In life, some people create footprints to lead others to success. These footprints create better life paths for millions, and the exalting influence of such people can change our lives forever. Here is a list of some inspirational people that have given the world a renewed sense of hope, and the persistence to not quit on dreams.
Stephen Hawking
“However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at”- Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking set an example for the world; that physical strength isn’t needed to be extraordinary. A brilliant physicist and an even more intelligent human being, Hawking was diagnosed with ALS at only 21 and was given five years to live. But that didn’t stop him from making some of the most profound discoveries in the world of astrophysics. He entered into the rankings of some of the greatest minds the world has witnessed.
Robin William
“Strive to find your own voice because the longer you wait to begin the less likely you are to find it at all” – John Keating (Robert William, Dead Poet’s Society)
Inspiring an expressively-dead generation, with “Dead Poet’s Society,” not only was Robin one of the finest actors ever to grace the screen, he was also a very warm and loving person. Robin’s screen roles inspired many people to act on their dreams in real life. He passed away in a 2014 fundraising event. Robin stirred people like us to dream, to wish, and to carpe diem
Nick Vujicic
“If I fail, I try again, and again, and again. If YOU fail, are you going to try again? The human spirit can handle much worse than we realize. It matters HOW you are going to FINISH. Are you going to finish strong?”― Nick Vujicic
Nick Vujicic, a man who was born with limits, made the world renounce what it likes to live limitlessly. Nick was born with tetra-amelia syndrome, wherein the absence of all four limbs restricts a person’s mobility completely. So how did he made it to the list of inspirational personalities of all time, despite his disability? Just by fixing the perception he had for himself; rather than focusing on what he did not have, Nick focused on what he already had in life to be grateful.
Michelle Obama
“Don’t ever make decisions based on fear. Make decisions based on hope and possibility. Make decisions based on what should happen, not what shouldn’t” – Michelle Obama
There have been some truly inspirational women in the past who have defied the existing norms and proved that women run the world as much as men. Michelle Obama, the former First Lady, is one such inspirational personality. She champions equal rights and fights for gender discrimination. She also successfully works in the direction of success, maintains cordial relationships, and identity like a boss.
George Carlin
“We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We’ve learned how to make a living but not a life. We’ve added years to life, not life to years.” – George Carlin
The words of George Carlin made people laugh, live, and love to their fullest potential. Carlin’s witty, thought-provoking, perspectives on the existing society and politics facets continue to echo throughout the world even after his death. He was not just a comedian and an actor, but someone who truly set to shift how world views and critical matters.
APJ Abdul Kalam
“Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.”- APJ Abdul Kalam
APJ Abdul Kalam (a former president of India), was one of the wisest presidents in the history of the world. Known as “People’s President” and the “Missile Man of India” Abdul Kalam managed to ignite the burning desire to follow dreams in many Indians; which is why, even after his death, the leader’s ideas, philosophies are celebrated and revered.
Jessica Cox
“Handicaps are mindsets. Whatever it is that stands in the way of achieving something, that’s when it’s a handicap. I prefer to see them as obstacles or challenges. This is how I’ve been my whole life. I don’t know any different. I live my life through my feet.” – Jessica Cox
She is a licensed pilot, a driver, a scuba diver, and a psychology major. Being an accomplished woman, Jessica Cox is an inspirational personality just as is, but what makes for us look up to her as a woman of great spirit is the fact that she continued to fight for what she wanted despite being born without arms. Even with her disability, Cox makes sure she works for what she wants, which is to be invincible.
Elon Musk
“There have to be reasons that you get up in the morning, and you want to live. Why do you want to live? What’s the point? What inspires you? What do you love about the future? If the future does not include being out there among the stars and being a multi-planet species, I find that incredibly depressing.”- Elon Musk
Founder of SpaceX, Tesla, co-founder of PayPal, and future founder of many space expeditions, Elon Musk, doesn’t just take conventional business ideas up a notch but works on revolutionary ideas that are a leap for the entire humanity. This guy never lacks vision, which is why, he is one of the most successful entrepreneurs today, and most probably the best visionary of a better tomorrow. His quotes give us hope in abundance!
Oprah Winfrey
“When you undervalue what you do, the world will undervalue who you are.”― Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is synonymous to women empowerment. Confronting challenges like assault, rape, violence, poverty, early in her childhood, she was still untamed and rather emerged from the trauma stronger than ever. She is one of the most inspirational people of all time and a top talk show host, which also helped her become the first African-American woman to be classified as a billionaire. Oprah is known to share her fortune with those in desperate need, and her philanthropy endeavors are globally revered and acknowledged.
These inspirational people from different walks of life encourage us in ways that none can. Every single person in the list made us realize that persistence is what we need, and that hope shouldn’t be given up on when life beats us down. Because in the end, it won’t matter how many times you fall, but the time you actually stand up.
