it requires a direct, personal experience.
“Genius is the recovery of childhood at will.”
Who said it: Arthur Rimbaud, French poet
What it means: Great intelligence and ability come from remembering the special creativity and curiosity that all children have.
“Wisdom begins in wonder.”
Who said it: Socrates, Greek philosopher
What it means: In order to become wise, we first must look at and question the world around us.
“And still I rise.”
Who said it: Maya Angelou
What it means: No matter what challenges we experience, the power of hope and determination can help us to achieve success.
“Be curious, not judgmental.”
Who said it: Walt Whitman, American poet
What it means: Instead of criticizing other people, we should keep an open mind and try to understand people whose experiences are different from ours.
“Everything you can imagine is real.”
Who said it: Pablo Picasso, Spanish painter
What it means: Our thoughts and ideas can have a big effect on the reality that we experience every day.
“You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.”
Who said it: Indira Gandhi, former Indian Prime Minister
What it means: Good communication with others requires everyone to let go of aggressive feelings. (“Clench” is a verb that means "to close tightly.")
“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 communicate with respect, even when you do not share the same opinions as others.
“Think big thoughts, but relish the small pleasures.”
Who said it: H. Jackson Brown, Jr., American author
What it means: Having large ideas and ambitions is OK, but don't forget the nice, small things that life can give us every day. (The verb "relish" means "to get great enjoyment from something.")
“Have no fear of perfection; you’ll never reach it.”
Who said it: Salvador Dali, Spanish painter
What it means: Perfection is impossible, but true growth and artistry come from always working to improve.
“The greatest danger to our future is apathy.”
Who said it: Jane Goodall, American primatologist (a person who studies primates)
What it means: We must be passionate about something in order to have a bright future. ("Apathy" is the feeling of not being interested in or enthusiastic.)
“If you’re going through hell, keep going.”
Who said it: Winston Churchill, former British Prime Minister
What it means: Don't stop moving, even if you are in the middle of a very difficult situation. Never give up!
“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 challenges come (forecast).
“Whatever you are, be a good one.”
Who said it: Abraham Lincoln, former US president
What it means: Always try to be the best you can be, no matter what your job or position is.
“Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.”
Who said it: Gloria Steinem, American writer and feminist
What it means: Dreaming and imagining your future is the first step in the planning process.
Wrap-up
Quotes don't need to be long to have a powerful effect on us. Have any of the quotes we've covered in this article "spoken" to you?
We hope these 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're lacking motivation, come back to this article for a boost!
And if you're interested in more English quotes, we have plenty for you to explore:
Popular Movie Quotes Used in Daily Conversation
10 Inspirational MCU Quotes for English Learners
Written by Sana, adapted by David
