Survivor quotes are words of wisdom from people who have made it through really tough times.
They share their stories to help and inspire you when you are facing your own challenges.
These quotes remind you that it’s possible to overcome obstacles and find strength, just like they did. They are all about giving you hope and the push to keep going when things get tough.
Survivor Quotes
“Laughter is the evidence that we’re still here, the proof that our tragedies will not define us forever. Laughter is the language of the survivor.” – Josh James
Laughter serves as a vital coping mechanism, allowing individuals to maintain their humanity and resilience despite their struggles.
It acts as a bridge over troubled waters, connecting moments of joy and normalcy amidst turmoil. By using humor, survivors affirm their persistence and signal a refusal to be defined solely by their difficulties.
Also read: Peter Griffin Quotes (with Explanation)
“You can be a victim of cancer, or a survivor of cancer. It’s a mindset.” – Dave Pelzer
This quote by Dave Pelxer emphasizes the power of perspective in facing life’s challenges. Dave Pelzer suggests that the distinction between being a victim and a survivor lies in one’s attitude and mental approach.
Adopting a survivor’s mindset can transform the way one deals with adversity, focusing on empowerment and proactive living rather than passivity.
“I have seen war… I hate war.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
Roosevelt’s firsthand experiences with the horrors of war shaped his vehement opposition to it.
His recounting serves as a stark reminder of war’s devastating impact on human lives and communities, highlighting his deep-seated desire for peace and his dedication to avoiding such conflicts in the future.
“A scar is a sign of strength…the sign of a survivor.” – Laurie Halse Anderson
Scars are not just reminders of pain, but symbols of survival and resilience.
Laurie Halse Anderson points out that each scar represents a battle overcome and a story of endurance, turning what could be seen as a mark of vulnerability into a badge of strength.
“Being a survivor doesn’t mean being strong – it’s telling people when you need a meal or a ride, company, whatever.” – Bernie Siegel
Bernie Siegel highlights that survival often requires humility and the ability to ask for help.
It’s not just about enduring alone but also recognizing when support is needed, emphasizing the strength in vulnerability and the importance of community in overcoming challenges.
“I’m a survivor of life. I try to give the glory to God and appreciate what’s happening to me.” – Mike Epps
Mike Epps reflects on his personal resilience, attributing his survival to a higher power and an attitude of gratitude.
His approach underlines the importance of faith and positivity in navigating life’s ups and downs.
“For the survivor who chooses to testify, it is clear: his duty is to bear witness for the dead and for the living.” – Elie Wiesel
Elie Wiesel discusses the profound responsibility of survivors to share their experiences.
This act of testifying ensures that the memories of those lost are preserved and educates future generations, serving as a safeguard against the repetition of past atrocities.
“My sister and mom are both cancer survivors. If they’re going to whip it, so am I.” – Ernie Johnson Jr.
Ernie Johnson Jr.’s quote reflects the strength and determination often found in families dealing with cancer.
The sentiment underscores the shared battle and mutual support that can drive individuals to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. It’s a testament to the idea that the fight against illness can be a collective effort, not just an individual struggle.
“Pro football is like nuclear warfare. There are no winners, only survivors.” – Frank Gifford
Frank Gifford’s analogy between pro football and nuclear warfare strikingly highlights the intense, often destructive nature of professional sports.
This comparison sheds light on the physical and emotional toll these athletes endure, framing their careers as a relentless battle for survival rather than just a series of games.
“It is impossible to strive for the heroic life. The title of hero is bestowed by the survivors upon the fallen, who themselves know nothing of heroism.” – Johan Huizinga
Johan Huizinga’s insight into heroism and survival speaks to the often retrospective nature of heroism. It suggests that true heroism may not be a conscious pursuit but rather an honor given by those who witness and survive the acts of others.
This quote reflects on the subjective nature of heroism as recognized by society.
“I grew up in Brooklyn, and my parents were Holocaust survivors, so they never taught me anything about nature, but they taught me a lot about gratitude.” – Louie Schwartzberg
Louie Schwartzberg’s quote connects his family background with the values he was taught, emphasizing gratitude over other possible life lessons.
The unique perspective of having Holocaust survivors as parents offered him profound insights into appreciating life’s value and the importance of resilience.
“Nothing and no one can destroy the Chinese people. They are relentless survivors.” – Pearl S. Buck
Pearl S. Buck’s quote captures the enduring spirit of resilience attributed to the Chinese people.
Her words reflect a recognition of historical perseverance through numerous trials, suggesting a national character marked by an unyielding capacity to survive and thrive despite adversities.
“The hope of ISIS was to break the Yazidi community. But for survivors especially, going back to their lives and getting married and making a life and working, it’s basically making sure ISIS did not succeed.” – Nadia Murad
Nadia Murad’s quote is a powerful statement of defiance and resilience. As a Yazidi survivor herself, she highlights the significance of returning to normal life and rejecting the narrative of victimhood imposed by oppressors.
This act of living is itself a form of resistance and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Yazidi community.
“Both of our daughters, Debbie and Bonnie, are also cancer survivors.” – David Wilkerson
David Wilkerson shares a personal note about his daughters, both of whom are cancer survivors.
This statement underscores the personal and familial impact of cancer, as well as the shared journey of survival that families often undergo. It’s a reminder of the personal stories behind widespread health struggles and the hope that resides in survivorship.
“Resilience is all about being able to overcome the unexpected. Sustainability is about survival. The goal of resilience is to thrive.” – James Cascio
James Cascio emphasizes that true resilience goes beyond merely enduring; it involves thriving despite the unexpected challenges that life throws our way.
This quote serves as a reminder that the ultimate aim of developing resilience is not just to withstand adversity but to emerge stronger and more capable.
“Your responsibility to be ready for the fight never ends.” – James Yeager
James Yeager’s quote speaks to the continuous nature of preparedness, whether in physical, emotional, or psychological battles.
The underlying message is that vigilance and readiness are perpetual duties, essential for overcoming the obstacles life presents.
“Prepare for the unknown by studying how others in the past have coped with the unforeseeable and the unpredictable.” – Gen. George S. Patton
General Patton’s advice underlines the importance of learning from history to better prepare for future uncertainties.
By understanding how others have navigated unforeseen challenges, we can equip ourselves with strategies to manage similar situations.
“Start by doing what is necessary, then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – Francis of Assisi
Francis of Assisi’s words inspire us to begin with the basics, gradually push our boundaries, and eventually achieve beyond our initial capabilities.
It’s a progressive approach to tackling challenges, emphasizing that monumental tasks can be accomplished by first taking small, necessary steps.
“Sometimes the questions are complicated but the answers are simple.” – Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss highlights the often-overlooked simplicity in solutions amidst complex problems.
This quote encourages a return to basics and simplicity when faced with complicated situations, suggesting that straightforward answers might be overlooked due to the complexity of the questions.
“Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.” – Carl Sagan
Carl Sagan provides a stark reminder of the fragility of life and existence.
His perspective, rooted in the broader context of the universe, underscores the preciousness of survival and the uncommon nature of enduring against the odds.
“The best view comes after the hardest climb.” – Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin metaphorically speaks to the rewards of perseverance and hard work.
This quote is a motivational reminder that the greatest achievements and views come after overcoming significant challenges, encouraging persistence through difficult times.
“Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it’s less good than the one you had before. You can fight it, you can do nothing but scream about what you’ve lost, or you can accept that and try to put together something that’s good.” – Elizabeth Edwards
Elizabeth Edwards speaks to the heart of resilience, emphasizing acceptance as a crucial step in adapting to changed circumstances.
Her words suggest that resilience involves an element of choice—between denial and acceptance—and the constructive path is to build something positive from the pieces left behind.
“Experience life in all possible ways — good-bad, bitter-sweet, dark-light, summer-winter. Experience all the dualities. Don’t be afraid of experience, because the more experience you have, the more mature you become.” – Osho
Osho encourages embracing life’s full spectrum to foster personal growth and resilience.
By advocating for the acceptance of life’s dualities, he highlights that personal maturity and depth of understanding are achieved through varied experiences, not just the pleasant ones.
“It is really wonderful how much resilience there is in human nature. Let any obstructing cause, no matter what, be removed in any way, even by death, and we fly back to first principles of hope and enjoyment.” – Bram Stoker
Bram Stoker reflects on the innate resilience within humans, noting our ability to return to a state of hope and enjoyment once obstacles are removed.
This resilience is portrayed as an intrinsic part of the human spirit, capable of overcoming even the most dire circumstances.
“The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived.” – Robert Jordan
This metaphor from Robert Jordan illustrates the wisdom of flexibility in the face of adversity.
The oak, representing strength and stubbornness, fails in rigid opposition to the wind, whereas the willow, embodying flexibility, survives by adapting to the forces it faces.
“The human capacity for burden is like bamboo – far more flexible than you’d ever believe at first glance.” – Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult compares human resilience to bamboo, known for its incredible flexibility and strength.
This analogy emphasizes that people often possess much greater endurance and adaptability than they initially appear to have, capable of withstanding significant pressures and bouncing back.
“Resilience is a process and a staircase. You might be on step four of the staircase, and I might be on step one, but we can both keep moving up the staircase so that our resilience levels will hopefully exceed the rising tide of stress.” – Glenn Schiraldi
Glenn Schiraldi views resilience as a dynamic and progressive process, likening it to climbing a staircase.
This perspective underscores that everyone progresses at their own pace but can continually develop their resilience in response to escalating challenges.
“Grief and resilience live together.” – Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama poignantly captures the coexistence of grief and resilience, suggesting that enduring hardship often involves managing grief while simultaneously cultivating resilience.
This duality is a natural part of many life experiences, where resilience helps navigate through periods of loss and adversity.
Also read: Lao Tzu Quotes (with Explanation)
Final Thoughts
Survivor quotes are like little boosts of strength. They show you that other people have faced really hard stuff and made it through.
These quotes can give you hope and remind you that you are not alone when things get tough. They encourage you to keep going and not give up.