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Very few people know that these 11 phrases came from famous speeches

Speeches are a great occasion to include a powerful quote that might resonate with someone in the audience and be passed down through the ages. These 12 notable quotes by politicians, activists, businessmen, and other notable individuals are still referenced today because they remain highly relevant and true. Which one is your favorite?

President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inaugural address is remembered for its call to public service. Using vivid imagery, he delivered a powerful message.

Its most iconic line, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country," remains one of the most quoted phrases in American history.

The famous and ubiquitous line "I have a dream" comes from Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic 1963 speech during the March on Washington. Though partly improvised, it became the heart of his vision for racial equality and justice.

Inspired by past speeches and by gospel singer Mahalia Jackson’s encouragement, King’s words instilled hope for a future free from discrimination.

The phrase "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" comes from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1933 inaugural address. He spoke these words to calm a nation gripped by fear during the Great Depression.

Roosevelt’s message was clear: fear can be more damaging than the crisis itself. By facing challenges with courage, people could begin to rebuild and move forward.

"The pen is mightier than the sword" expresses the idea that words can have a greater impact than violence. It highlights the power of writing and communication to inspire change and influence people.

Popularized by Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839, the idea had been expressed before, but not in the same words.

"Blood, toil, tears, and sweat" comes from Winston Churchill’s first speech as Prime Minister in 1940. He used it to prepare the British people for the hard sacrifices ahead in World War II.

Though similar phrases had existed before, Churchill’s words became iconic. They captured the grit and determination needed to face a long and brutal conflict.

"We are the change we seek," a phrase popularized by Barack Obama, highlights the idea that real change starts with individual action. It encourages people to take responsibility rather than wait for others to lead.

The saying became a central theme of Obama’s 2008 campaign and remains closely associated with him, even though similar iterations of it can be found elsewhere.

While it can sound like a joke, the phrase "speak softly and carry a big stick" was really used in a speech. It refers to using calm diplomacy backed by the ability to act forcefully if necessary.

Theodore Roosevelt popularized the saying as part of his foreign policy. The "big stick" symbolizes power used only when required, while "speaking softly" reflects the value of measured, non-aggressive communication.

"If you can dream it, you can do it" is often linked to Walt Disney, but it was actually written by Disney Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald for the Horizons ride at Epcot.

It encourages people to believe in their dreams and work hard to achieve them. The message is that imagination, paired with determination, can turn vision into reality.

During his famous 2005 Stanford commencement speech, Steve Jobs delivered the phrase "Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life." It is a reminder that life is short and should be lived on your own terms.

Jobs urged people to follow their passions and avoid being trapped by others’ expectations. The message is about staying true to yourself and making the most of the time you have.

An inspiring phrase, "The harder I work, the more luck I seem to have," highlights how effort often leads to success. It suggests that luck favors those who are prepared and persistent.

Though commonly attributed to Thomas Jefferson, its true origin is debated. Regardless of who said it, the message remains clear: hard work increases your chances of good fortune.

This highly inspirational quote closes our list and is attributed to Henry Ford. It reflects his belief in the power of mindset and confidence.

Ford’s message is that your attitude shapes your success. Believing in yourself increases the chances of achieving your goals, while doubt can lead to failure.

You name it!

What’s in a name? A whole lot of quirky sayings, it turns out

Image: Austin Kirk

Ever blurted out, "for Pete’s sake!" without knowing who Pete is? You’re not alone. Our language is full of expressions that borrow names to make a point, crack a joke, or politely curse. From daydreamers and show-offs to mystery women and psychological slip-ups, these idioms appear in everyday conversation, often without much thought. But once you notice them, they’re impossible to ignore. So, let’s meet the characters hiding in plain sight!

Image: Yuan Rong Gong

Poor Pete really can’t catch a break, huh? We call on him whenever we’re frustrated, flustered, or just fed up—usually without knowing who he is.

Most likely, "for Pete’s sake" popped up as a polite alternative to "for God’s sake," allowing people to vent without taking God’s name in vain. It has been in use since at least the early 1900s and still serves its purpose when your keys go missing or your computer freezes mid-email.

Image: Bruce Christianson

You’re halfway through folding laundry when you suddenly imagine accepting a Nobel Prize. Sound familiar? That’s a Walter Mitty moment.

The phrase comes from James Thurber’s 1939 short story The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, about a mild-mannered man who escapes his ordinary life through vivid daydreams. Today, it describes someone with big fantasies tucked inside a very ordinary life.

Image: jaikishan patel

If someone’s taking the Mickey out of you, there’s no need to get defensive—it just means they’re teasing. It’s British slang for good-natured ribbing, like when a friend jokes about your loud Hawaiian shirt. The phrase likely comes from Cockney rhyming slang: "Mickey Bliss." Confusing? Maybe. But the meaning is simple—it’s all in good fun.

Image: Alexander Grey

Ah, the Midas touch—something we all wish we had when investing or buying lottery tickets. King Midas, from Greek mythology, could turn anything he touched into gold. In modern talk, someone with the Midas touch just can’t seem to fail—business deals, side hustles, even daily tasks. Everything they touch flourishes. Of course, Midas’s gift was also a curse: imagine turning your dinner into solid gold. No, thank you!

Image: Virginia Berbece

Ever known someone who’s lovely at brunch and a storm cloud by dinner? You might have a Jekyll and Hyde person nearby. Naturally, the phrase comes from Robert Louis Stevenson’s story about a man with two sides: one refined, one monstrous. It’s a catchy way to describe mood swings or wildly different personalities in a single person. Are you one of these?

Image: Antonino Visalli

Larry must’ve had a good thing going, because being "as happy as Larry" means you’re in great spirits. No one knows exactly who Larry was, but many believe it refers to 19th-century Aussie boxer Larry Foley, who was wildly successful—and rich. The phrase took off in Australia and New Zealand, and it’s stuck around ever since. Whoever he was, we owe him a happy one.

Image: Victoriano Izquierdo

Ever been offered something with zero actual options? That’s a Hobson’s choice. It comes from Thomas Hobson, a 17th-century English stable owner who gave customers only one horse: take it or leave it. The term has come to mean any situation where you aren’t really given a choice—there’s only one road to take.

Image: Anthony Fomin

Jack the Lad is the guy who saunters into a room like it’s his stage. He’s brash, bold, and often charming in that roguish, slightly over-the-top way. The term comes from British slang and tends to describe a young man full of swagger and mischief. Not everyone loves a Jack the Lad, but you always notice when he walks in—probably because he makes sure of it.

Image: Jon Tyson

When a woman’s name is unknown or needs to be kept private—like in a legal case—she’s often called Jane Doe. It’s the female counterpart to John Doe, a term used for centuries in legal documents. Though these names may sound generic, they serve an important purpose: providing privacy, maintaining anonymity, or identifying someone when no real name is available.

Image: krakenimages

Saying "I love you" instead of "I like you"? Calling your boss "Mom"? That’s a Freudian slip. Named after Sigmund Freud, the idea is that these verbal mishaps can reveal hidden thoughts or desires. We’ve all experienced moments like this, right? They often happen at the worst possible times—job interviews, awkward family dinners, you name it. Freud would probably raise an eyebrow and say, "Tell me more."