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. 1,158,808 quotes Who coined it · How we decide
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“Joy and life exist nowhere but the present.”
Maxine Hong Kingston (born 1940) first seen 2011 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: I Love a Broad Margin To My Life (2011), p.113, Random House
“One of the things he (Thích Nhất Hạnh) says is that we don't know how to feel peace. We don't understand the joy that is peace. We think that it's boring. And that is an aesthetic and a social perception. He is dealing with many of these same problems we are facing, and I just know he has some answers. (1991)”
Maxine Hong Kingston (born 1940) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“No one ever truly dies. The desires of our hearts make a path. We create legacy with our thoughts and dreams. This legacy either will give those who follow us joy on their road or will give them sorrow. (p149)”
“(What do you believe/feel/know lies at the heart of your body of work?) JH: Compassion. Joy. (2003)”
“Even before Mother interrupted my rally, the support of the Orïshans didn’t touch the boundless joy of these maji. I wonder what it would be like to be embraced like that. To actually have a place where you belong.”
Tomi Adeyemi (born 1993) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I want to really live in the present, and find love and joy in the world around me.”
Clemantine Wamariya (born 1988) first seen 2019 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: After Writing a Memoir About Her Past, Clemantine Wamariya. hotchkiss.org (March 28 2019)
“In Ibuza sons help their father more than they help their mother. A mother's joy is only in the name. She worries over them, looks after them when they are small; but in the actual help on the farm, the upholding of the family name, all belong to the father.”
Buchi Emecheta (1944–2017) said by 2017 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I was not really of the barrio, but the barrio was an important part of my life. Spanish was my first language; English was the language of my reading world. This was the world I lived in—an idealistic world, and unreal world that filled my senses with hopes, with joy and identification…”
Estela Portillo-Trambley (1936–1998) said by 1998 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“if it does not sing discard the ear for poetry is song if it does not delight discard the heart for poetry is joy if it does not inform then close off the brain for it is dead if it cannot heed the insistent message that life is preciouswhich is all we poets wrapped in our loneliness are trying to say”
Nikki Giovanni (1943–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The simplicity of the generous gesture can give a joy of living to those who need it so much.”
Doris Veillette (1935–2019) first seen 1970 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Chronicle "Interdit aux hommes" (Forbidden to men), by Doris Veillette-Hamel, Journal Le Nouvelliste, December 8, 1970, page 19.
“Funny time when most of the poor and disinherited parts of the world could live what the other party leaves on his plate ... And we continue to sing the joy, the peace, the love ... do we really believe?”
Doris Veillette (1935–2019) first seen 1973 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Chronicle "Interdit aux hommes" (Forbidden to men), by Doris Veillette-Hamel, Journal Le Nouvelliste, December 22, 1973, page 37.
“One of the most striking facts about the 1990s is the high level of female leadership and participation. For anyone who remembers the sexism of the 1960s and 1970s movements, today's young women in action are a joy to see.”
Elizabeth Martinez (1925–2021) said by 2021 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I think levity and humor can be used to tackle larger themes that are darker. Loneliness can be damaging, but when you’re feeling lonely, you do some of your most productive thinking. I wanted to show the idea of loneliness in that light – that humor works in tandem with the joy to be found in self-examination.”
Rakesh Satyal first seen 2018 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: On the role of humor in “‘Rakesh Satyal: How I Write” in Writer Magazine (2018 Nov 19)
“I like to think a thought and then I like to follow it, like a little seed, for a long time and see where that growth leads me. Sometimes it leads me to an entirely different place from where it started and that gives me joy.”
Yiyun Li (born 1972) first seen 2018 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: On her thought process in “What I think: Yiyun Li” (Princeton University; 2018 Dec 10)
“Any realistic depiction of Detroit should include the blight and frustration that come with living there, but it should also show regular people experiencing joy.”
Angela Flournoy (born 1985) first seen 2015 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: On writing about Detroit in “An Interview with Angela Flournoy” in American Short Fiction (2015 Nov 10)
“…Everyone gets caught up in the “wright” of playwright (meaning to make or build or create), whereas I take daily joy and solace in the “play” part. How rare and wonderful to be asked to play in your very job title?”
Oliver Mayer first seen 2018 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: On being a playwright in “Creator Corner: Interview with Playwright Oliver Mayer” in The Fandomentals (2018 Oct 22)
“Please don’t think that after the awakening of Kundalini all human problems will be automatically solved. The universe is so complicated and human nature so deep that to the last day man will continue to gather wisdom to enable him to live in greater and greater harmony and joy.”
Gopi Krishna (yogi) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Moving with frequency between the polarities of my experience is a fertile source of ideas. Somewhere between anguish and joy lies a region taut with further contradictions. If art speaks truth to power then in my view both compelling forces need to be addressed. The desolate truth carried in profundity is made even more striking when matched by the sublime energy of the decorative.”
Brian Clarke (1953–2025) first seen 2010 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Clarke in 2010, from the Vitromusée Romont publication Brian Clarke: Life and Death.
“I also love the way lists and repetitions can serve as a comfort. We can predict a repetition and that’s soothing, but we can also alter it to create something new, which, in my case, often produces a joy.”
Mitchell S. Jackson first seen 2019 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: On employing lists as a writing technique in “American Blood: An Interview with Mitchell S. Jackson” in The Paris Review (2019 Mar 8)
“It is sufficient for you that the one who envies you is distressed at the time of your joy.”
Uthman (574–656) said by 656 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“People (in Ladakh) were so so at ease with themselves and with the world, and so full of vitality and joy... I saw step-by-step how the outside consumer culture was destroying local businesses and jobs, particularly farming. Everything about the local culture became under-valued or – more than that – seen as primitive and backward. I saw how destructive that was for people.”
Helena Norberg-Hodge (born 1946) first seen 2017 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Quoted in Wellbeing campaigner: society should shape business – not the other way round, by Anna Leach, The Guardian, (18 Jul 2017)
“What I find so inspiring is that, in the localization movement, communities around the world are rebuilding truly healthy economies by diversifying. Those are like little diamonds in the landscape, aren’t they, of beauty and joy....”
Helena Norberg-Hodge (born 1946) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“When I think of poetry, I feel its fierce human suffering and its joy.”
Sakutarō Hagiwara (1886–1942) said by 1942 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We are in danger of forgetting that God is not only a comfort but a joy. He is the source of all pleasures; he is fun and laughter, and we are meant to enjoy him.”
Joy Davidman (1915–1960) said by 1960 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Drive away with the hand of humility every transitory joy, as being unworthy of it, lest by readily admitting it you receive a wolf instead of a shepherd.”
John Climacus (579–649) said by 649 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You know, for years scientists have wondered, can you make grown men and women weep tears of joy by playing Tom Jones' "It's Not Unusual", and the answer is: Yes. You can. As long as it is preceded by seven "What's New Pussycat"s.”
John Mulaney (born 1982) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“One thing I discovered, when I was doing reading for this [collection], is that one of the roots of the word wonder means to smile. Wonder is wanting to know more about others, with a smile. It’s that joy. And I don’t know if this sounds Pollyannaish, but you don’t have to teach a kid to wonder…”
Aimee Nezhukumatathil (born 1974) first seen 2020 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: On what the word “wonder” means to her in “Aimee Nezhukumatathil: What a Wonderful World” in Kirkus Reviews (2020 Dec 2)
“A medicine man shouldn't be a saint. He should experience and feel all the ups and downs, the despair and joy, the magic and the reality, the courage and the fear, of his people. He should be able to sink as low as a bug, or soar as high as an eagle. Unless he can experience both, he is no good as a medicine man.”
John Fire Lame Deer (1903–1976) said by 1976 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“With tears we sow seeds of prayer in the earth of the heart, hoping to reap the harvest in joy.”
Diadochos of Photiki (400–486) said by 486 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“When you obey you are never wrong, always obey with joy.”
Bernadette Soubirous (1844–1879) said by 1879 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“My country and I recognize with joy and emotion that the Congo has acceded on June 30, 1960, in full accord and friendships with Belgium, to independence and international sovereignty.”
Baudouin of Belgium (1930–1993) first seen 1960 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Lumumba Assails Colonialism as Congo Is Freed King Baudouin in his Speech at the Ceremony of the Proclamation of the Congo's Independence in Leopoldville on June 30, 1960.
“Being part of the lives of parish families has been my greatest joy. When you don’t have your own personal family or wife, sharing the highs, lows and joys of the life of families is the kernel of a parish priest’s life, and I think that’s where you find God.”
Eugene Hurley (born 1940) first seen 2018 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Darwin’s retiring bishop reflects on life of great joy (September 21, 2018)
“It is a joy to me that children whose parents are in their thirties or forties become aware that I am in some of the Godzilla films when they see them on VHS tape or laserdisc. Children often point and say, "Hey, it's Uncle Godzilla!" when they see me. It's very heartwarming.”
Akira Kubo (born 1936) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“In Paradise there is no resentment. For this reason, good and humble hearts, who endure insults and slander with joy or indifference, begin to enjoy their paradise in this world; those who hold grudges, however, are unhappy: their expressions are worried and their gaze seems to devour everything around them.”
John Vianney (1786–1859) said by 1859 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“They are so active, they are so alive. The joy is really important. Many times I encourage the migrant, "Remember you are the missionary, the Holy Spirit sends you to Taiwan, for a lay mission, maybe with your testimony the local people will be contacted with Jesus. influence”
Bosco Lin Chi-nan (born 1943) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We have a farm outside of Atlanta, Georgia, about 17 acres … We have a couple of goats, some chickens, some vegetables, and it is our joy.”
Keshia Knight Pulliam (born 1979) first seen 2024 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: 'This Is Our Heritage': Keshia Knight Pulliam On Black People Finding Freedom In Farming essence (july10,2024)
“I've had so many incredible experiences and I've been influenced by so many people I've served, I see this as a new chapter. I'm living out something that I'm convinced is what God wants me to do, and living out God's will for me has been the joy of my life.”
Robert P. Reed (born 1959) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Bishop Robert Reed: Living God's will 'has been the joy of my life' (August 26, 2016)
“May God bless this World Youth Day, so that each person, beginning with myself, will become younger and younger in our faith so we always live the joy of the Resurrection of our Lord.”
Mikaël Antoine Mouradian (born 1961) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Interview with Bishop Mouradian - WYD Bishops in Kraków (27 July 2016)
“It’s been a great joy for me to have been here as the bishop, a true gift from the Lord, not that everything has been perfect, because no life is perfect. But if I put everything on a scale, I have to say that the scale goes way up here to the good.”
Paul Loverde (born 1940) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Bishop Loverde expresses joy, gratitude on eve of retirement (November 29, 2016)
“Indeed a Golden Jubilee is a day for looking to the past. But it is above all an occasion for renewing our commitment in the future, our commitment to facing up to the realities of joy and sorrow in our lives.”
Anthony Farquhar (1940–2023) first seen 2017 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Homily of Bishop Anthony Farquhar at St Bernadette’s Parish Golden Jubilee (October 29, 2017)
“Science is fun, to be a scientist, this is a fun job. What is exciting is that there is a complexity, and then it is you who can solve it by reading articles or doing experiments and put together things which maybe nobody did. Then you realise what’s going on. The joy that you were the first one to know that this is how things happens.”
Katalin Karikó (born 1955) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Q: You were 20 years old when you converted to Catholicism. What brought about your conversion? A: In my childhood, I had contact with several Catholics. I wanted to find out about their faith. After a year and a half of religious instruction, I could finally say with joy, “Truth has been given to me…”
Anders Arborelius (born 1949) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The joy of walking around or riding around their neighborhood and playing with their neighbors, which is often difficult in a city as densely populated as Lagos.”
Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli (born 1975) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“To our great joy, he accepted our request and we are forever proud to be associated with such a great and revolutionary man”
Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga (born 1982) first seen 2013 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Kanengoni-Malinga meets Young Mighty Warriors,12 December 2013
“'How much joy, how much peace of soul would a man not have wherever he went, as Abba Poemen says, if he was one who habitually accused himself?'”
Poemen (340–450) said by 450 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Cited in Dorotheos of Gaza - Discourses and Sayings, Eric Wheeler, (1977) p. 105
“Equal parts shock and joy.”
Kiki Mordi (born 1991) first seen 2019 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Describing her reaction to the global response following the release of Sex for Grades. OkayAfrica, 10 October 2019.
“When others see our joy as Christians, they are contaminated.”
Lazarus You Heung-sik (born 1951) first seen 2023 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in South Korean cardinal’s memoir offers richness of Asia to whole Church(March 4, 2023)
“You can’t define success in one sentence, a lot of people have tried to do that. Success is relative. What is success to you might not be success to me but I think generally its a state of peace of mind. A state of acceptance and a state of joy.”
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde (born 1978) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“May Your Kingdom be established, and may we partake in Your Joy. May Your Will be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven, and may we work together with You.”
Peter Deunov (1864–1944) said by 1944 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“By Your presence, inspire within us Your pure thoughts and guide us to serve You with joy.”
Peter Deunov (1864–1944) said by 1944 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source