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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.

Did you ever chew fat?

Why do we "break the ice"? Learn the origins of 12 social idioms

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We often say things like "break the ice" or "hit it off" when discussing hanging out with people, without giving much thought to these idioms. But each one has a specific origin and meaning. Have you ever stopped to think about these 12?

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The phrase "break the ice" comes from the days when trade ships got stuck in frozen waters during winter. Smaller vessels, known as icebreakers, were sent ahead to clear a navigable path.

In the same way, in social situations, initiating a conversation "breaks the ice" by easing tension and helping things flow more smoothly.

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The phrase "hit it off" dates back to the 18th century and originally referred to striking or starting something successfully.

Over time, it evolved to describe people who instantly connect or get along well when they first meet.

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When we talk about "getting the ball rolling," we mean starting something in a way that sets it in motion, like beginning plans for an event with a kickoff meeting.

The phrase comes from sports, where a game begins by putting the ball into play.

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To "rub elbows" means to be in close proximity to someone, often at the same event or in the same space, typically without much personal interaction.

It’s commonly used when referring to being around famous or influential people, like at a formal event or gathering.

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To "shoot the breeze" means to engage in a relaxed, casual conversation, often without any specific purpose or agenda.

It’s usually more personal than small talk, which usually covers surface topics like the weather.

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A close cousin to "hit it off," the phrase "get on like a house on fire" dates back to the 18th century and compares a fast-forming friendship to a rapidly spreading fire.

It describes people who form a strong bond or connection almost immediately after meeting.

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To be "in the same boat" means to share the same problem or challenge with others.

The phrase comes from the idea of people on a ship facing the same risks together, such as storms or other dangers at sea.

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To "chew the fat" is an idiom similar to the previously mentioned "shoot the breeze," meaning to chat casually, often sharing gossip or idle talk.

The phrase evokes the image of jaws moving while speaking, much like chewing, and is associated with swapping stories or news.

Image: Madison Oren

While it might sound a bit ominous to someone unfamiliar with the phrase, to "paint the town red" means to go out and celebrate wildly, often with drinking, dancing, and general revelry.

The expression is believed to have originated in the 1830s, when the Marquis of Waterford and his friends went on a drunken rampage through the English town of Melton Mowbray, literally painting doors and buildings red during their escapades.

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The expression "come out of your shell" is derived from the image of a turtle emerging from its protective shell, which symbolizes shyness or isolation.

When someone comes out of their shell, it means they are becoming more open, confident, and social.

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The phrase "on the same wavelength" means that two people are thinking or feeling the same kind of things.

It originates from radio technology in the 1920s, where being on the same wavelength meant that signals matched perfectly and came through clearly.

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To have a "heart-to-heart" means to share an honest, emotional conversation, usually about personal matters, with someone you trust.