Inspirational Quotes – are they just meaningless words?

• by gmashworth
• in Miscellaneous
• posted August 6, 2016

Motivational and inspirational quotes aim to shift our mindset and, ideally, help us change our lives for the better. They’ve been circulating online for years, becoming something of a digital epidemic. Admittedly, many of these quotes are entertaining, and some do hit the mark. After all, many originate from people considered pioneers or thought leaders—so where’s the harm in sharing their wisdom?

But there’s a flipside.

A large portion of these “positive quotes” reduce complex life challenges into clichés and Yoda-like mantras—some of which leave you scratching your head. The authors of these quotes often speak from a place of privilege—emotionally, professionally, and no doubt spiritually. But to me, some of this advice feels blasé. It’s the emotional equivalent of telling someone battling depression to just “cheer up,” or the wealthy reminding us that “money doesn’t buy happiness.”

Deniz Sidali, M.A., a staff therapist at The Albert Ellis Institute in New York, has commented on the pitfalls of such quotes. They can create false hope and suggest that waiting for divine timing is a viable life strategy. Phrases like “things can only get better” offer no real guidance, nor do they prepare anyone for the unfortunate truth that sometimes… things get worse.

It also makes me wonder: Have some people become addicted to these quotes? Do they spend hours hunting them down, reposting them daily as if they were gospel? There’s actual research on this. One study—entitled: On the Reception and Detection of Pseudo-Profound Bullsht*—found that people who regularly share these kinds of quotes tend to score lower on cognitive ability tests. Make of that what you will.

Words vs. Context

Are we even using these quotes the way they were intended? Take this one from Richard Branson:

On the surface, it’s empowering. But taken literally, it could be dangerous. Are we encouraging people to take on roles or responsibilities they’re not qualified for? What’s often overlooked is that he says if—not when—someone offers you an amazing opportunity. It’s a subtle but telling difference. Even Branson seems to acknowledge that luck and timing are uncontrollable factors.

Meanwhile, we’re constantly told to “think positive and positive things will happen,” yet the reality of the world—especially the business world—is often far more complicated. Corruption, nepotism, and exploitation exist, and no amount of wishful thinking erases that.

History doesn’t remember people for what they said, but for what they did. That applies to all of us—not just the famous. Words reveal intent; actions reveal character.

Bringing Back Botho

I live in a country that once deeply practiced botho, the principle of being kind, helpful, and respectful to others. While its presence has faded in daily life, I try to keep it alive in my own way. I often receive unsolicited requests from aspiring designers seeking feedback on their CVs or portfolios. I reply to every one of them. I give honest, practical feedback—whether the news is good or not. Maybe one day, they’ll do the same for someone else.

The Bigger Picture

Yes, a positive attitude can contribute to success. But it’s just one ingredient in a much larger recipe that includes hard work, support, and a generous helping of luck. Most of us are just trying to stay afloat. We hope for the best—and do what we can to clean the fan after the proverbial mess hits it.

For many people, recycled and ambiguous one-liners aren’t helpful. What they really need is support, honesty, opportunity—and yes, a bit of that elusive luck.

So why not take a more pragmatic, grounded approach? Why let our lives be led by Instagram quotes when we could lead with action instead?