13 Inspiring Quotes for Young People - Kaitlyn Berkner (2024)

The Purpose of Quotes for Young People

As a young adult, you’re learning how to do things on your own such as going to college, getting your dream career post-graduation, and learning how to adult in the real world. Or, you could even be a teenager trying to graduate high school and achieve your future goals. Either way, it’s a big step into the next chapter of your life, and it makes you want to evaluate everything in your life and makes you wonder how to do it.

So, how do you do it?

One way to do it is to look up quotes that can spark encouragement and inspiration.

A quote is a passage spoken and/or written by an individual that usually gives credit from the source it came from (at least that’s how I summed it up when I saw the definition on Merriam-Webster).

How Can Quotes For Young People Serve A Purpose?

There are endless quotes for young people that range in many categories, such as inspiration, encouragement, happiness, motivation, and anything someone can view as positive. When I have any doubts about anything, I always go to Google and search for positive quotes on Brainy Quote and Goodreads.

Positive quotes are a good thing to come by because they can be used as a guide to help you navigate your everyday life. Quotes can be life lessons that can give insights into any choice you make and how you can live your life. For instance, if you feel insecure about something or have doubts about something going on in your life, finding some quotes can serve your purpose, whatever it may be.

With that being said, here are some positive quotes for young people that are guaranteed to spark inspiration, encouragement, and anything else positive that you might be looking for.

1. A Quote For When You’re Feeling Depressed

He was an American poet to those of you who don’t know who Walt Whitman is. I don’t think I have read any of his works, but I remember coming across his words on Brainy Quote, which stuck out to me.

His words are unique because he claims that you should keep your face to the sunshine, and I think he means that in ways that can be both literal and metaphorical, both ways in which they serve a purpose to every young adult out there.

Whitman means to go out in the sunlight. As I mentioned in my blog post about staying hopeful during a pandemic, getting some sunlight is an excellent way to boost energy and get you in a feel-good mood. If you’re feeling stressed or worried about something, go outside and let the sunlight hit you with the warmth it can bring. If you do this, you will feel a lot better.

In a metaphorical sense, I think it’s safe to say that Walt Whitman means you should focus on the positives and always look to the bright side of things. There may be some things that don’t go exactly how you planned; however, if you count your blessings and be thankful for every one of them, those shadows will fall behind you. Then you c n feel the confidence to keep going forward and strive for your dreams.

So, focus on the good and always look to the bright side of things. Walt Whitman believed in that because if he didn’t, he wouldn’t have said those words in the first place.

2. A Quote For Believing in Yourself

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words can be very uplifting with all the quotes for young people to come by.

As a young adult navigating life, there are times you feel doubt and fear that can hinder you from reaching your goals. It’s all about self-confidence, and if you believe in yourself and know that you can thrive from that, then you’re good to go.

Emerson knows what he is talking about here because no matter what’s in the past and what the future holds, it’s what you can do and how you want to do it that counts.

So if you’re feeling unsure about something you want to do and need some encouragement and/or inspiration, think about these positive quotes and use them as a mantra to strive and thrive.

3. A Quote About Strength

Who would have thought that Eleanor Roosevelt’s words could still be heard loud and clear today when reading this quote?

Ever since the coronavirus pandemic started, I have to admit that every day seemed like a constant struggle.

And when I read these words from Eleanor Roosevelt, I cannot help but think how her words can encourage young people everywhere. She says n w strength and new thoughts come with a new day. I don’t know about all of you, but living through this pandemic has taught me this lesson.

When you’re starting a new day, you’re beginning it with fresh eyes and a fresh start. By doing t is, you can also think of something new to try. You could figure out what your weaknesses are and where your strengths lie. You could even try to do something you have been struggling with, but do it with a different approach.

A new day is a fresh start that can boost encouragement and inspiration. If you’re struggling with something in your life or unsure about what to do, remember what one of our First Lady said, and know that a new day is a fresh start with a clear mind and new strengths.

4. A Reminder To Be Yourself

We live in a world where some people wish to be someone else. Some people want to be like someone else because their lives seem more exciting or better in some way. I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to be yourself. After all, Oscar Wilde clearly states that you should be yourself anyway because everyone else is already taken. And he’s right!

Everyone in the world is different. Our differences are what make us unique and separate us as individuals.

So when I think about this statement by Oscar Wilde, I take it to heart.

Some of you may not be happy with something about yourselves, and you wish to have something someone else has. It could be anything such as a talent or skill you want to have compared to other people or even a lifestyle that seems fantastic in some way. Either way, you’re okay, just the way you are. If you try to be like someone else, no one will know who you are on the inside.

Wilde’s quote means everyone’s individuality is unique. By being w o you are, you’re being honest with yourself and everyone around you. So embrace your potential because that is what matters.

Be proud of what you can do and use your characteristics and personality to your advantage. Being true to yourself makes you original and one of a kind, and everyone else is taken!

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If you wish to learn more about Oscar Wilde and this positive quote, read A Fascinating Inspirational Quote by Oscar Wilde.

5. When Your Persevering for What You Want

As a young adult, one of your main goals is to succeed. And success can come in a variety of ways.

You probably aim to have success in college. You also could be trying to succeed in a new hobby. Or you could even try being successful with a new career.

Whatever goals you want to succeed in, having perseverance and not giving up on that goal can test your strength in getting it done. However, it seems too complicated; keep trying.

Edison had this mindset since he was an inventor and businessman who helped build up the economy during America’s Industrial Revolution. Before that, Edison was probably trying to figure out what to do with his life, and he probably came across some struggles as well.

Edison’s quote can advise those who wish to succeed in their goals and aspirations. So, if you’re trying to succeed in something and begin to wonder or have doubts, believe in yourself and keep trying, and everything will fall into place.

6. Some Advice on Experience

From British writer C.S Lewis, you have his quote on experience.

I have always viewed this quote as one of my favorites. I remember hearing this quote years ago on an episode of Criminal Minds (a crime drama that starts each episode with a quote and ends each episode with a quote), and for some reason, it just always stuck with me because of how deep it is.

When you live life as a teenager and a young adult, you go through a variety of experiences, and they can be a mixture of easy and difficult.

You always seem proud of the great things you accomplish, no matter how big or small they are; yet, a difficult experience can teach you some life lessons, no matter how big or little. So when I read this quote by C.S Lewis, it made me think that experience is a way to learn so much because you cannot only describe it, but you also know what it feels like because you went through it.

Experience is a part of life. So when C. Lewis says, “experience is the most brutal of teachers,” I like to think that he means the experience is a brutally honest teacher because when you experience something, you see it for what it is.

So when all young people out there go through something, no matter how easy or difficult it is, use that experience as a lesson you can use down the road; and, who knows, that lesson can leave an impact to help you or someone you know in the long run.

7. Struggle and Progress

When it comes to some uplifting quotes for young people, having one that describes struggle and progress is a must for advice.

Frederick Douglass’s quote can spark courage and inspiration. Douglass was a formerly enslaved person turned activist and writer, and today, his quote can be advice for all young people who want to achieve their goals.

Goals and dreams take hard work and dedication, and no matter what you wish to obtain, there can be no progress without its struggles.

If you wonder when the hard work will pay off for you, be patient and remember that dreams don’t happen overnight. Dreams take a lot of hard work, motivation, determination, and dedication. Once you finally achieve your goals, you’ll appreciate all the hard work and struggles because you wouldn’t see the progress you could make without it.

8. A Quote on Self Happiness

Aristotle is an ancient Greek philosopher whose words still have meaning today.

Aristotle says, “Happiness depends upon ourselves,” and he’s right. I believe Aristotle means you must be happy with yourself because if you’re not happy with yourself, how can you be happy with anything or anyone else?

Happiness comes from within, and if you are happy with yourself and everything around you, then that happiness can go a long way for you.

For some reason, if you don’t feel happy, you can try doing some things as a way to boost some good moods and positivity (remember what Ralph Waldo Emerson, Walt Whitman, and Oscar Wilde said in this post).

The bottom line, happiness does come from within your heart, and if you are proud of yourself for the potential you have and what you’re capable of, then you’re all set.

9. A Quote For Possibility

I love how the word impossible can also be said as I’m Possible.

This is one of the best quotes from British actress Audrey Hepburn, and it speaks volumes for young people everywhere.

We all want to achieve something in life, but there are times we can doubt ourselves and think that it’s not possible. Yet, Audre Hepburn defined impossibility as two words that give an opposite meaning. When Hepburn said this, she meant don’t set limitations upon yourself because anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

So with that being said, this timeless quote can be a form of advice and one of many quotes for young people to follow for generations.

10. A Quote by Former President Ronald Reagan

When I saw this on BrainyQuote, I figured this is interesting enough to add to this post.

As a young person going through life, you may need to help out someone you know who could be in a similar situation as you are. It could even be more than one person in a different situation altogether. However it is, you probably want to help out everyone around you in any way you can.

While helping people out can be viewed as a selfless act towards you, it is okay to take a step back and help yourself. I’m not saying you shouldn’t help out anybody at all or anything like that, but I am saying that it’s okay to take care of yourself so your well-being is in a healthy condition.

Trying to help everyone can be a lot of stress and hard work. When you h ve so many aspirations and want to do so many things, you have to keep in mind that doing too much can wear you down physically, emotionally, and mentally. Reagan understood this because he was a United States President, and before that, he was a movie star with no political experience. So for him to transition from a movie star to Commander in Chief was a significant accomplishment. He did many great things for our country, and this quote above that he once said was more than likely a lesson he learned in that time of his extraordinary life.

It’s an admirable thing to want to help out the whole world, but keep your well-being in mind as well, remember what Reagan said, and know that you can help someone even though you cannot help everyone.

11. A Reminder That You Can Do Anything You Set Your Mind To

Another former United States President, Theodore Roosevelt, has a quote all young people can live by: “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.”

Roosevelt means that if you can visualize yourself accomplishing your dreams, your goal is halfway complete. It’s similar to how Walt Disney once said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

After you visualize what your dreams will look like, set some small goals for yourself along the way, and remember that if you keep picturing yourself with your goals accomplished and you really will be halfway there.

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If you want to read more about Walt Disney’s quote and more, check out 6 of these positive quotes to stay inspired and motivated.

12. For When Times Seem Difficult

I know I talked about this quote before in 6 Positive Quotes to Stay Inspired and Motivated, but I had to add Winston Churchill’s quote to this post because it is one of my favorites.

Life is not always easy. You could come across some struggles and setbacks, but they will not last forever; yet, that also depends on how you react to everything around you.

If you’re going through hell, don’t give up. By doing that, you’ll be more appreciative of everything you have, and those struggles you experienced can be used as valuable lessons later on down the road.

To those who don’t know who Winston Churchill is, he was a prime minister in the United Kingdom. What I find interesting about his role as prime minister is that he served as prime minister during the reign of King George VI, and when his daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, ascended the throne (I watched The Crown on Netflix and as an English major and a writer, I couldn’t resist). Knowing that information alone further indicates why he says to keep going when you’re experiencing hell.

After all, the Queen does go by the mantra Keep Calm and Carry On, and for someone who has ruled a country for seven decades, she must have heard and gone by Churchill’s words as well.

So if any of you need some words of encouragement or inspiration during excruciating times, remember what Winston Churchill once said, and know that things will get better. Just keep your head up and keep going.

13. An Inspiring Quote on Growth and Progress

The purpose of this post that has a variety of quotes for young people to go by has to have the best for last.

And what better way to end it than a meaningful quote by one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin.

I know I have probably said this a good bit throughout this post, but as a millennial going through life today, I know that young people everywhere could use some encouragement and inspiration. Everything around us is constantly changing and evolving, but even though changes always happen (no matter if they are good or bad), there are words of advice that are timeless and can be a guide for us all today and in the future.

When you experience growth, you also experience change, and as life and the world go on, you also have to. Some may feel uncertain about the future or what to do in life, but remaining hopeful and positive are key. Ben Franklin understood continual growth and progress because he was one of the U.S’s founding fathers, and he became an established writer when he was only 16 years old.

So if you feel nervous about getting out of your comfort zone, don’t be. Getting out of your comfort zone means you are adapting to a form of growth and progress. Achievements, improvements, and success take a lot of hard work and dedication, and if you stay stuck in the same place without change and growth, those three words will have no meaning.

So don’t be afraid to grow and progress. You got this!

Final Thoughts on Quotes for Young People

We’re only young once in our lives, and life can be full of surprises. We all go through hurdles, memorable moments, and so on, but the best thing to do is live life to the fullest.

Hopefully, these quotes can be uplifting and helpful in some way. Feel free to comment and/or share this post, and if you have a good quote that you don’t see here, please feel free to add one in the comment section and share your input.

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