Famous quotes
Quotes by famous people, credited to who said them. Your own quotes must not match any of these. More are added all the time. 1,158,269 quotes Who coined it · How we decide
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“His true monument lies not on the shelves of libraries, but in the thoughts of men, and in the history of more than one science.”
Josiah Willard Gibbs (1839–1903) first seen 1889 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: From Gibbs's obituary for Rudolf Clausius (1889). See The Collected Works of J. Willard Gibbs, vol. 2 (New York: Longmans, Green and Co., 1928), p. 267. Complete volume
“My principal work now lies in tracing out the exact nature and conditions of utility. It seems strange indeed that economists have not bestowed more minute attention on a subject which doubtless furnishes the true key to the problems of economics.”
William Stanley Jevons (1835–1882) said by 1882 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The true characteristic of all British strategy lies in the use of amphibious power. Not the sea alone, but the land and the sea together: not the Fleet alone, but the Army in the hand of the Fleet.”
Winston Churchill (1874–1965) first seen 1916 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The Great Amphibian, The Sunday Pictorial, 23 July 1916.
“Political language — and with variations this is true of all political parties, from Conservatives to Anarchists — is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.”
George Orwell (1903–1950) said by 1950 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The fault of many of our artists and intellectuals lies in their original sin: they are not true revolutionaries. We can try to graft the elm tree so that it will bear pears, but at the same time we must plant pear trees. New generations will come that will be free of original sin.”
Che Guevara (1928–1967) said by 1967 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“True courage is the result of reasoning. A brave mind is always impregnable. Resolution lies more in the head than in the veins, and a just sense of honor and of infamy, of duty and of religion, will carry us farther than all the force of mechanism.”
Jeremy Collier (1650–1726) said by 1726 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“A philosophy without heart and a faith without intellect are abstractions from the true life of knowledge and faith. The man whom philosophy leaves cold, and the man whom real faith does not illuminate, may be assured that the fault lies in them, not in knowledge and faith. The former is still an alien to philosophy, the latter an alien to faith.”
Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770–1831) said by 1831 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Truly, if the preservation of all mankind, as much as in him lies, were every one's persuasion, as indeed it is every one's duty, and the true principle to regulate our religion, politicks and morality by, the world would be much quieter, and better natur'd than it is.”
John Locke (1632–1704) said by 1704 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Hey, gang!" I squeaked in my terrifically accurate Mickey voice. "Everybody ready to shoot the ultimate Disney flick? The film that rips the lid off the goody two-shoes hypocrisy that lies sweltering beneath the surface of G-rated true-life adventures? Okay, you guys, let's get that hand-held Arriflex right down there between Minnie's legs! I wanna see closeups of quivering labia!”
Harlan Ellison (1934–2018) first seen 1978 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The Three Most Important Things in Life (1978)
“If you desire a man to tell you comfortable lies about your prowess, and so fetter any hope of true excellence, I'm sure you may find one anywhere. Not all prisons are made of iron bars. Some are made of feather beds.”
Lois McMaster Bujold (born 1949) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“More important than his record as a debater is Mr. Bush's record as a president. And therein lies the true opportunity for John Kerry — notwithstanding the president's political skills, his performance in office amounts to a catastrophic failure.”
Al Gore (born 1948) first seen 2004 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: How to Debate George Bush" in The New York Times (29 September 2004).
“There is in every true woman's heart a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity; but which kindles up, and beams, and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.”
Washington Irving (1783–1859) said by 1859 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“This is like winning an Oscar!… As if I would know! Speaking of acting, one of my movies was called True Lies. And that’s what the Democrats should have called their convention.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger (born 1947) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“When my friends told me you had someone new I didn't believe a single word was true. I showed them all I had a faith in you I just kept on sayingOh, no, not my baby Oh, no, not my sweet baby You're not like those other guys Who lead you on and tell you lies.”
Carole King (born 1942) first seen 1964 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Oh No Not My Baby (1964), Co-written with Gerry Goffin
“This has gone on far too long, this spreading of lies about me! None of it is true. NONE OF IT! I love my country. I have never done anything to hurt my country or the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for us. I do not understand what the far right stands to gain by continuing with these myths.”
Jane Fonda (born 1937) first seen 2011 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Blog posting (16 July 2011)
“In the realm of totalitarian kitsch, all answers are given in advance and preclude any questions. It follows, then, that the true opponent of totalitarian kitsch is the person who asks questions. A question is like a knife that slices through the stage backdrop and gives us a look at what lies hidden behind it.”
Milan Kundera (1929–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Have the courage to analyze great emotions to create characters who shall be lofty and true. The whole art of the analytical novel lies there.”
Paul Bourget (1852–1935) said by 1935 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“True realism, materialist realism lies in the search for the expression of forms faithful to their content. But there is no content detached from human interest.”
Asger Jorn (1914–1973) first seen 1945 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in Aftermath France, 1945-54: New Images of Man: An Exhibition (1982), p. 107
“It is probably true to say that the largest scope for change still lies in men’s attitude to women, and in women’s attitude to themselves.”
Vera Brittain (1893–1970) first seen 1953 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Lady into Woman (1953), Chapter 15
“The definition of power as domination is just one of many and not even the most popular or powerful form of power. In fact, that version of power is WEAK POWER. Weak because it is fragile, easily defeated, and requires constant effort to maintain usually in the form of propaganda, lies and violence. This is because weak power can’t inspire or persuade. It has no vision. It is not true power.”
Heather Brooke (born 1970) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I have come to believe, based on long experience dealing with humans, that no true story ever gets told. I sit here now with two stories, about to add lies, half-truths, or simple misunderstandings of my own, moved by some vague urge toward a completeness of things—a completion that can never be achieved.”
John Varley (1947–2025) said by 2025 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The Iraqi people consist of brotherly nationalities which have amalgamated in order to defend the existence of the eternal Iraqi Republic. [This is] why we always declare 'long live true Iraqi unity, for in it lies our strength.”
Abd al-Karim Qasim (1914–1963) first seen 1959 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: March, 1959, as quoted in Adeed Dawisha (2009), Iraq: A Political History from Independence to Occupation.
“True, no man can be wholly apart from his fellows. But, if each of us is a promontory, yet the promontory reaches out beyond the social mainland to a point where others cannot intrude. Beyond that point lies an unexplorable lonesomeness, a unique privacy. It is a no-other-man's land, for others can't penetrate it, can't communicate with it.”
Jerome Frank (1889–1957) said by 1957 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Judge Learned Hand, reprinted in A Man's Reach: The Philosophy of Judge Jerome Frank (1965), page 49.
“The true substance of love lies in the act of howling words of love with a desperation of a man jumping into the high seas.”
Osamu Dazai (1909–1948) said by 1948 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“If we had true democracy in Korea, then the collusive intimacy between business and government and corruption would not have been as great here. And the wealth would not have been allocated to only a few people. Usually the dictatorship or authoritarian style of government lies to people.”
Kim Dae-jung (1924–2009) first seen 1999 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Kim Blasts Regimes That 'Lie'" in The Washington Post (9 January 1999)
“True beauty lies in embracing our flaws and imperfections.”
Nnedi Okorafor (born 1974) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Why does he live with enmity and competition instead of a feeling of brotherhood? He does these things because he lacks true understanding about himself. He does not know the greatness that lies within the human heart.”
Muktananda (1908–1982) said by 1982 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“From the dwelling places in the desert, the road lies always open to our true homeland. Let those who desire “to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalms 27:13; 116:9) take up their residence in an uninhabitable wasteland. Let those who strive to become citizens of Heaven be guests first of the desert.”
Eucherius of Lyon (380–449) said by 449 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It lacks the conviction of your other lies,” she laughed. “True,” he admitted. “But you have to understand that my entire training as a liar has been directed at the tax collectors.” “I didn’t know that deceit and falsehood went to hand-in-glove with accounting.” “They go hand-in-glove with everything,” answered Redwine seriously.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“He was destined to desert me.” “How do you know I won’t?” “Because you are selfish enough and greedy enough and immoral enough to realize that your best interest lies in total fealty to me,” she replied. “I don’t know that I especially like that assessment of me,” said the Kid. “The question is not whether you like it,” replied Penelope, “but whether it is true.”
Mike Resnick (1942–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The exercise of reason is not available only to specialists; it is accessible to everyone. What is needed is to refuse the lies proffered by priests and other fantasymongers and to look squarely and calmly at the true nature of things.”
Stephen Greenblatt (born 1943) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“This isn’t true. Please don’t spread lies to foment or encourage political violence in our state. Or anywhere. Thanks.”
Jocelyn Benson (born 1977) first seen 2022 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: 8 November 2022 tweet responding to Donald Trump
“The true measure of an individual lies not in their victories, but in their ability to rise after defeat.”
Caster Semenya (born 1991) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Don't be afraid to challenge the norms, for that is where true progress lies.”
Caster Semenya (born 1991) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The true beauty of life lies in embracing both the light and the darkness within ourselves.”
Yasmina Khadra (born 1955) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“True power lies not in controlling others, but in mastering oneself.”
Mohini Mohan Dhar (1866–1952) said by 1952 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Source: Interview with The Mystic Times, July 15, 2005. Recorded transcript, available in Vishwaan Archives, Box 3, Folder "Wisdom".
“True beauty lies in how you affect other people”
Rolene Strauss (born 1992) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“A qualification without practice, creativity, and contribution is nothing more than paper. True power lies in what you do with the knowledge you carry. Go forth and practice, innovate, create, and generate new knowledge.”
Ndaba Gaolathe (born 1971) first seen 2025 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: 'We won't rest until every citizen is employed' 23 September 2025
“True temporal and eternal happiness lies in the possession of God. (p. 127)”
Dolindo Ruotolo (1882–1970) said by 1970 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“True success lies in transforming your failures into opportunities.”
Philip Emeagwali (born 1954) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“[...] Amidst these woods and oak trees, nestled among the rolling hills of the Marche region, lies a true marvel – not only of this region, but of our entire nation: a city rich in history, art and culture. A city that has left its mark over the centuries: Urbino.”
Alberto Angela (born 1962) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I believe the power of storytelling lies in its ability to connect with universal emotions while staying true to its roots. In films like Gangs of Lagos and Brotherhood, I focus on authentic characters and narratives that reflect the complexities of life in communities—stories of love, family, loyalty, and survival. These are experiences everyone can relate to, no matter where they’re from.”
Jáde Osiberu (born 1985) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“'T is not so above; There is no shuffling, there the action lies In his true nature.”
William Shakespeare (1564–1616) said by 1616 at the latest bartlett, Public domain source
“Plays round the head, but comes not to the heart. One self-approving hour whole years outweighs Of stupid starers and of loud huzzas; And more true joy Marcellus exil'd feels Than Cæsar with a senate at his heels. In parts superior what advantage lies? Tell (for you can) what is it to be wise? 'T is but to know how little can be known; To see all others' faults, and feel our own.”
Alexander Pope (1688–1744) said by 1744 at the latest bartlett, Public domain source
“'Twixt truth and error there's this difference known; Error is fruitful, truth is only one.”
Robert Herrick (poet) first seen 1031 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: 1031. "Truth and Error
“There is one Truth that shines through all of creation. Rivers and mountains, plants and animals, the sun, the moon and the stars, you and I—all are expressions of this one Reality. Many who have realised this truth through their own experience have walked on this earth, and many are yet to come.”
Mata Amritanandamayi (born 1953) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“If you try to simplify or pare off the superfluous from the minds and speech of most men, you will find that nothing is left. There is no simplicity in them, for there is no truth; truth and simplicity being, as Aquinas says, the same thing.”
Coventry Patmore (1823–1896) said by 1896 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“He is irrational, however well he may be able to reason, who does not clearly see that good is good and truth truth.”
Coventry Patmore (1823–1896) said by 1896 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It is a little known fact that truth cannot be memorized. Truth has to be discovered now, from moment to moment. It is always fresh, always new, always there for the still, innocent mind that has experienced life without needing to hold on to what has gone before.”
Barry Long (1926–2003) said by 2003 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Truth and freedom are inextricably connected. We must speak the truth because otherwise we shall lose our freedom.”
Geert Wilders (born 1963) first seen 2011 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Closing remarks in court (1 June 2011); quoted in "Dutch MP acquitted in ‘hate’ trial" by David Poort, Al Jazeera (23 June 2011).