We love inspirational quotes! A great quote is priceless to get an idea across, for credibility or to break the ice to relate to an audience – large or small.
Quotes are often found on postcards, posters, in speeches, on social media accounts – to name just a few. There seems to be a quote for every occasion. Quotes are like music: reflecting a mood and relating an experience – without the music!
Why is there a quote for every occasion?
- Quotes bring larger texts or concepts to the point and create a collective consensus which is helpful in quickly and succinctly conveying ideas.
- A quote which appeals to us does so because it reflects an idea, concept or emotion we already know or reinforces what we think is right but are unsure of.
- Quotes reflect who we are, how we see ourselves and/or who we would like to be. Quotes express our aspirations and convictions and allow others to relate to us (or not).
- On the negative side, quotes also are part of the new world of instant gratifications. While a quote is all of the above, it is unable to deliver sustained motivation without us doing the work to reach our goal or to build that character.
Do motivational quotes actually work?
There is no doubt thought that a right quote at the right time can be a pick-me-up which makes the difference between inaction and action – whether it concerns going to the gym, swim or run, tackle a job that’s in the too hard basket or whatever else we wish to get on with. A great quote might be all we need for motivation.
A motivational quote might not change our live but a quote can offer the impetus we need at the time to move forward.
Well known quotes reinforce ideas.
For all writers – whether a student, a blogger, journalist or author – quotes are an excellent way to reinforce ideas and claims. This is the main reason quotes are used in speeches, essays or any other form of writing – to create credibility.
Quotes that have stood the test of time.
Quotations can also be a better summary of ones own idea. A quote which is a more concise and well recognised expression of an idea offers instant credibility and recognition of the idea or concept. If this same quote is being conveyed by a well known person, even better.
Random quotes we love for one reason or another.
An open mind leaves a chance for someone to drop a worthwhile thought in it. Mark Twain.
I reserve the right to evolve. What I think and feel today is subject to revision tomorrow. Laurence Overmire
I do not agree that ethics requires grounding in religious concepts of faith. Instead, I firmly believe that ethics can also emerge simply as a natural and rational response to our very humanity and our common human condition. The Dalai Lama
Today, more than ever before, life must be characterized by a sense of universal responsibilities, not only nation to nation and human to human, but also human to other forms of life. The Dalai Lama
One does not accumulate but eliminate. It is not daily increase but daily decrease. The height of cultivation always runs to simplicity. Bruce Lee
The best way to predict the future is to create it. Peter Drucker
As is clear by now, we love inspirational quotes, do you? What’s your favourite, go to quote?
