Quotes by famous people, credited to who said them. Your own quotes must not match any of these. More are added all the time. 1,161,747 quotes Who coined it · How we decide
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“To say what's in their hearts, regardless of shame. It doesn't change what they feel, what they want. It just helps... loosen them up.”
Orson Scott Card (born 1951) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Wouldn't it have been better to change humanity so it no longer desired to destroy itself?”
Orson Scott Card (born 1951) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Law can change how people behave when others are watching — that's all.”
Orson Scott Card (born 1951) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You can't change what you don't understand.”
Orson Scott Card (born 1951) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Space, like time, engenders forgetfulness; but it does so by setting us bodily free from our surroundings and giving us back our primitive, unattached state. Yes, it can even, in the twinkling of an eye, make something like a vagabond of the pedant and Philistine. Time, we say, is Lethe; but change of air is a similar draught, and, if it works less thoroughly, does so more quickly.”
Thomas Mann (1875–1955) said by 1955 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Two principles, according to the Settembrinian cosmogony, were in perpetual conflict for possession of the world: force and justice, tyranny and freedom, superstition and knowledge; the law of permanence and the law of change, of ceaseless fermentation issuing in progress.”
Thomas Mann (1875–1955) said by 1955 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“How wonderful it is that no one has to wait, but can start right now to gradually change the world! How wonderful it is that everyone, great and small, can immediately help bring about justice by giving of themselves! [...] You can always — always — give something, even if it's a simple act of kindness!”
Anne Frank (1929–1945) first seen 1944 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Give!" (26 March 1944)
“There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time.”
George S. Patton (1885–1945) said by 1945 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in Liberalism is a Mental Disorder : Savage Solutions (2005) by Michael Savage, Ch. 1 : More Patton, Less Patent Leather, p. 4
“In its most general form, confinement was explained, or at least justified, by a will to avoid scandal. It thereby signalled an important change in the consciousness of evil. The Renaissance had let unreason in all its forms come out into the light of day, as public exposure gave evil the chance to redeem itself and to serve as an exemplum.”
Michel Foucault (1926–1984) said by 1984 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“On Desperate Housewives: I think they should change the name of that show from Desperate Housewives...to Ungrateful Bitches! You all are hoes bitch!”
Chris Rock (born 1965) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Often we try to bring about change through sheer effort and we put all of our energy into a new initiative. But you can’t beat stress using the same techniques that created the stress in the first place.”
Greg McKeown (author) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“They change their skies above them, But not their hearts that roam!”
Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936) first seen 1895 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The Native-Born, Stanza 2 (1895).
“Body and spirit I surrendered whole To harsh instructors—and received a soul... If mortal man could change me through and through From all I was—What may the God not do?”
Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936) said by 1936 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Beauty, thou wild fantastic ape Who dost in every country change thy shape!”
Abraham Cowley (1618–1667) said by 1667 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“So my judgment is that Syria will move; Syria will change, as it embraces a legitimate relationship with the United States and the West and economic opportunity that comes with it and the participation that comes with it.”
John Kerry (born 1943) first seen 2011 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Speech at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, March 16, 2011.
“Now, I know there are still a few who insist that climate change is one big hoax, even a political conspiracy. My friends, these people are so out of touch with science that they believe rising sea levels don’t matter, because, in their view, the extra water is just going to spill out over the sides of a flat Earth.” –”
John Kerry (born 1943) first seen 2015 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: December 9, 2015, Paris. Source: http://www.democracynow.org/2015/12/9/it_is_not_enough_despite_promise
“Regrettably, some seem to believe that the US friendship means the US must accept any policy regardless all our interests, our own words, our own position, our own principles, even after urging again and again that the policy must change... Friends need to tell each other the hard truth and friendships require mutual respect.”
John Kerry (born 1943) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: On UNSC resolution 2334, Kerry Blasts Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu — (December 2016)
“You may not be able to change the world but can at least get some entertainment and make a living out of the epistemic arrogance of the human race.”
Nassim Nicholas Taleb (born 1960) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“A change in perspective is worth 80 IQ points.”
Alan Kay (born 1940) first seen 1982 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Talk at Creative Think seminar, 20 July 1982
“The machine may also change the square which is being scanned, but only by shifting it one place to right or left.”
Alan Turing (1912–1954) said by 1954 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Things don't stay the way they are," said Finnerty. "It's too entertaining to try to change them.”
Kurt Vonnegut (1922–2007) said by 2007 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Maybe God has let everybody who ever lived be reborn — so he or she can see how it ends. Even Pitecanthropus erectus and Australopithecus and Sinanthropus pekensis and the Neanderthalers are back on Earth — to see how it ends. They're all on Times Square — making change for peepshows. Or recruiting Marines.”
Kurt Vonnegut (1922–2007) said by 2007 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I know that the gentlemen in the enemy camp may think of me however they like. I consider it beneath me to try to change the minds of these gentlemen.”
Joseph Stalin (1878–1953) first seen 1931 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Omitted portion of an interview between Stalin and Emil Ludwig (13 December 1931)
“Get going. Move forward. Aim high. Plan for a takeoff. Don't just sit on the runway and hope someone will come along and push the airplane. It simply won't happen. Change your attitude and gain some altitude. Believe me, you'll love it up here.”
Donald Trump (born 1946) first seen 2004 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Trump: How to Get Rich (2004), p. 74
“[climate change was] "created by and for the Chinese in order to make US manufacturing non-competitive”
Donald Trump (born 1946) first seen 2012 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: said in 2012 according to What does Trump actually believe on climate change?
“We're also going to have to change our trade, immigration and economic policies to make our economy strong again. And to put Americans first again. This will ensure that our own workers, right here in America, get the jobs and higher pay that will grow our tax revenues, increase our economic might as a nation.”
Donald Trump (born 1946) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Actually, what they are saying, is that Mike Pence did have the right to change the outcome, and they now want to take that right away. Unfortunately, he didn’t exercise that power. He could have overturned the election!”
Donald Trump (born 1946) first seen 2022 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: 31 January 2022, at a rally in Conroe Texas, as quoted in “Quiet part loud: Trump says Pence ‘could have overturned the election’”, by Martin Pengelly, for .
“Kamala even wants to pass laws to outlaw RED MEAT to stop climate change.”
Donald Trump (born 1946) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“TO THE MANY INVESTORS COMING INTO THE UNITED STATES AND INVESTING MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF MONEY, MY POLICIES WILL NEVER CHANGE. THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO GET RICH, RICHER THAN EVER BEFORE!!!”
Donald Trump (born 1946) first seen 2025 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Posted on Truth Social following the announcement of his worldwide tariffs policy and the resulting sharp sell-off in the stock market a day later as reported in Trump insists he won’t back down from global trade war as…
“Too many non-working holidays in America. It is costing our Country $BILLIONS OF DOLLARS to keep all of these businesses closed. The workers don’t want it either! Soon we’ll end up having a holiday for every once working day of the year. It must change if we are going to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Donald Trump (born 1946) first seen 2025 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Written in a social media post that was later deleted, quoted in "Trump says America has ‘too many’ national holidays and they’re hurting the economy. Is he right?" CNN (June 20, 2025)
“MSNBC IS DOING SO POORLY IN THE RATINGS THAT THEY ARE LOOKING TO CHANGE THEIR NAME IN ORDER TO GET AWAY FROM THE STENCH OF THEIR FAKE NEWS PRODUCT. SO MUCH FUN TO WATCH THEIR WEAK AND INEFFECTIVE OWNER, ‘CONCAST,’ HEADED BY DOPEY BRIAN ROBERTS, HOPELESSLY AND AIMLESSLY FLAILING IN THE WIND IN AN ATTEMPT TO DISASSOCIATE ITSELF FROM THE GARBAGE THAT THEY CREATED! MSNBC IS A FAILURE BY ANY NAME!!!”
Donald Trump (born 1946) first seen 2025 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Trump Rants Against MSNBC After Lawrence O’Donnell Mocks His ‘Cankle’ Issue" TV Insider (August 21, 2025)
“Over the past 11 months, we have brought more positive change to Washington than any administration in American history.”
Donald Trump (born 1946) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You can’t change the facts with your lies, allegations and counterfeits”
Lech Wałęsa (born 1943) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Being accused of being an agent for the Soviet era communist police, quoted on New Europe (February 18, 2016), "Poland’s former president accused of being a communist spy
“Yes, when I was here the first word of the alma mater was 'Men…Men of Dartmouth, give a rouse…' Well, now the first word is 'Dear.' Some things change for the better.”
Fred Rogers (1928–2003) first seen 2002 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Commencement Address at Dartmouth College June 9th, 2002
“Nous avons changé tout cela.”
Molière (1622–1673) first seen 1666 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Le Médecin malgré lui (1666), Act ii, scene 6
“May we at this stage remind our Muslim brothers that they do not have the monopoly of violence in this nation. Nigeria belongs to all of us – Christians, Muslims and members of other faiths. No amount of intimidation can Change this time-honoured arrangement in this nation. C.A.N. may no longer be able to contain our restive youths should this ugly trend continue.”
Peter Akinola (born 1944) first seen 2006 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: (Statement issued in his capacity as President, Christian Association of Nigeria, February 2006, "on the ugly development of renewed religious fanaticism in this country")
“hold your head up high to face the past stare it in the teeth question everything you never ask the earth shall drink the meek is there lightning in your veins is there something that remains nothings ever gonna change so take yourself out in the rain life is leadin while you wait waitin for your judgement day”
Alicia Witt (born 1975) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I’m not ready for Christmas don’t need a gift list don’t give a shit how many shopping days are left this holiday season give me one reason i should believe it’s ever gonna change and why should i be merry when every January i come back so very broken hearted I’m not ready for Christmas I think i’ll skip this one and Santa I will see you next year.”
Alicia Witt (born 1975) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“There is no one who can change My course or affect My conduct to the slightest extent. I am the Master over all.”
Sathya Sai Baba (1926–2011) first seen 1960 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Discourse (28 September 1960). Sathya Sai Speaks Vol. I, p. 182.
“Everyone should prepare NOW for this change, for I promise you that it will come, and only those who are ready will survive.”
Sathya Sai Baba (1926–2011) first seen 1991 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: SSSBFM, (1991), p .223
“In the wake of a Big Change, cultures and individuals are transposed, it’s true, yet in the main they continue much as they were, except for the usual scattering of unfortunate but statistically meaningless accidents.”
Fritz Leiber (1910–1992) said by 1992 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Don't judge the future of a person based on his present conditions, because time has the power to change black coal to shiny diamond.”
Chanakya (375–283 BC) said by 283 BC at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“When you have an exceptionally nasty project, present it to your employee as a "challenge." That seemingly minor change in syntax will cause the employee to feel like an Olympic athlete instead of the boot-stomped carpet mite that he is.”
Scott Adams (1957–2026) said by 2026 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“People don't change their basic nature, they just accumulate more stuff upon which they can apply their stupidity, selfishness, and horniness. From this perspective, the future isn't hard to predict.”
Scott Adams (1957–2026) said by 2026 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“People think they follow advice but they don't. Humans are only capable of receiving information. They create their own advice. If you seek to influence someone, don't waste time giving advice. You can change only what people know, not what they do.”
Scott Adams (1957–2026) said by 2026 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“If you really don't like it, and if your child isn't progressing, have a word with the head teacher. And if you're still not satisfied, or feel that you want your child to go to a school with a different kind of philosophy and approach—the only thing is to approach your education authority and have him transferred to another school, though an extra change of school is not always good for a child”
Margaret Thatcher (1925–2013) first seen 1973 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As the Minister of Education "MRS THATCHER CALLS UP PARENT POWER" (April 8, 1973)
“Economics are the method; the object is to change the heart and soul.”
Margaret Thatcher (1925–2013) first seen 1981 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Interview for The Sunday Times (1 May 1981)
“I came to office with one deliberate intent: to change Britain from a dependent to a self-reliant society – from a give-it-to-me, to a do-it-yourself nation. A get-up-and-go, instead of a sit-back-and-wait-for-it Britain.”
Margaret Thatcher (1925–2013) first seen 1984 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Speech to Small Business Bureau Conference (8 February 1984)
“We do not want a united Germany. This would lead to a change to postwar borders, and we cannot allow that because such a development would undermine the stability of the whole international situation and could endanger our security.”
Margaret Thatcher (1925–2013) first seen 1989 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Talking to Mikhail Gorbachev at a luncheon meeting in Moscow in September 1989
“Tony Blair and New Labour. We forced our opponents to change their minds.”
Margaret Thatcher (1925–2013) first seen 2002 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: At a dinner reception in 2002, as related by Conor Burns in the ConservativeHome, 11 April 2008.