We all have those days when we feel down and don’t know what to do with ourselves. On these days, it can be helpful to read some thinker quotes to get us out of our funk.
Thinker quotes are a great way to change your perspective on life and see things in a new light. In this article, we will share 45 of the best thinker quotes that will change the way you view life!
About Successful Thinkers
What separates successful thinkers from the rest of us? Is it their IQ? Their work ethic? Their ability to think outside the box? While all of these things may play a role, the one quality that all successful thinkers share is persistence.
No matter what obstacles they face, they never give up. They keep moving forward, constantly searching for new solutions until they find the one that works. This tenacity is what allows them to achieve their goals, no matter how insurmountable they may seem at first.
Successful thinkers are not born; they are made. Or at least, that’s what the old saying goes. But is it really true? Can anyone become a successful thinker simply by putting their mind to it?
The answer, it turns out, maybe yes. A recent study published in the journal Science found that people who underwent a special training program were able to increase their IQ by an average of 23 points.
The training program consisted of activities designed to improve working memory and other cognitive skills. The results of the study suggest that, at least to some extent, our thinking abilities are malleable and can be improved with practice.
So if you’re looking to boost your brainpower, there’s no need to wait for a genius-level IQ to magically appear. Instead, roll up your sleeves and get to work on increasing your cognitive skills.
You may just find that you’re capable of a lot more than you ever thought possible.
So the next time you find yourself stuck, remember that success is only a few steps away. All you need to do is keep moving forward and never give up.
Here are some of the best Thinker Quotes
There are so many great thinker quotes out there, that it was hard to choose just a few! But here are some of the favorites that we think will inspire and motivate you.
As thinkers, we should always be looking for new ways to grow and learn – so let these quotes be your reminder to keep pushing forward.
1. “New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not common.”― John Locke
This is a sad truth, but one that we must all face. We live in a world where conformism is prized, and originality is often rejected. Those who dare to think differently are often met with suspicion and hostility.
But we must never give up hope. There will always be those who are brave enough to think for themselves, even in the face of opposition. These are the people who will change the world, and it is up to us to support them.
Only by standing together can we hope to create a world where new ideas are welcomed instead of feared.
2. “If you were born with the ability to change someone’s perspective or emotions, never waste that gift. It is one of the most powerful gifts God can give—the ability to influence.”― Shannon L. Alder
3. “To think is easy. To act is difficult. To act as one thinks is the most difficult of all.” —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
It is easy to think about what we should do. It is easy to dream about making a difference in the world. But it is not easy to take action and make those dreams a reality.
This quote from Johan Wolfgang von Goethe reminds us that the most difficult thing of all is to act in accordance with our beliefs.
It is not enough to simply have good intentions – we must also take concrete steps to make them a reality. This can be difficult, but it is always worth it in the end.
When we act on our convictions, we can change the world for the better. And that is worth any amount of difficulty.
4. “There is no conversation more boring than the one where everybody agrees.” —Michel de Montaigne (Essais)
5. “Right thinking comes with self-knowledge. Without understanding yourself, you have no basis for thought.” —Jiddu Krishnamurti
6. “Good that you ask – you should always ask, always have doubts.” — Hermann Hesse
Asking questions is the key to success. It shows that you are curious and want to learn. Without asking questions, we would never progress.
We would never find new cures for diseases, discover new elements, or explore space. Questioning is what drives us to improve and to do better.
So never be afraid to ask, and always have doubts. Because it is through questioning that we find the answers, we are looking for.
And sometimes, the answers we find are even better than we could have ever imagined.
7. “The snake which cannot cast its skin has to die. As well the minds which are prevented from changing their opinions; they cease to be mind.”— Friedrich Nietzsche
8. “Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.”—John F. Kennedy
In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the echo chamber of our own opinions. We only read articles that reinforce our point of view, and we only surround ourselves with people who think as we do.
As a result, we become increasingly closed-minded, unable to see the validity in any other perspective. However, if we’re not careful, this dangerous cycle can lead to disastrous consequences.
When we’re no longer willing to consider new ideas, we stop growing as individuals. We become stagnant and stuck in our ways, convinced that we’re always right and that anyone who disagrees with us is wrong.
But if we’re not willing to have our opinions challenged, then what are we really worth? It’s time to start engaging in uncomfortable thoughts and honest dialogue with those who see the world differently than we do.
Only then can we begin to break down the barriers that divide us.
9. “Writing is not the most important thing; thinking is. But writing is probably the best way to improve your thinking.”— Matt Mullenweg
10. “What a paradox it is; the sane causes more problems than the insane! It is! The real problems of the world do not come from the insane but the sane!”― Ernest Agyemang Yeboah
11. “If you’re overthinking, write. If you’re underthinking, read.”― Alex Wieckowski
Overthinking can be a dangerous trap, one that can lead you down a rabbit hole of anxiety and self-doubt. When you find yourself obsessing over a problem, it can be helpful to sit down and write out your thoughts.
The act of putting your worries onto paper can help to clarify your thoughts and give you a new perspective. Sometimes, all it takes is to see your concerns in black and white to realize that they’re not as significant as you thought.
On the other hand, underthinking can also be problematic. When you don’t take the time to think things through, you may end up making impulsive decisions that you later regret.
In these situations, it’s helpful to step back and consult with someone who can offer a different viewpoint. By taking the time to read and understand different perspectives, you can make more informed decisions.
So next time you find yourself overthinking or underthinking a situation, remember this simple advice: write or read. It could just save your sanity.
12. “We waste our time with short term thinking and busywork. Warren Buffett spends a year deciding and a day acting. That act lasts decades.”― Naval Ravikant
14. “Choose your battle ground. If you’re a talker, surround yourself with doers . If you are a doer, surround yourself with thinkers or talkers.”― De philosopher DJ Kyos
“Choose your battleground.” These are powerful words that can change the course of your life. If you’re a talker, surround yourself with doers.
Doers are the people who take action and get things done. They don’t just talk about their dreams; they go out and make them happen. If you’re a doer, surround yourself with thinkers or talkers.
Thinkers are the people who come up with new ideas and challenge the status quo. They’re not afraid to think outside the box and ask tough questions. Talkers are the people who can turn those ideas into reality.
They have the power to persuade and inspire others to take action. So, which one are you? A talker, a thinker, or a doer?
Surround yourself with the people who will help you achieve your dreams. Choose your battleground wisely.
15. “All great thinkers are initially ridiculed – and eventually revered.”― Robin Sharma
16. “Spend at least one hour a day thinking. Just thinking, alone, in silence. No music. No book. No one. Your mind gets clearer. Your relationships get healthier. Your life gets better.”
17. “To know what people really think, observe what they do, not what they say.― René Descartes”
18. “Don’t just follow people because you agree with what they think. Follow them because you’re intrigued by how they think – and how they make you think.”― Adam Grant
We live in a world where it is easy to find people who share our opinions. Social media allows us to connect with like-minded individuals from all over the world, and we can quickly find echo chambers that reinforce our beliefs.
However, this can lead to narrow-mindedness and a lack of understanding for those who think differently than us. Instead of only following people who agree with us, we should also follow those who challenge our perspectives.
By doing so, we can learn how to think more critically about the world around us. We can explore different points of view and learn to see things from new angles.
And we may even find that we have more in common with others than we first assumed.
So the next time you log on to social media, take a step out of your comfort zone and follow someone whose ideas make you think.
19. “It is the job of thinking people not to be on the side of the executioners.”― Albert Camus, Neither Victims Nor Executioners
20. “Every deep thinker is more afraid of being understood than of being misunderstood.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche
21. “Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.”―Voltaire
“Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.” This quote, attributed to Voltaire, highlights the importance of inquisitiveness. A person who is always asking questions is more likely to be open-minded and curious, two qualities that are essential for learning and personal growth.
In contrast, someone who only ever gives answers is likely to be close-minded and inflexible. Asking questions also shows a willingness to engage with others, as well as a readiness to listen to different points of view.
In today’s polarized world, these qualities are more important than ever. So next time you’re talking to someone, pay attention to the questions they ask.
You might just learn something about them – and yourself.
22. “If you can think and speak and write, you are absolutely deadly, nothing can get in your way.”―Jordan Peterson
Anyone who can think, speak, and write has a deadly weapon at their disposal. With these tools, they can communicate their thoughts and ideas to the world. There is no limit to what they can accomplish.
They can change the course of history or start a revolution with their words. They can inspire others to greatness or persuade them to see things in a new light. They can even bring comfort and solace to those who are suffering.
So never underestimate the power of communication, for it is truly a deadly weapon.
23. “The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.” ―Albert Einstein
24. “Thinking too little about things or thinking too much both make us obstinate and fanatical.” ―Blaise Pascal
The quote “thinking too little about things or thinking too much both make us obstinate and fanatical” is a very interesting one. It makes you think, what is the middle ground? What is the perfect amount of thinking?
Too much thinking can lead to overthinking and obsessing over tiny details. This can make us seem pedantic and rigid in our views. On the other hand, not thinking enough about things can also be harmful.
We may become close-minded and inflexible, unwilling to consider new information or different points of view. In order to avoid becoming obstinate and fanatical, we need to strike a balance between thinking too much and too little.
We need to be open-minded and willing to consider different perspectives, but we also need to be able to think critically and make our own judgment calls.
Museum curator ___________ once said, “You have to think about big things while you’re doing small things so that all the small things go in the right direction.”
This is a wise perspective to take on life. If we can keep the big picture in mind, we are more likely to make decisions that are in line with our goals and values.
But at the same time, we also need to pay attention
25. “Think for yourself, not of yourself. Think of others, not for others.”―Naval Ravikant
26. “You were born with the greatest weapon in all of nature — the rational, conscious mind.” ―Robert Greene
27. “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.”— Henry Ford
28. “The person who consistently makes you think is the most undervalued person in your life.” ―Shane Parrish
29. “Things were different in the past. People idolized thinkers, philosophers, artists and scientists. Today the world admires CEOs, businessmen and managers. Basically, the people who are rich and successful in terms of wealth. This is why the world today is messed up.”― Abhaidev, The Influencer: Speed Must Have a Limit
30. “Never hide things from hardcore thinkers. They get more aggravated, more provoked by confusion than the most painful truths.”― Criss Jami
31. “Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action comes, stop thinking and go in.” ―Napoleon Bonaparte
In the heat of the moment, it can be hard to know what to do. Should you follow your heart or your head? Is this the right decision or the easy decision?
However, as anyone who has ever regretted an impulsive choice knows, sometimes it is better to take a step back and think things through. deliberation can ensure that you are making the best possible decision.
However, there comes the point when too much deliberation can be detrimental. When the time for action comes, you need to be able to trust your instincts and go with your gut.
Indecision can be paralyzing, so once you have taken the time to deliberate, stop thinking and go in.
32. “We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.” ― Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein once said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.” This quote is often used to describe the need for new and innovative solutions to complex problems.
However, it can also be interpreted more literally. The fact is, we cannot solve problems using the same level of thinking that created them. We must be willing to think outside the box, to challenge assumptions, and to take risks.
Only by expanding our thinking can we hope to find new and better ways to solve the challenges we face. So the next time you’re facing a difficult problem, remember Einstein’s words and try to think outside the box.
You may just find the solution you’re looking for.
33. “We like it when other people agree with us, which is why we rarely say what we are thinking.”― Shane Parrish
34. “All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche
35. “Regular minds find similarities in stories (and situations); finer minds detect differences.” ― Nassim Nicholas Taleb
36. “We shouldn’t be looking for heroes, we should be looking for good ideas.”― Noam Chomsky
37. “I insist on a lot of time being spent, almost every day, to just sit and think.” ―Warren Buffett
38. “If everyone is thinking alike, then no one is thinking.”― Benjamin Franklin
In a world where everyone thinks alike, there is no room for originality or creativity. conformity reigns supreme, and independent thought is discouraged.
This might seem like a peaceful and orderly way to exist, but it stifles individual expression and ultimately leads to a society that is lacking in innovation. After all, if everyone is thinking the same thing, then no one is really thinking at all.
True progress can only be made when people are free to think for themselves and share their unique ideas. Only then can we move forward as a collective community.
So let us encourage diversity of thought and celebrate the power of individual expression. Only then can we truly thrive as a society.
39. “Stop looking for angels, and start looking for angles.”― Ryan Holiday
40. “Your best thoughts will come from being in flow and not thinking at all.”― Dan Go
41. “Believe it or not, the greatest way of reaching the heavens is by feeding those who sleep under the stars.”― Monaristw
It is a truth universally acknowledged that acts of kindness are the surest means of touching the Divine. But how often do we forget this simple truth in the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives?
We get so caught up in our own problems and concerns that we forget about the needs of others. We neglect to see that, in helping those who are less fortunate than ourselves, we are also helping to create a more compassionate world.
One of the most powerful expressions of compassion is feeding the hungry. It is something that anyone can do, yet so often, we turn a blind eye to the plight of those who go to bed each night with an empty stomach.
Imagine for a moment what it would be like to go to bed each night knowing that you will wake up in the morning still feeling hungry. This is the reality for millions of people around the world, and it is nothing less than a tragedy.
When we feed those who are hungry, we are not only satisfying a basic human need, but we are also reminding them that they are worthy of love and care.
We are showing them that they matter. In doing so, we are opening our hearts to the Divine and expanding our capacity for love.
42. “As a rule, you must always reserve the right to laugh the next day at your thoughts of the previous night.”― Napoleon Bonaparte
43. “People don’t like to think, if one thinks, one must reach conclusions. Conclusions are not always pleasant.”― Helen Keller
44. “One great idea had walking down the beach can be worth more than a lifetime of hard work.”― Gary Halbert
45. “The people who don’t think are the ones who never listen.”― Haruki Murakami
Listening is an essential part of communication, yet so many people fail to do it effectively. Instead of listening to understand, they listen to respond.
They’re so focused on thinking about what they’re going to say next that they don’t pay attention to what the other person is saying. As a result, misunderstandings are common and important details are often missed.
The next time you’re in a conversation, try to focus on truly understanding what the other person is saying. Don’t just wait for your turn to talk. Listen with your ears and your heart, and you’ll be surprised at how much you can learn.
46. “Thinking is difficult, that’s why most people judge.”― Carl Jung
47. “Your mind is working at its best when you’re being paranoid. You explore every avenue and possibility of your situation at high speed with total clarity.”― Banksy
48. “Thinking is the ability to strip away what doesn’t matter from a situation so you can see what does matter.”― Shane Parrish
Life can be overwhelming. There are so many demands on our time and attention, and it can be difficult to know what is truly important.
That’s where thinking comes in. Thinking is the ability to see through the clutter and distractions and focus on what really matters. It’s about taking a step back and looking at the big picture.
And it’s an essential skill for anyone who wants to make smart decisions and achieve their goals. So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that thinking is your greatest ally.
It will help you to see what is important and give you the clarity you need to make the best choices for your life.
49. “My position on most things is this: I could be wrong, but I think I’m right.”―Jack Peach
50. “Just think. Just be quiet and think. It’d make all the difference in the world.”―Fred Rogers
Just think. It’s such a simple concept, yet it’s so hard to do. We live in a world that is constant noise and movement. We are bombarded with stimuli from the time we wake up until the time we go to bed. And sometimes, it feels like it’s just too much. That’s when we need to just be quiet and think. It might not seem like it would make a difference, but it really does. When we take the time to just be still and think, it helps us to connect with our thoughts and feelings. It allows us to process what’s going on around us and make meaning of it. In a world that is always moving, taking the time to just think can really make all the difference.
51. “Think through time – what do the consequences look like in 10 minutes? 10 months? 10 Years?” ― Shane Parrish
52. “You can achieve anything you want if you just change the way you think. Will you?” ― Maxime Lagace
We all have dreams and aspirations. We tell ourselves that we’ll achieve them “someday.” But what if that day never comes?
What if we never take the leap and change the way we think? It’s time to stop living in a world of “what ifs” and start living in a world of possibilities. It’s time to believe in ourselves and our ability to achieve anything we set our minds to.
Yes, it will take hard work. Yes, there will be obstacles. But nothing is impossible if we just change the way we think.
So ask yourself: What do you want to achieve? And then go out and make it happen. Just change the way you think, and anything is possible.
53. “If you make people think they’re thinking, they’ll love you; but if you really make them think, they’ll hate you.” ― Harlan Ellison
As any good salesperson knows, the key to a successful pitch is to make the customer feel like they are in control. Give them the illusion of choice, and they will be more likely to buy what you’re selling.
But what happens when you try to sell someone on an idea that challenges their beliefs? When you force them to think about things in a different way? Suddenly, they don’t feel so comfortable anymore.
They might even start to hate you. After all, it’s much easier to go through life not thinking too hard about things. It’s much easier to just accept the status quo.
But if you can make someone really think, then you have the power to change their world.
54. “Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.”― Steve Jobs
55. “Anxiety is thought without control. Flow is control without thought.” ― James Clear
Anxiety and Flow. What a pair. One is the constant nagging feeling in the back of your mind that things are just not quite right. The other is the state of being in which everything clicks, and you feel more alive than ever.
It’s easy to see why people strive for flow in their lives; who wouldn’t want to feel that sense of joy and euphoria? And yet, anxiety is also a part of life that we all must face.
It is the dark shadow that lurks behind every corner, the fear that stops us from taking risks and chasing our dreams. But what if we could learn to control our anxiety, to use it as a tool instead of letting it control us?
That is the power of flow. By learning to control our thoughts, we can achieve a state of flow in which we are in complete control of ourselves and our surroundings.
We can be calm in the midst of chaos, confident in the face of fear, and unstoppable when it matters most. So next time you’re feeling anxious, remember that you have the power to control your thoughts.
And with that power, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Let’s Wind Up…
Which thinker quote is your favorite? We’d love to hear which one resonates with you the most and why.
The wisdom of these thinkers has the potential to change your life for the better, so make sure to keep them in mind as you go about your day-to-day routine.
Let us know which thinker quote inspires you the most in the comments below!