We all want to be the best version of ourselves but in the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters – being kind, compassionate and making a positive difference in the world.
When I need a dose of inspiration to be a better human being, I turn to the wise words of those who have walked the path before me.
In this post, I’ve compiled 15 of the most inspiring, thought-provoking quotes about being a good person.
Let their wisdom motivate and guide you.
1. “Pursue what catches your heart, not what catches your eyes.” – Roy T. Bennett
In a world of shiny distractions, this quote urges us to follow our true passions.
It’s a reminder to focus on the things that deeply resonate with my heart and soul, not just what looks good on the surface.
As I think about my goals and direction in life, I’m trying to tune into that inner voice and let it guide me. I believe that’s how we find real fulfillment.
2. “Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” – Roy T. Bennett
Our lives are shaped by the choices we make every single day – choices about our thoughts, attitudes and actions.
We can choose to be positive or negative, kind or indifferent, giving or self-centered. This quote reminds me that I have the power to decide the kind of person I want to be.
I’m trying to make more mindful choices that are aligned with my values.
3. “Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in people.” – Roy T. Bennett
One of the best ways we can be a light in the world is by uplifting others.
I love this quote because it inspires me to bring more smiles, love and faith in humanity wherever I go.
The smallest acts, like a kind word or helping hand, can make someone’s entire day.
I want to remember that I have the power to make a positive impact, even in brief interactions.
4. “We accept the love we think we deserve.” – Stephen Chbosky
This quote from The Perks of Being a Wallflower always makes me pause and reflect. Do I believe I’m worthy of love and belonging?
Am I settling for less than I deserve in my relationships? It inspires me to know my own worth and not accept anything less than love and respect, both from others and myself.
We all deserve to be loved for exactly who we are.
5. “Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.” – Roy T. Bennett
If I could choose just five things to focus on every day, it would be these.
Mindfulness helps me stay grounded in the present. Gratitude shifts me into a state of appreciation.
Positivity keeps me optimistic and solution-oriented.
Being true to myself leads to an authentic, empowered life. And kindness is the foundation of it all – being kind to both myself and others. This is a mantra I want to live by.
6. “If you want to be happy, do not dwell in the past, do not worry about the future, focus on living fully in the present.” – Roy T. Bennett
The present moment is truly all we have. Yet how often do we get caught up ruminating about the past or worrying about the future?
This quote is a needed reminder to be here now. Dwelling on the past keeps me stuck. Worrying about the future makes me anxious.
But when I focus on fully engaging with and appreciating the present, I’m much more content. Presence is a practice I’m continually working on.
7. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
These powerful words from Dr. King encapsulate his philosophy of meeting hate with love.
When we’re confronted with negativity, it’s tempting to respond in kind but as this quote says, that only breeds more darkness.
The only way to transform hate is with love and compassion. This inspires me to take the high road, even when it’s hard and be a force for light.
8. “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.” – Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was such a wise soul and this is one of my favorite insights from her.
It’s not our accomplishments or even our words that stick with people, but rather the way we make them feel.
This motivates me to be more intentional about how I interact with others. I want to make people feel seen, valued and uplifted in my presence.
That’s the kind of lasting impact I want to have.
9. “Respect other people’s feelings. It might mean nothing to you, but it could mean everything to them.” – Roy T. Bennett
Empathy and respect are so crucial, yet often lacking in our world. It’s easy to dismiss or judge other people’s feelings, especially if we don’t understand them.
But as this quote points out, those feelings mean everything to the person experiencing them.
I’m trying to be better about validating emotions, even if I don’t necessarily agree. We all just want to feel heard and respected.
10. “Life becomes easier and more beautiful when we can see the good in other people.” – Roy T. Bennett
So much of our experience of life is based on perception. When we make an effort to see the good in others, the entire world looks brighter.
I know I’m happier when I give people the benefit of the doubt and look for their positive qualities and intentions.
No one is perfect, but there is always some redeeming quality if we have the eyes to see it. Choosing to focus on the good makes life much more pleasant.
11. “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Bernard M. Baruch
In a society that’s constantly telling us who and how we should be, this quote encourages us to stay true to ourselves.
The people who judge us for our quirks and vulnerabilities aren’t the kind of people we need in our lives anyway.
I’m slowly learning to embrace my authentic self and speak my truth, even when it’s scary. The right people will love and accept the real me.
12. “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Being unapologetically yourself is a lifelong journey and a courageous act. It means defying expectations, disappointing some people and risking rejection.
But as Emerson knew, it’s the only path to real success and fulfillment. This quote inspires me to celebrate my individuality and honor what makes me unique.
I don’t want to be a second-rate version of someone else. I want to be a first-rate version of me.
13. “Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know and capable of more than you imagine.” – Roy T. Bennett
We all need someone who believes in us, but the most important person is ourselves.
When I’m feeling inadequate or discouraged, this is the kind of pep talk I need to hear.
The truth is, I am stronger and more capable than I usually give myself credit for.
This quote motivates me to bet on myself and attempt things I might otherwise shy away from. After all, we are so often our own worst critics and limiters.
14. “Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” – Roy T. Bennett
As someone who struggles with anxiety, I often let fear dictate my decisions. This quote is a powerful reminder not to let those fears run the show.
While fear serves a purpose, it can also hold us back from going after what we really want.
I’m trying to put my energy and attention on my dreams and aspirations, not my worries and what-ifs. I want my heart, not my head, to be the leader.
15. “Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.” – Roy T. Bennett
In a culture obsessed with status and material success, this quote presents a different definition.
Real success isn’t about personal achievement or accumulation. It’s about contribution and impact.
How are you using your talents and resources to make the world a bit brighter? I’m trying to reframe my own ideas of success to focus more on the value I’m adding and the lives I’m touching, in both big and small ways.
That’s what will bring real meaning and satisfaction.
These 15 quotes are just a sampling of the wisdom out there on how to be a better, more authentic human being.
I hope they sparked something in you as they did in me. Of course, inspiration means nothing without action.
I encourage you to pick the quote that resonated most and reflect on how you can embody it in your daily life. Maybe even write it down and put it somewhere you’ll see it regularly as a reminder.
We’re all works in progress, striving to grow and do better. The path isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. Keep filling your mind with positive, motivating messages like these to encourage you along the way.
Together, we can work on becoming the best versions of ourselves – and in turn, make the world a bit brighter. One choice, one interaction, one moment at a time. It’s the small, daily steps that lead to a life well-lived.
