by Joan Inong

Created on: April 23, 2009   Last Updated: December 18, 2011

Each of us has our own tribulations and adversities, joys and inspirational moments. Sometimes, in moments of adversity, we tend to forget wise words, said before our time, that may help us get through our troubles. Here are some truly inspirational quotes.

1) "Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." - James 1:24, RSV

Although this quote is deeply religious, it can be applied generally to any person's trouble, especially those circumstances in which you feel helpless. Steadfastness is the key word in this quote, and it tells us that we should always look inwards for guidance.

2) "You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist." - Friedrich Nietzsche

This quote wonderfully illustrates how tolerance should work. Almost everything can be viewed subjectively, and it is this universality in subjectivity that tells us that there is no way in which anyone can be 100% correct all the time.

3) "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain

One of the greatest American writers, Mark Twain truly had a sense of adventure and pioneering in him. His quote will ring true for anyone who is the least bit hesitant about following dreams. In other words, just go for it!

4) "Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Another great American writer, Emerson has a respect for the potential in each and every individual. This quote demonstrates that. For, never failing means never admitting the humanity that exists in us. But, failing and rising up again shows the magnificence of humanity.

5) "A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart." - Johann Wolfgang Goethe, "Faust"

Goethe is one of the greatest writers of the history of mankind. And here, he is telling us a unique feature of human attitude and its relationship to the world. We reflect our feelings onto our environment, and because this is so, it is important for each of us to carry positive feelings.

Hopefully, all of these quotes will help you in any obstacle that you may encounter. They truly transgress the boundaries of time, and are as comforting to us now as they were to the people who said them.

Learn more about this author, Joan Inong.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.