Throughout history, women have shattered glass ceilings, broken barriers and paved the way for future generations. Their words have often been a source of inspiration, serving as guiding lights for many who seek to find their path in a world that’s constantly changing.
This article showcases eight profound quotes from influential women who’ve left an indelible mark on society. Their words aren’t just quotes but a testament to their resilience, intelligence and foresight.
1. Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
Contribution: Founder of the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation; dedicated her life to helping the poor, the sick and the marginalized; was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta in 2016; born in Skopje, Ottoman Empire (present-day North Macedonia).
Quote: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
Mother Teresa’s profound insight underscores the idea that individual actions, however small, can have expansive and cascading effects.
2. Maya Angelou (1928-2014)
Contribution: Esteemed poet, memoirist and civil rights activist; born in St. Louis, Missouri.
Quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Words and actions are mighty. But the emotional imprints that we leave behind in our interactions can have life-long effects, underscoring the importance of being kind to each other.
3. Rosa Parks (1913-2005)
Contribution: Civil rights activist known for sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott; born in Tuskegee, Alabama.
Quote: “Stand for something or you will fall for anything. Today’s mighty oak is yesterday’s nut that held its ground.”
Parks’ words highlight the importance of integrity, resilience and steadfastness. Even the greatest successes begin with the smallest acts of courage, like a small seed that hangs on to the ground.
4. Isabel Allende (1942-Present)
Contribution: Acclaimed writer known for her works blending magic realism with political allegory; born in Lima, Peru.
Quote: “You are the storyteller of your own life, and you can create your own legend, or not.”
Allende reminds us of our agency, urging us to be proactive in shaping our narratives and destinies.
5. Malala Yousafzai (1997-Present)
Contribution: Advocate for girls’ education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate; born in Mingora, Pakistan.
Quote: “We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.”
It’s easy to take the power of our voices and freedom of speech for granted when we have them.
6. Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962)
Contribution: Former U.S. First Lady, diplomat and human rights activist; born in New York City, New York.
Quote: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Despite what others may think or say, our self-worth is up to us. We have control over our self-perception, and nobody can belittle us without our permission.
7. Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)
Contribution: Iconic painter known for her unique style and exploration of identity, gender, post-colonialism and class; born in Coyoacán, Mexico.
Quote: “At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.”
Kahlo’s words echo her personal experiences with physical and emotional pain, highlighting human resilience and the power of perseverance.
8. Estée Lauder (1908-2002)
Contribution:Founder of Estée Lauder Companies, one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products; born in Queens, New York.
Quote: “I didn’t get there by wishing for it or hoping for it, but by working for it.”
Rather than relying on mere luck or aspiration, we should focus on determination, hard work and proactive effort.
The words of these remarkable women echo through time, offering wisdom, inspiration and perspective. By revisiting these quotes, we can find guidance for our own paths.
