Famous, famous or worthy of imitation people rose to fame for their main task, such as governing, acting or writing. But many are also remembered for their words, which are usually inspiring and invite people to take the leap and take risks in pursuit of goals, whether they are work or spiritual. Here, a list of the most widespread phrases, even between different generations.
“Fate mixes the cards, and we play them”, Arthur Schopenhauer
The phrase of the philosopher, who was the maximum representative of German idealism, denotes the active participation in the construction of his own path. Equating what is «written» as random and thinking and actions as a strategy could lead to taking a risk, beyond the result.
“Ask yourself if what you are doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow.” Walt Disney
Before revolutionizing animation, the creator of Mickey Mouse and other lovable characters was a dreamer. The son of farmers, he worked various jobs before becoming famous, for example, as a newspaper delivery boy. He was a scattered student, but in the moments when he couldn’t concentrate he would scribble, perhaps the background of the popular cartoon animals of his.
“Great spirits have always had to fight against fierce opposition from mediocre minds”, Albert Einstein
Considered the greatest physicist of all time, this German of Jewish origin postulated the theory of relativity in 1905, when he was still unknown. Ten years later he reformulated it and completely changed the concept of gravity. New research published in 1919 led to the press idolizing him and making him a popular icon of science.
«If you want to change the world, change yourself» Mahatma Gandhi
The author of this phrase was the head of the Indian independence movement and the methods he proposed were based on active non-violence, including the hunger strike. In everyday life he lived an austere and simple life, besides being a vegetarian, but because of his peaceful leadership he became a national hero. He died at the age of 78, assassinated by a Hindu radical in theory linked to far-right groups.
“Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans” John Lennon
The leader of The Beatles was an example if we talk about taking a risk. He abandoned the greatest band of all time and was played for more conceptual projects by the hand of his wife, the plastic artist Yoko Ono. With different styles, he knew how to revolutionize music and sing to peace. He was assassinated at the age of 40 by Mark Chapman, in New York’s Central Park.
“A champion is defined by the difficulties he overcomes”, Alexander Gustafsson
This Swedish mixed martial arts fighter knows about self-improvement and overcoming difficulties. He began boxing training at the age of 10 and today, at 26, he ranks second in the world in the light heavyweight category of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. His phrase, inspiring, encourages to take risks to achieve achievements.
«Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life» Steve Jobs
The creator of the Apple company is also remembered as a dreamer, for his ability to take risks and his desire to shout it out to the world. This famous phrase is completed with the following words: “Don’t get caught in the dogma, which is to live as others think you should live. Don’t let the noise of other people’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And, most importantly, have the courage to do what your heart and intuition tells you.”
“There are only two days in the year when nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and another is called tomorrow”, Dalai Lama
The Tibetan spiritual leader is known worldwide for having won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, which is why many Hollywood movies focused on recreating his life. But his excellent phrases also rose to fame. This one, in particular, leads to action and is completed with the following words: «Today is the ideal day to love, grow, do and, above all, live.»
«Obstacles are those awful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal» Henry Ford
Founder of the Ford Motor Company factory and considered the father of modern production lines, Henry Ford was a pioneer in taking risks. He became one of the richest men in America despite having a poor education. His global vision and his ability to stay focused led him to success.
“The triumph of the true man arises from the ashes of error”, Pablo Neruda
This famous Chilean is considered «the greatest poet of the 20th century in any language», as well as being one of the best and most influential artists of his time. It is because in addition to having won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971, he was also a political activist. His phrase shows the courage to face new challenges.
“The greatest sin of all sins is to receive a gift and not cultivate it to grow, since talent is a divine gift”, Michael Jackson
Taking risks is also not taking anything for granted, according to the remembered King of Pop. Taking risks implies persisting and preparing for victory, according to this star, remembered for hits like “Beat it” and “Bad”. It is that throughout his life, he prepared himself to sing, dance and also act.
“Life is a play that does not allow rehearsals”, Charles Chaplin
The British comic actor, silent film icon, was always bold when it comes to taking risks. Throughout his life he received multiple awards. In addition to his movies, he is remembered for his intelligence, his songs and his phrases. This is completed with the following words: «That’s why he sings, laughs, dances, cries and lives every moment of your life intensely… before the curtain falls and the play ends without applause.»
“Always remember that your own resolution to succeed is more important than anything else.” Abraham Lincoln
The phrase is really convincing if you take into account that it was said by one of the most famous presidents of the United States who, in addition, against all odds, was able to get slavery abolished. His determination led to the impossible becoming a fact.
“Consider setbacks as an exercise”, Seneca
This ancient Roman writer and philosopher, whose full name was Lucio Anneo Seneca, is known for his moralistic texts, so much so that he is considered the greatest leader of Roman Stoicism at a time when debauchery prevailed. His phrases, too, can be considered motivating.
“I love hearing that ‘no one has done it before’ because then I think if I make it it means I’ll be the first to do it”, Arnold Schwarzenegger
No one doubts the originality and drive of the protagonist of “Terminator”. After his beginnings as a bodybuilder, he became an actor. From the action genre he moved on to comedy. Despite being of Austrian origin, he became the Governor of California, USA, for the Republican Party. He did everything with the same effort and the same competitiveness as in his days as an athlete.
«It doesn’t matter how long you live, but how you live» Martin Luther King
Doing good was the main objective of this North American pastor, who was assassinated in 1968, at the age of 39. He developed an important work in the Civil Rights Movement and spoke out against the Vietnam War and poverty. His phrase is consistent with his actions, which led him to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Source: How