Top Inspirational Quotes From Influential People

“A well-cultivated mind is, so to speak, made up of all the minds of preceding ages.” - Bernard de Bovier de Fontenelle

In times of sorrow, grief, or stress, it’s not uncommon – or unhealthy – to be found in dire need of quotes reminding us of what life has to offer. Words of inspiration from esteemed men of the past like Martin Luther King Jr. and strong women like Helen Keller offer opportunities to pick ourselves off the ground and back on our feet, giving us a much-needed jumpstart to persevere and march forward when the going gets rough.

Resources like Hark.com exist all across the Web to provide a variety of inspirational quotes, making those profound words that much simpler to seek out and take in. All the same, we’ve put together a short-list below of the most inspirational quotes that have come straight from the mouths of some of the most influential people ever to grace the world.

• “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” – Mark Twain.

Our lives are very much defined by the choices we make, but what is better to be realized, is that choices perceived to be “bad” can never topple the disappointing decision to do nothing at all. Twain, a man of deep contemplation and reflection, hammers this point succinctly.

• “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.” - Wayne Gretzky

Nothing is more detrimental to the human spirit than a tendency to dwell on the past. Moving forward means not looking back, and exploring new territories, new options, and new additions to your lifestyle. Gretzky, who is considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time, began his journey forward at the ripe age of six years old, honing his early-age hockey skills in his backyard to later become an esteemed athlete, Olympian, entrepreneur and humanitarian worldwide.

• “Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.” – Helen Keller

The power of the quote is especially striking coming from the perspective of Keller, who faced the seemingly insurmountable odds of blindness and deafness by becoming a cherished writer and lecturer on politics and the value of life. This perhaps best embodies the unique ability of an individual to make changes and navigate life’s rocky terrains, even in the face of adversity.

• “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King spent a lifetime taking the higher ground on the issue of civil rights, serving as the antithesis of the Black Panther movement by protesting peacefully and inspiring millions through words rather than threats of violence. King hits home a crucial point that fire really shouldn’t be fought with fire, but water.

Author bio: this guest post is from Hark.com - an online platform for sound clips and quotes by famous people such as Martin Luther King Jr., Steve Jobs, Barack Obama and more.