We Could All Use a Little Pick-Me-Up

With millions of books and authors out there, you never know when you’ll stumble into a quote that changes your life forever. Some authors speak like poets in their everyday lives, while others reserve their most touching prose for their written work—and we’re here to go over some of the most inspirational quotes from each!  

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1. E.E. Cummings

Poet E.E. Cummings is responsible for a lot of our favorite work. You’ve undoubtedly read at least one of his works in your life, and certainly if you studied literature! However, for those who haven’t, might we direct your attention to one of his most poignant quotes: “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."

New York World-Telegram and the Sun staff photographer: Albertin, Walter, photographer. on Wikimedia

2. A Farewell to Arms 

Ernest Hemingway is no stranger to incredible work, and he’s even more adept at making us cry with just a few words. But his book A Farewell to Arms is what really convinced readers of his prowess. Our favorite quote? “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places." 

Look Magazine, Photographer (NARA record: 1106476) on Wikimedia

3. George Eliot

Poet. Journalist. Novelist. Oh, and one of the best female authors of all time who wrote under a pseudonym! Eliot’s real name was Mary Ann Evans, and of all her works, no quote stuck with us more than, “It is never too late to be what you might have been." 

replica by François D’Albert Durade (1804–1886) on Wikimedia

4. Margaret Atwood

If you don’t know who Maggie is, it must be nice living under that rock! She’s had countless books published under her name—one of which is now a popular series—and reframed feminist literature as we know it. To put a little wind back in your sails, never forget what she once said: ”A word after a word after a word is power.” 

Collision Conf on Wikimedia

5. C.S. Lewis

Lewis was responsible for a lot more than The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; this beloved British author brought us several other incredible reads we still flip through today. However, perhaps most striking was his quote, “We read to know we are not alone.” 

Set in Stone Project on Wikimedia