In every chapter of life, the right words can offer clarity, courage, or simply the reminder that we’re not alone. The following quotes—each drawn from the voices of 15 remarkable women—hold that kind of resonance. Whether you’re navigating growth, grief, or the quiet in-between, may you find a quote here that meets you exactly where you are.
Quotes about Wisdom from 15 Women for 2015
- Of course you can have it all. What are you going to do? Everything, is my guess. It will be a little messy, but embrace the mess. It will be complicated, but rejoice in the complications. It will not be anything like what you think it will be like, but surprises are good for you. And don’t be frightened: You can always change your mind. I know: I’ve had four careers and three husbands. – Nora Ephron
- I think life is always dangerous. Some people get afraid of it. Some people don’t go forward. But some people, if they want to achieve their goal, they have to go. They have to move … – Malala Yousafzai
- Pressure is a privilege … it’s what you do with it that matters. – Billie Jean King
- Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It’s hard work that makes things happen. It’s hard work that creates change. – Shonda Rhimes
- When you stumble, keep faith. And when you’re knocked down, get right back up and never listen to anyone who says you can’t or shouldn’t go on. – Hillary Clinton
- I’ve been on the floor and I’ve been heartbroken. I didn’t know how I was going to stand up. But I just gave it time. – Sandra Bullock
- You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try. – Dolly Parton
- Some failure in life is inevitable. It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all — in which case, you fail by default. – J.K. Rowling
- I am a woman with thoughts and questions and shit to say. I say if I’m beautiful. I say if I’m strong. You will not determine my story — I will. – Amy Schumer
- You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them. – Maya Angelou
- Do stuff. Be clenched, curious. Not waiting for inspiration’s shove or society’s kiss on your forehead … Pay attention. It’s all about paying attention. It’s all about taking in as much of what’s out there as you can, and not letting the excuses and the dreariness of some of the obligations you’ll soon be incurring narrow your lives. – Susan Sontag
