An iconic quote from a classic book can be a much-needed shot of inspiration and positivity. Yesterday, in a twist not even 1984 writer George Orwell could have imagined or predicted, we hit exactly one year of lockdown here in the UK.
Now, more than ever, many of us are looking to books as outlets for our frustrations, confusions, griefs, and joys. And if a year of lockdown has taught us anything, it's that we need to find inspiration where we can. So read on for 10 inspirational quotes from classic literature, and give yourself a boost of positivity.
1.
Granted, it feels a little tough to live large right now, but that shouldn't stop us from looking forward to new experiences. Plan out what you'll do when you can finally hang out with your friends or family again. Or dream up your next travel destination. Focus on something that inspires you every day.
2.
I don't know about you, but I always find J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings series very comforting when I'm feeling down. It's full of inspirational quotes, and it's nice to see good triumph over evil—even in literary form. Tolkien's quote also offers a very simple reassurance; the only decision you have to make is what you're going to do with today.
3.
If you've ever felt like you're not making a difference, or no one is listening to what you have to say, remember George Orwell's words. In a world where the truth is constantly distorted, simply speaking up for what is right can be a monumental act of change.
4.
Millions of people around the globe have struggled over the last year. Less than a piece of advice to pick yourself up after you fall, I look at Paulo Coelho's words as an acknowledgment of the courage and resilience humanity has shown during these trying times. We've been knocked down again and again this last year, but we're still standing!
5.
Beat Generation writer Jack Kerouac knew a thing or two about charging at life. There's nothing wrong with desiring everything. Make sure you surround yourself with people who wish to live as passionately and dream as big as you do.
6.
You wouldn't think Bram Stoker, author of iconic horror works like Dracula, would be a source for inspiration. This nice quote proves otherwise. It's a reminder to acknowledge your own uniqueness, as well as those in your life who shine brightly too.
7.
The characters in Les Misérables by Victor Hugo experience plenty of trials by fire. It's often hard to see hope when things are really bleak, but Hugo's words remind us that eventually good times do come around again.
8.
A lot of us are experiencing lockdown anxiety. We have these expectations that we should be achieving a lot while spending all this time at home. It's important to remember that these are arbitrary measurements and there's no such thing as a productive or successful lockdown. Don't feel pressured by other's expectations, you don't have to do anything other than be yourself.
9.
Henry James' quote is a bit of a follow up to Virgina Woolf's. It really doesn't matter what you do with your time in lockdown. Or what you've done over the last year. As long as you're finding ways to live your life as best you can, nothing else matters.
10.
Heroes have been in short supply over the last year, which is why this quote is perfect for lockdown life. Believing that heroic things can happen is what makes heroes. Yes, and by that I mean you—you can be that hero.
Do you have any favorite literary quotes that inspire you?
Share them in the comments below!