Browse quotes by category
Thousands of quotes organised by category, author, and topic. Every entry comes with attribution and, where possible, a plain-language meaning—so you leave with an idea you can actually use, not just a phrase to copy.
-
“The spirit of truth and the spirit of freedom—they are the pillars of society.”
Meaning: It emphasizes core values for a healthy society. -
“Everything you touch should be a masterpiece.”
Meaning: This highlights striving for excellence. -
“A picture is worth a thousand words.”
Meaning: It emphasizes visual impact over verbal expression. -
“Where all are guilty, no one is.”
Meaning: It explains how shared blame can erase accountability. -
“Power corresponds to the human ability not just to act but to act in concert.”
Meaning: This highlights collective action as true power. -
“No punishment has ever possessed enough power of deterrence to prevent the commission of crimes.”
Meaning: It questions whether punishment truly prevents wrongdoing. -
“The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the convinced Communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction no longer exists.”
Meaning: It warns about the danger of losing the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood. -
“Storytelling reveals meaning without committing the error of defining it.”
Meaning: It emphasizes the power of narrative in understanding life. -
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer.”
Meaning: This quote inspires individuals to believe in their dreams. -
“I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.”
Meaning: It highlights the importance of awareness in achieving freedom. -
“I had reasoned this out in my mind; there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death.”
Meaning: This shows her determination and commitment to freedom. -
“I grew up like a neglected weed—ignorant of liberty, having no experience of it.”
Meaning: It reflects her early life without freedom. -
“I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger.”
Meaning: This shows her pride in successfully helping others escape slavery. -
“I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person.”
Meaning: It reflects her transformation after gaining freedom. -
“I said to the Lord, I'm going to hold steady on to you, and I know you will see me through.”
Meaning: This highlights her faith and resilience. -
“Quakers almost as good as colored. They call themselves friends and you can trust them every time.”
Meaning: It reflects her appreciation for allies in the fight against slavery. -
“I was the conductor of the Underground Railroad for eight years.”
Meaning: This shows her role and commitment to helping others. -
“God’s time is always near.”
Meaning: It reflects patience and belief in divine timing. -
“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
Meaning: This quote emphasizes teamwork and humility. -
“The buck stops here.”
Meaning: It highlights accountability in leadership.