Words Of Wisdom: Meaning And Examples

The American Psychological Association defines wisdom as “the ability of an individual to make sound decisions, to find the right—or at least good—answers to difficult and important life questions, and to give advice about the complex problems of everyday life and interpersonal relationships.” It’s a type of knowledge and knowing that is gained through life experience and integrated with practical and moral considerations. While we can gain wisdom through our own experiences, we can also benefit from others sharing the wisdom they’ve gained. That’s where words of wisdom come in.

What are words of wisdom?

The term “words of wisdom” typically refers to insightful quotes or sayings by someone with experience that may motivate other people’s choices or direct their understanding of life.

Words of wisdom that are most popular usually come from revered figures like philosophers, religious authorities, authors, activists, or elders.

Some examples of words of wisdom that can provide guidance and inspiration include:

• “Pursue what catches your heart, not what catches your eyes.” –Roy T. Bennett
• “Stay away from those people who try to disparage your ambitions. Small minds will always do that, but great minds will give you a feeling that you can become great too.” –Mark Twain
• “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” –Aristotle
• “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” –Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Words of wisdom can serve as helpful reminders and provide perspective during challenging times. However, they’re not a substitute for professional mental health care if you’re experiencing deeper emotional challenges.

Examples of words of wisdom

The following words of wisdom were originally spoken by writers, activists, scientists, actors, philosophers, and other famous and accomplished figures throughout history. Not every wise phrase or saying will resonate with every person; instead, it may be helpful to search through until you find one or more that speak to you personally. Then, you could put that quote on a sticky note in your home or as a reminder in your calendar so you can take inspiration from it each day.

• “I’m not going to continue knocking that old door that doesn’t open for me. I’m going to create my own door and walk through that.” –Ava DuVernay
• “Whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” –Martin Luther King
• “Be courageous. Challenge orthodoxy. Stand up for what you believe in. When you are in your rocking chair talking to your grandchildren many years from now, be sure you have a good story to tell.” –Amal Clooney
• “Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action.” –William James

• “Pursue what catches your heart, not what catches your eyes.” –Roy T. Bennett
• “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one!” –Dolly Parton
• “You define your own life. Don’t let other people write your script.” –Oprah Winfrey
• “Stay away from those people who try to disparage your ambitions. Small minds will always do that, but great minds will give you a feeling that you can become great too.” –Mark Twain
• “How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you.” –Rupi Kaur
• “Sometimes the fall kills you. And sometimes, when you fall, you fly.” –Neil Gaiman
• “I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” –Rosa Parks
• “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” –Ruth Bader Ginsburg
• “You must not only aim right but draw the bow with all your might.” –Henry David Thoreau
• “We can choose courage, or we can choose comfort, but we can’t have both. Not at the same time.” –Brené Brown
• “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” –Aristotle 
• “Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” —Earl Nightingale

Cultivating wisdom through therapy

Quotes, sayings, and other words of wisdom can help us through a tough time, but they’re not always enough to support a person during a time of emotional difficulty, and they’re not a supplement for professional mental health care. If you’re looking for this type of support, you have options. In many cases, you can choose between in-person and online formats.

For those who are looking for a more affordable alternative to often expensive in-office therapy sessions, online therapy may be worth exploring. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can attend sessions with a licensed therapist for a cost that’s comparable to most insurance co-pays and less than that of the average in-office session—and all via phone or video chat from the comfort of home. Since research suggests that online and in-person therapy can be equally effective for people experiencing any of a number of challenges or conditions, you can typically feel comfortable choosing whichever format is most comfortable for you.