Phrases to live by
In their own words: 10 mic-drop quotes that still matter
Published on May 31, 2025
Credit: Mona Eendra
When you think about it, quotes seem almost magical. The fact that just a few words can move, inspire, or comfort us feels nothing short of miraculous. While these phrases don’t necessarily have to come from famous people—we've all received words of encouragement from someone close—several remarkable individuals have left their mark on history through the quotes they left behind. With that in mind, we’ve gathered 10 of the most exceptional quotes out there, in the hope that these words of wisdom are just what you need today. Enjoy!
"I Have a Dream" - Martin Luther King Jr.
Credit: Unseen Histories
We’ll start with a phrase that changed American history forever. We can’t be sure whether Martin Luther King Jr. knew that the speech he delivered on August 28, 1963, would help shape modern American society—but we like to believe he did. In fact, since the most remembered section of that speech was improvised, it’s more than possible that Reverend King was fully aware of the power of his words.
A 1999 poll named King’s "I Have a Dream" speech the greatest American speech of the 20th century. Many historians believe that it was one of the pivotal moments in the civil rights movement’s rise to national prominence. A few months after the march, King was chosen as TIME magazine’s "Man of the Year," and in 1964, he became the youngest person in history to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
"Float like a butterfly, Sting like a bee" - Muhammad Ali
Credit: Johann Walter Bantz
You might think a strong animal like a bull or a bear would make for a more fitting boxing metaphor, but Muhammad Ali’s most famous quote proves that even an insect can pack quite a punch. The boxing legend’s love for poetry is well documented—he would often showcase his literary skills before a fight. In that sense, the genius behind "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" shows that one of Ali’s greatest strengths was his unparalleled imagination.
As you might expect, this quote from "The Greatest" was delivered before his first heavyweight title fight against Sonny Liston in 1964. The phrase is not only rich with vivid imagery, but it also serves as a warning to his opponent, highlighting Ali’s blazing speed and razor-sharp reflexes.
The Gettysburg Address - Abraham Lincoln
Credit: Janne Simoes
Few speeches have a more iconic opening line than President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. In fact, many of us learned that a "score" equals 20 years thanks to the famous phrase "four score and seven years ago." More importantly, these words serve as a timeless testament to the unwavering commitment our 16th president had to guiding the nation through a civil war.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this speech is its brevity—it is only about 270 words long. We say "about" because there are actually five known versions of the speech. However, the most widely quoted version is the one originally sent to Colonel Alexander Bliss. This is the version engraved on the Lincoln Memorial and displayed in the Lincoln Bedroom of the White House.
"Ask not what your country can do for you…" - John F. Kennedy
Credit: History in HD
There’s a reason the Kennedy years were often called "Camelot": JFK’s image as a handsome knight in shining armor brought hope and the promise of a brighter future to the American people. In that sense, Kennedy’s inaugural address was not only inspirational—it encouraged every American to strive to become a better version of themselves and, in turn, help make the world a better place.
The entire address is often summed up by its most famous line: "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." The patriotic spirit of this quote is a perfect example of our 35th president’s dedication to public service and his enduring connection with the American people.
"Common sense is actually nothing more…" - Albert Einstein
Credit: Maks Key
We wish we had known this quote during our teenage years: being able to say, "Common sense is actually nothing more than a deposit of prejudices laid down in the mind prior to the age of 18," after doing something questionable might have left our parents baffled—if not furious.
What’s interesting is that these may not be Albert Einstein’s exact words. A paraphrased version of the quote first appeared in a 1948 book by Lincoln Barnett. However, since "the father of relativity" wrote the foreword praising Barnett’s work, it’s reasonable to believe that the quote accurately reflects Einstein’s perspective on the matter.
"Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience…" - Mark Twain
Credit: Kenneth Jencks
What are the things that make you say, "This is all I need from life"? We all have our favorite essentials—for some, it’s sitting by a warm fire; for others, it’s traveling to new and exciting places. In any case, literary giant Mark Twain was quite clear about the things he considered necessary for an ideal life.
Twain once wrote, "Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life." While the first two items are fairly self-explanatory, the idea of a "sleepy conscience" likely refers to the inner peace that comes from living in harmony and staying true to oneself.
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." - Franklin D. Roosevelt
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No one can say that Franklin Delano Roosevelt had an easy presidency. In fact, he faced hardship from his very first day: Roosevelt succeeded Herbert Hoover at the height of the Great Depression, with an anxious nation waiting to see what measures he would take to pull the country out of turmoil.
In that sense, one of the opening lines of Roosevelt’s inaugural address remains one of the most influential presidential quotes in history. In a speech broadcast to millions of homes, he directly addressed a fearful American public, declaring: "First of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
"Pessimism never won any battle." - Dwight D. Eisenhower
Credit: Craig Tidball
President Eisenhower’s background as a military officer shines through in this inspiring quote. According to historians, the phrase "Pessimism never won any battle" served as a kind of mantra for our 34th president—something he used to motivate both himself and those around him to maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity.
While this is perhaps Eisenhower’s most famous reflection on pessimism, he also once said, "Optimism and pessimism are infectious, and they spread more rapidly from the head downward than in any other direction." In that sense, we can all take a cue from "Ike" and realize that changing our outlook on life can only improve it.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - Wayne Gretzky
Credit: Andy Hall
Muhammad Ali may be known as "The Greatest" in the boxing world, but ice hockey has its very own "Great One." Wayne Gretzky is widely considered the greatest hockey player of all time, still holding the records for career goals, assists, and total points in NHL history.
Like Ali, Gretzky also had a way with words. One of the most iconic quotes in sports is attributed to him: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." This simple yet powerful message has inspired generations to take chances and pursue their goals.
"Where liberty dwells, there is my country" - Benjamin Franklin
Credit: Brett Wharton
What better way to end this article than with a nugget of wisdom from a Founding Father? This quote by Benjamin Franklin perfectly captures what makes this country so remarkable. While we certainly live in a beautiful land filled with incredible people, what truly sets America apart is our everlasting quest for freedom and liberty.
It should come as no surprise that one of the architects who helped build America once said, "Where liberty dwells, there is my country." Franklin’s love for freedom has endured through generations, passed down among Americans since the nation’s founding.
