The 40 Best Quotes about Resilience

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In a world filled with challenges and adversities, the concept of resilience stands as a beacon of hope and determination.

From renowned authors and philosophers to celebrated leaders and thinkers, individuals from all walks of life have shared profound insights on the power of resilience.

In this article, we gather the 20 best quotes about resilience, each offering a unique perspective on overcoming obstacles and finding strength in the face of adversity.

 

1. “The human capacity for burden is like bamboo – far more flexible than you’d ever believe at first glance.” – Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult, a bestselling American author known for her poignant novels, uses the metaphor of bamboo to highlight our ability to endure and adapt under immense pressure, emphasizing the flexibility and resilience of the human spirit.

2. “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” – Khalil Gibran

Khalil Gibran, a Lebanese-American writer and poet renowned for “The Prophet,” suggests that true strength and profound character often emerge from overcoming adversity, likening personal growth to the healing of scars.

3. “You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” – Margaret Thatcher

Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, speaks to the necessity of fighting persistently for success, often facing the same challenges repeatedly before achieving victory.

4. “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela, a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and former president, underscores the importance of resilience, stressing that success is defined not by a lack of failure, but by the ability to recover and rise again after setbacks.

5. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, conveys that the true measure of success lies in the courage to continue despite failures, emphasizing perseverance over momentary outcomes.

6. “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” – Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela once again focuses on resilience as a measure of success, advocating for judgment based on the ability to overcome difficulties rather than solely on the outcomes achieved.

7. “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” – Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein, the renowned physicist, humbly suggests that his problem-solving prowess isn’t just about intelligence but about his persistence. He emphasizes the value of sticking with problems, highlighting perseverance as a key to success in overcoming challenges.

8. “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” – Christopher Reeve

Christopher Reeve, celebrated for his portrayal of Superman on screen, defines heroism as the ability to persist and endure despite overwhelming challenges. He suggests that heroes are not necessarily endowed with extraordinary abilities but are ordinary individuals who find the inner strength to persevere in the face of adversity, inspiring others through their resilience.

9. “When we learn how to become resilient, we learn how to embrace the beautifully broad spectrum of the human experience.” – Jaeda DeWalt

Jaeda DeWalt, an artist and writer, reflects on resilience as a fundamental aspect of the human experience. By embracing resilience, one acknowledges and accepts the diverse range of experiences life offers, recognizing that growth often emerges from adversity. DeWalt suggests that resilience enables individuals to navigate life’s complexities with greater understanding and acceptance.

10.”Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” – J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling, renowned author of the Harry Potter series, speaks to the transformative power of hitting rock bottom. Despite facing profound challenges and setbacks, Rowling emphasizes how adversity served as a solid foundation upon which she rebuilt her life. Her quote highlights the potential for growth and renewal even in the darkest of times.

11. “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” – Helen Keller

Helen Keller, an inspirational figure known for overcoming deafness and blindness, acknowledges the pervasive existence of suffering in the world. However, she emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit, noting that alongside suffering, there is also an abundance of instances where individuals triumph over adversity. Keller’s words underscore the innate capacity within humans to persevere and overcome even the most daunting obstacles.

12. “Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” – Joshua J. Marine

Joshua J. Marine, a motivational speaker and writer, posits that challenges are integral to the meaningfulness of life. By overcoming obstacles, individuals not only enrich their own experiences but also find purpose and significance in their journey. Marine suggests that embracing challenges fosters personal growth and fulfillment.

13. “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt, former First Lady of the United States, advocates for confronting fear as a means of building strength and courage. By facing fear head-on, individuals develop resilience, confidence, and fortitude. Roosevelt’s words encourage individuals to confront their fears rather than shy away from them, recognizing the transformative power of such experiences.

14. “I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.” – Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott, author of “Little Women,” metaphorically compares life’s adversities to storms at sea. Despite the tempestuous nature of challenges, Alcott finds solace in the process of learning and adaptation. Her quote encapsulates the idea that with perseverance and resilience, individuals can navigate through life’s storms and emerge stronger and more capable.

15. “He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.” – Confucius

Confucius, an ancient Chinese philosopher, emphasizes the significance of self-mastery in the pursuit of greatness. By conquering one’s own weaknesses and limitations, an individual can achieve a profound sense of empowerment and inner strength. Confucius highlights the transformative potential of overcoming internal struggles and challenges.

16. “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Confucius

Confucius reiterates the importance of resilience by suggesting that true glory lies not in avoiding failure altogether but in the ability to rise each time one falls. Embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, Confucius emphasizes the value of resilience in achieving enduring success.

17. “Resilience is knowing that you are the only one that has the power and the responsibility to pick yourself up.” – Mary Holloway

Mary Holloway underscores the personal agency inherent in resilience. By acknowledging one’s own power and responsibility to overcome adversity, individuals reclaim control over their lives. Holloway’s quote empowers individuals to recognize their capacity for resilience and self-reliance in the face of challenges.

18. “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” – Charles R. Swindoll

Charles R. Swindoll, a Christian pastor and author, reframes seemingly insurmountable obstacles as opportunities for growth and success. By shifting perspective, individuals can recognize the hidden potential within challenging situations, transforming them into avenues for personal and professional advancement. Swindoll’s quote encourages optimism and resilience in the face of adversity.

19. “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a prominent American essayist and poet, emphasizes the importance of introspection and self-awareness. By acknowledging and nurturing the qualities within oneself, individuals can transcend external circumstances and forge their own paths to success. Emerson’s quote highlights the intrinsic strength and potential residing within each individual.

20. “It doesn’t matter how slow you go, as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius

Confucius extols the virtue of persistence, emphasizing the importance of continuous effort and progress. Regardless of the pace at which one progresses, what matters most is the determination to keep moving forward. Confucius’s quote underscores the value of perseverance and resilience in achieving long-term goals and aspirations.

21. “Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it’s less good than the one you had before.” – Elizabeth Edwards

Elizabeth Edwards, an American attorney and health care activist, discusses the importance of adapting to new circumstances. Her quote underscores the necessity of embracing change, even when it involves accepting a less favorable reality, and finding strength in the process.

 

22. “Resilience is the ability to attack while running away.” – Wes Fessler

Wes Fessler, an author and motivational speaker, highlights the paradoxical nature of resilience. His quote suggests that true resilience involves continuing to strive forward, even in the face of retreat, and maintaining the courage to confront challenges head-on.

23. “A good half of the art of living is resilience.” – Alain de Botton

Alain de Botton, a Swiss-British philosopher and author, emphasizes the critical role of resilience in life. His quote suggests that enduring and overcoming life’s hardships is a significant aspect of living well and achieving personal growth.

24. “Persistence and resilience only come from having been given the chance to work through difficult problems.” – Gever Tulley

Gever Tulley, an author and educator, asserts that resilience and persistence are developed through facing and overcoming difficult challenges. His quote highlights the importance of problem-solving experiences in building inner strength.

25. “Resilience is not what happens to you. It’s how you react to, respond to, and recover from what happens to you.” – Jeffrey Gitomer

Jeffrey Gitomer, a business trainer and author, focuses on the response to adversity rather than the adversity itself. His quote underscores the power of personal reactions and recovery in defining resilience.

26. “The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived.” – Robert Jordan

Robert Jordan, an American author, uses a metaphor to illustrate resilience. His quote contrasts the rigid oak with the flexible willow, suggesting that adaptability and flexibility are key components of resilience.

27. “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.” – Albert Camus

Albert Camus, a French philosopher and writer, speaks to the enduring spirit within. His quote reflects the idea that internal strength and positivity can prevail even during the darkest times.

28. “Resilience is knowing that you are the only one that has the power and the responsibility to pick yourself up.” – Mary Holloway

Mary Holloway, an inspirational figure, emphasizes personal accountability in resilience. Her quote highlights the importance of self-reliance and the internal drive to overcome adversity.

29. “Turn your wounds into wisdom.” – Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey, a renowned media executive and philanthropist, encourages using painful experiences as learning opportunities. Her quote suggests that resilience involves transforming suffering into valuable insights and growth.

30. “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” – Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou, an acclaimed poet and civil rights activist, speaks to the transformative power of resilience. Her quote emphasizes maintaining one’s dignity and strength despite life’s challenges.

31. “When we long for life without difficulty, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.” – Peter Marshall

Peter Marshall, a former U.S. Senate Chaplain, uses metaphors to illustrate the strengthening effects of adversity. His quote suggests that challenges and pressures contribute to the development of resilience and strength.

32. “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” – Helen Keller

Helen Keller, an American author and disability rights advocate, highlights the triumph over adversity. Her quote inspires resilience by focusing on humanity’s ability to overcome suffering.

33. “On the other side of a storm is the strength that comes from having navigated through it. Raise your sail and begin.” – Gregory S. Williams

Gregory S. Williams, an author, speaks to the fortitude gained from overcoming challenges. His quote encourages taking action and embracing the strength developed from past adversities.

 

34. “We are stronger than we think.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger, an actor and former governor of California, emphasizes the underestimated inner strength. His quote inspires confidence in one’s ability to endure and overcome difficulties.

35. “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” – Henry Ford

Henry Ford, an American industrialist, uses an aviation metaphor to convey resilience. His quote suggests that resistance and challenges can propel one to greater heights.

36. “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” – Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin, a British naturalist, highlights adaptability as a key survival trait. His quote underscores the importance of flexibility and responsiveness in resilience.

37. Resilience is the core strength you use to lift the load of life – Amit Ray

Amit Ray, an Indian author and spiritual master, views resilience as a fundamental strength. His quote emphasizes the inner power required to manage life’s burdens.

38. Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving; we get stronger and more resilient – Steve Maraboli

Steve Maraboli, an author and behavioral scientist, stresses personal growth through adversity. His quote suggests that resilience is built through enduring and overcoming life’s challenges.

 

39. Sometimes carrying on, just carrying on, is the superhuman achievement – Albert Camus

Albert Camus, a French philosopher and writer, highlights the extraordinary nature of persistence. His quote suggests that simply continuing despite difficulties can be a remarkable feat of resilience.

40. It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life’s story will develop – Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a German aviator and religious leader, emphasizes the importance of responses to challenges. His quote suggests that one’s reaction to adversity shapes their life’s narrative.