At Book-Supplier.co.uk, we believe books are more than just words on a page; they’re vessels of timeless wisdom, emotional power, and transformative ideas. Great literature can inspire, challenge, and comfort us in ways few other media can.
That’s why our team set out to create a carefully curated list of 20 of the most inspiring book quotes of all time. These lines have stood the test of time, resonating with readers across generations and cultures. They are words that have sparked revolutions, mended hearts, and encouraged millions to see the world differently.
We’ve gone beyond simply listing famous quotes. For each, we’ve included:
✔️ A summary of why the quote is so impactful.
✔️ Fascinating facts about the book and author.
✔️ Sales figures and historical insights that show the lasting influence of these works.
Whether you’re a lifelong bibliophile, a casual reader, or just searching for some literary inspiration, this collection showcases the words that continue to shape our world.
1. “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
— Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Why it’s excellent: Witty irony that pokes fun at societal norms.
Interesting Facts: Published in 1813, it has sold over 20 million copies. Austen sold the copyright for £110. Adapted hundreds of times.
Sales: 20 million+ copies.
2. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…”
— Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
Why it’s excellent: Captures human duality and revolutionary upheaval.
Interesting Facts: Serialised in 1859, 200 million+ copies sold. Dickens’s bestseller.
Sales: 200 million+ copies.
3. “Not all those who wander are lost.”
— J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
Why it’s excellent: Celebrates purposeful exploration.
Interesting Facts: Part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Over 150 million copies sold, translated into more than 40 languages.
Sales: 150 million+ copies.
4. “So it goes.”
— Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse-Five
Why it’s excellent: Expresses existential acceptance of life’s absurdities.
Interesting Facts: Published 1969. Reflects Dresden bombing experiences.
Sales: Millions worldwide.
5. “It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.”
— Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Why it’s excellent: Philosophical reflection on identity and change.
Interesting Facts: Published 1865. Inspired countless adaptations.
Sales: Over 100 million copies (Alice series).
6. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
— Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Why it’s excellent: Highlights the emotional weight of the suppressed voice.
Interesting Facts: Published 1969. NYT bestseller.
Sales: Millions worldwide.
7. “We accept the love we think we deserve.”
— Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Why it’s excellent: Addresses self-worth and relationships.
Interesting Facts: Published 1999. Adapted into a 2012 film.
Sales: Millions worldwide.
8. “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
— Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
Why it’s excellent: Timeless call for empathy and understanding.
Interesting Facts: Pulitzer Prize winner, 40 million+ copies sold.
Sales: 40 million+ copies.
9. “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”
— Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights
Why it’s excellent: Evokes timeless romantic energy.
Interesting Facts: Published in 1847, Emily’s only novel, learn more on the dedicated Guardian newspaper page for Emily Brontë.
Sales: Millions worldwide.
10. “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
— George Orwell, Animal Farm
Why it’s excellent: Allegory on power and corruption.
Interesting Facts: Published 1945. Used in education worldwide.
Sales: 20+ million copies.
11. “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”
— J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Why it’s excellent: Encourages balancing dreams and reality.
Interesting Facts: Published 1997. Part of a series with 500 million+ total sales.
Sales: 120 million+ copies.
12. “The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive.”
— John Green, Looking for Alaska
Why it’s excellent: Poignant insight on healing and emotional growth.
Interesting Facts: Published 2005. Adapted into a Hulu series in 2019.
Sales: Millions worldwide.
13. “The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.”
— Stephen King, The Gunslinger
Why it’s excellent: An iconic opening that blends Western and fantasy elements.
Interesting Facts: Published 1982. First in the Dark Tower series.
Sales: 5 million+ copies.
14. “Some truths are too heavy to carry alone. That’s why we tell our stories, to share the weight, to remind each other we survived.”
— The Women by Kristin Hannah (2024)
Why it’s excellent: This line captures the emotional heart of Kristin Hannah’s novel, highlighting the power of storytelling as a means of healing and connection. It reflects the shared resilience of women who faced both war and societal silence.
Interesting Facts: Published in 2024, “The Women” explores the untold stories of female nurses during the Vietnam War. It debuted at #1 on The New York Times Bestseller list and sold over 1 million copies within its first month. Praised for bringing forgotten history to light, with comparisons to Hannah’s The Nightingale and The Four Winds.
Sales: 1 million+ copies in its first month; one of Hannah’s fastest-selling novels.
15. “Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold…”
— S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders
Why it’s excellent: Plea to preserve innocence.
Interesting Facts: Published 1967. Adapted into the 1983 film.
Sales: 14 million+ copies.
16. “But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?”
— William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
Why it’s excellent: Iconic romantic line.
Interesting Facts: Most adapted play of Shakespeare’s works.
Sales: Countless copies globally.
17. “It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.”
— J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Why it’s excellent: Emphasises character over birth.
Interesting Facts: Published 2000. Record-breaking release.
Sales: 65 million+ copies.
18. “There is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for.”
— J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers
Why it’s excellent: Rallying cry for hope.
Interesting Facts: Part of LOTR trilogy.
Sales: See #3.
19. “Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”
— George Orwell, 1984
Why it’s excellent: Chilling commentary on propaganda.
Interesting Facts: Published 1949. Sales spike during political events.
Sales: 30+ million copies.
20. “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
— J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Why it’s excellent: Powerful message about morality and agency.
Interesting Facts: Published 1998.
Sales: 77 million+ copies.
Conclusion: Words That Stand the Test of Time
These 20 inspiring book quotes remind us why great literature endures; it speaks to the heart of the human experience. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, each line on this list has left an indelible mark on readers worldwide.
At Book Supplier, we’re passionate about celebrating the power of words to inspire, comfort, and transform. Whether you found a favourite quote here or discovered a new book to explore, we hope this collection rekindles your love for reading and sparks meaningful reflection.
Remember, the following life-changing line could be waiting for you on the very next page. Why not pick up one of these iconic books today and experience their wisdom in full?