Quotes of the Year: Words That Defined Our Time

Every year brings its own set of challenges, victories, and revelations and through it all, words have the power to uplift, challenge, and inspire. The quotes of the year are those rare expressions that resonated deeply with millions, captured the spirit of the times, or offered wisdom just when we needed it most.

“Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.”
— Robert H. Schuller (popular again in times of crisis)

“Your setback is a setup for a comeback.”
— Les Brown

“Breathe. This too shall pass.”
— Anonymous, widely shared during periods of personal and collective stress

“If you’re not uncomfortable, you’re not growing.”
— Unknown

“In the rush to return to normal, use this time to consider which parts of normal are worth rushing back to.”
— Dave Hollis

“Don’t adapt to the energy in the room. Influence the energy in the room.”
— Unknown

“We are not just going back to work; we are redefining work.”
— LinkedIn Trends Report 2025

“AI will not replace you. A person using AI will.”
— 2025 Tech Forecasts

“Silence is also a choice—and sometimes, a powerful one.”
— Social media sentiment around justice and awareness campaigns

“Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.”
— Abraham Lincoln (attributed)

“Done is better than perfect.”
— Sheryl Sandberg

“Don’t confuse movement with progress.”
— Denzel Washington

“You never know what someone is going through. Be kind. Always.”
— Trending quote on mental health awareness

“Connection is why we’re here. It is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”
— Brené Brown

“People may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
— Maya Angelou

This year’s most memorable quotes reminded us of what truly matters: resilience, empathy, innovation, and purpose. As we look ahead to a new year filled with unknowns, may we carry these words as lanterns to guide our journey.