1. While these may not be necessarily ranked as top 5, the first one is by far my favorite quote ever. For those of you who haven’t had a chance, I’d strongly recommend reading Sand and Foam by Kahlil Gibran.

Seven times have I despised my soul:

The first time when I saw her being meek that she might attain height.

The second time when I saw her limping before the crippled.

The third time when she was given to choose between the hard and the easy, and she chose the easy.

The fourth time when she committed a wrong, and comforted herself that others also commit wrong.

The fifth time when she forbore for weakness, and attributed her patience to strength.

The sixth time when she despised the ugliness of a face, and knew not that it was one of her own masks.

And the seventh time when she sang a song of praise, and deemed it a virtue.

Kahlil Gibran, Sand and Foam

2. One of my favorite authors, who also happens to be the author of my favorite book The Fountainhead, wrote this quote as a part of one of her other famous works – Atlas Shrugged. For any of you looking at the best reads around the ideology of individualism over collectivism, Ayn Rand is the go-to author.

Contradictions do not exist. Whenever you think that you are facing a contradiction, check your premises. You will find that one of them is wrong.

Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged

3. “Eloisa to Abelard” by Alexander Pope is one of the most beautiful tales of love and longing and also includes some of the most beautifully written lines. The title of the famous movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind which is one of the most complex, yet beautiful movies!

How happy is the blameless vestal’s lot!

The world forgetting, by the world forgot.

Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind!

Each pray’r accepted, and each wish resign’d

Alexander Pope, Eloisa to Abelard

4. Abraham Lincoln probably has to his credit the most number of quotes that are each better than the previous. So I’ve clubbed a few of my favorites quotes from him. As an aside, if you’re looking for some great reads, his famous letter to his son’s teacher is indeed also a masterpiece.

Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.

Those who deny others freedom, deserve it not for themselves.

Abraham Lincoln

5. Albert Einstein was a great physicist, but also a great thinker and philosopher, and one of my favorite quotes comes from him, and is so relevant in the context of our lives.

Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.

Albert Einstein

These are of course only a handful among a treasure of great quotes and words of wisdom by great men and women. I’d love to hear from you about your favorite quotes as well!