Life is a journey of highs and lows, and short life quotes can offer powerful insights to guide us. These short thoughts on positive life inspire and motivate us through various phases.
In this article, we explore short life lessons from renowned figures. Confucius reminds us to keep life simple, while George Gershwin likens it to jazz, best when improvised. Jackie Robinson highlights our impact on others, and James M. Barrie and Rose Kennedy emphasize humility and precious moments. Bertrand Russell and Hans Christian Andersen celebrate love and wonder, while Lauryn Hill, Irving Berlin, and Boris Pasternak focus on presence and a positive attitude.
These short life quotes encourage us to live purposefully, embrace the unexpected, and find joy in every moment. Let these short thoughts on positive life inspire your journey.
17 Short Inspirational Quotes on Life
1. “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” ― Mae West
Mae West’s quote is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life. It suggests that we have only one chance to live our life, and it’s up to us to make the most of it. The quote emphasizes the importance of living a life that is fulfilling and meaningful, rather than merely existing or going through the motions.
Mae West wants to convey that we should make deliberate and thoughtful choices that align with our values and passions. By doing so, we can live a life that, when looked back upon, feels complete and satisfying. The idea is to live fully, embrace opportunities, and ensure that our actions lead to a life of contentment and minimal regrets.
2. “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” ― Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein uses the metaphor of riding a bicycle to illustrate the necessity of continual progress in life. Just as a bicycle requires forward motion to stay upright, individuals must keep moving forward to maintain balance in their lives. This movement can refer to personal growth, pursuing goals, or simply adapting to changes.
Einstein’s message is that stagnation can lead to instability or setbacks. By encouraging continuous movement, he emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and the importance of striving towards our goals. It’s a call to action to remain proactive and engaged in life, even in the face of challenges.
3. “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” ― Robert Frost
Robert Frost’s quote succinctly captures the enduring and relentless nature of life. Regardless of the circumstances—whether they are filled with joy or sorrow—life continues. This quote provides a sense of comfort and perspective, especially during tough times, reminding us that no matter how difficult things may seem, they will eventually pass.
Frost’s message is about resilience and the inevitability of change. He encourages us to recognize that life is a continuous journey and that time moves forward regardless of our experiences. It teaches us to accept the transient nature of both good and bad times, fostering a sense of hope and endurance.
4. “Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.” ― Allen Saunders
Allen Saunders’ quote highlights the unpredictability of life. While we are busy planning our future, life is unfolding in ways we often do not anticipate. This serves as a reminder to be present and to appreciate the moments as they come, rather than becoming too fixated on what lies ahead.
Saunders is emphasizing the importance of living in the moment. While planning for the future is important, it is equally crucial to be mindful and appreciative of the present. His message is about balance—planning responsibly while also embracing the spontaneity and unexpected events of life.
5. “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” ― George Bernard Shaw
George Bernard Shaw’s quote challenges the conventional notion of self-discovery. Instead of passively finding oneself, Shaw encourages an active approach to life where individuals take responsibility for shaping their own identities and destinies through their actions and decisions.
Shaw’s message is one of empowerment and proactive living. He urges us to take control of our lives, to set goals, and to work towards creating the person we aspire to be. This involves self-improvement, learning, and making conscious choices that reflect our desired identity and values.
6. “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” ― Confucius
Confucius’s quote highlights the inherent simplicity of life and how human beings tend to overcomplicate it with unnecessary worries, desires, and conflicts. The essence of this quote is about appreciating the simplicity and focusing on what truly matters.
Confucius wants to teach us that life, at its core, is simple and can be enjoyed if we don’t burden ourselves with trivial complexities. By removing the clutter from our lives and focusing on fundamental values such as kindness, honesty, and love, we can lead a more fulfilling and peaceful life.
7. “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” ― Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson’s quote emphasizes the importance of the influence we have on others. It suggests that the true value of a life is measured by the positive changes and benefits it brings to other people’s lives.
Robinson’s message is about altruism and the significance of contributing to the well-being of others. He encourages us to make a difference in the world by helping and supporting those around us, thereby creating a legacy of kindness and compassion.
8. “Life is a long lesson in humility.” ― James M. Barrie
James M. Barrie’s quote reflects on the humbling experiences life offers. It suggests that throughout our lives, we encounter various situations that teach us humility, reminding us of our limitations and the need for empathy and understanding.
Barrie’s message is about recognizing and accepting our imperfections and the importance of being humble. Life teaches us that no matter how much we achieve, there is always more to learn and understand, and this awareness keeps us grounded and compassionate towards others.
9. “Life isn’t a matter of milestones, but of moments.” ― Rose Kennedy
Rose Kennedy’s quote emphasizes the significance of individual moments over major life milestones. It suggests that the true essence of life is found in the small, everyday experiences that bring joy, meaning, and connection.
Kennedy’s message is about appreciating the present and cherishing the little things that make life beautiful. Rather than focusing solely on significant achievements or future goals, she encourages us to find happiness in the daily moments and interactions that enrich our lives.
10. “The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.” ― Bertrand Russell
Bertrand Russell’s quote presents a vision of a fulfilling life that is driven by love and informed by wisdom. It suggests that a truly good life balances emotional connections with intellectual growth.
Russell’s message is about the harmonious integration of emotion and intellect. He advocates for a life where love motivates our actions and knowledge guides our decisions, leading to a balanced and enriched existence. This balance ensures that our lives are both emotionally rewarding and intellectually satisfying.
11. “Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale.” ― Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen’s quote celebrates the wonder and magic of life. By comparing life to a fairy tale, he suggests that life is filled with extraordinary experiences, adventures, and moments of beauty that make it enchanting.
Andersen’s message is about seeing life through a lens of wonder and appreciation. He encourages us to embrace the magic and possibilities that life offers, finding joy and beauty in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary. This perspective allows us to live with a sense of awe and gratitude.
12. “Life is a lot like jazz… it’s best when you improvise.” ― George Gershwin
George Gershwin’s quote likens life to jazz music, emphasizing that spontaneity and improvisation often lead to the most fulfilling experiences. Just as jazz musicians create beautiful music by improvising, we can create a meaningful life by adapting and responding to the unexpected.
Gershwin wants to convey that rigid planning isn’t always the best approach to life. Instead, embracing spontaneity and being flexible allows us to navigate life’s uncertainties with creativity and joy. It encourages us to trust our instincts and be open to new experiences.
13. “The art of life is to know how to enjoy a little and to endure very much.” ― William Hazlitt
William Hazlitt’s quote reflects the dual nature of life, consisting of both joy and hardship. It suggests that mastering life involves savoring the small pleasures while having the resilience to endure the challenges.
Hazlitt’s message is about balance and perspective. He emphasizes the importance of appreciating the little joys in life, which can provide solace and happiness, while also being strong enough to face and endure life’s difficulties. This approach fosters a deeper appreciation for both the highs and lows of life.
14. “We can’t plan life. All we can do is be available for it.” ― Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill’s quote highlights the unpredictability of life and the futility of trying to control every aspect of it. Instead, it encourages us to be present and open to whatever life brings our way.
Hill’s message is about acceptance and presence. By being available and adaptable, we can fully experience and respond to life’s opportunities and challenges. This openness allows us to live more fully and authentically, embracing the journey as it unfolds.
15. “Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it.” ― Irving Berlin
Irving Berlin’s quote emphasizes the power of attitude in shaping our life experience. While our actions and decisions (the 10 percent) are important, our reactions and mindset (the 90 percent) play a far greater role in determining our overall happiness and success.
Berlin’s message is about the importance of a positive attitude and perspective. He encourages us to focus on how we respond to situations, suggesting that our outlook can transform challenges into opportunities and make a significant difference in our overall quality of life.
16. “Surprise is the greatest gift which life can grant us.” ― Boris Pasternak
Boris Pasternak’s quote celebrates the unexpected and unplanned aspects of life. It suggests that surprises, whether pleasant or challenging, are what make life exciting and rich with possibilities.
Pasternak’s message is about embracing the unpredictability of life. By viewing surprises as gifts, we can approach life with a sense of wonder and curiosity. This mindset allows us to appreciate and learn from unexpected events, enhancing our overall experience.
17. “Life is a succession of moments, to live each one is to succeed.” ― Corita Kent
Corita Kent’s quote emphasizes the importance of living in the present and appreciating each moment as it comes. It suggests that true success lies in our ability to be fully engaged and mindful in each moment.
Kent’s message is about mindfulness and presence. She encourages us to focus on the present, rather than getting lost in the past or future. By valuing and living each moment, we can find success and fulfillment in the continuous flow of life.
Also, read:
- 17 Inspirational Life Quotes and Thoughts for Every Day
- 10 Best Sad Quotes About Life for Finding Wisdom
- 10 Inspiring Positive Life Quotes for a Brighter Future
Source: Brainy Quote