15 Change Quotes

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Change.  Embrace change.  Change is good.  Since it’s so good, I have 15 quotes on change to share with you.  Enjoy!

Update: I have a ton more change quotes to add…so that’ll teach me to make blog titles with a number in them!  There are no longer 15 quotes here; there are now 55!!

1) You must be the change you wish to see in the world. -Mahatma Gandhi

2) One cannot manage change, one can only be ahead of it. -Peter Drucker

3) We must either find a way or make one. -Hannibal

4) Great changes are easier than small ones. -Francis Bacon

5) Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself. -Leo Tolstoy

6) Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. -Nelson Mandela

7) People don’t resist change, they resist being changed. -Peter Scholtes

8 ) If you have always done it that way, it’s probably wrong. -Charles Kettering

9) If you always do what you’ve done, you will always get what you’ve always got. -Ed Foreman

10) The only completely consistent people are dead. -Aldous Huxley

11) Some men look at things the way they are and ask why? I dream of things that are not and ask why not? -George Bernard Shaw (I think this one isn’t exact; I think it’s been paraphrased)

12) Progress is a nice word. But change is its motivator. And change has its enemies. -Robert Kennedy

13) When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one that has opened for us. -Alexander Graham Bell

14) The world hates change yet it is the only thing that has brought progress. -Charles Kettering

15) Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you’ll understand what little chance you in trying to change others. -Jacob M. Braude

16)  If you want to make enemies, try to change something. -Woodrow T. Wilson (1856-1924)

17) You cannot expect to achieve new goals or move beyond your present circumstances unless you change. -Les Brown

18) Adapt or perish, now as ever, is Nature’s inexorable imperative. -H.G. Wells (1866-1946)

19) Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay. -Simone De Beauvoir

20) Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. -George Bernard Shaw

21) People wish to be settled. It is only as far as they are unsettled that there is any hope for them. -Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

22) He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery. -Harold Wilson (1916-1995)

23) Everybody wants to do something to help, but nobody wants to be the first. -Pearl Bailey (1918-1990)

24) We live in an era when rapid change breeds fear, and fear too often congeals us into a rigidity which we mistake for stability. -Lynn White

25) To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often. -Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

26) Change the changeable, accept the unchangeable, and remove yourself from the unacceptable. -Denis Waitley

27) Turbulence is a life force. It is opportunity. Let’s love turbulence and use it for change. -Ramsay Clark

28) You had better be ready to change your mind when needed, or your mind will change you. -Henry B. Wilson

29) The great person is ahead of their time, the smart make something out of it, and the blockhead, sets themselves against it. -Jean Baudrillard

30) Two basic rules of life: 1. Change is Inevitable 2. Everyone Resists Change. Remember this: When you are through changing…you’re through. -Unknown

31) Change is imminent! We must enthusiastically embrace it, manage it, and craft it to our advantage. -Steve Craft

32) Goals allow you to control the direction of change in your favor. -Brian Tracy

33) Nothing that I can do will change the structure of the universe. But maybe, by raising my voice I can help the greatest of all causes — goodwill among men and peace on earth. -Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

34) You will suddenly realize that the reason you never changed before was because you didn’t want to. -Robert H. Schuller

35) We do not live an equal life, but one of contrasts and patchwork; now a little joy, then a sorrow, now a sin, then a generous or brave action. -Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

36) Remember, no human condition is ever permanent. Then you will not be overjoyed in good fortune nor too scornful in misfortune. -Socrates (BC469-399)

37) Risk always brings its own rewards: the exhilaration of breaking through, of getting to the other side; the relief of a conflict healed; the clarity when a paradox dissolves. -Marilyn Ferguson

38) The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance. -Alan W. Watts (1915-1973)

39) Those interested in perpetuating present conditions are always in tears about the marvelous past that is about to disappear, without having so much as a smile for the young future. -Simone De Beauvoir (1908-1986)

40) Some people change their ways when they see the light, others when they feel the heat. -Caroline Schoeder

41) One must never lose time in vainly regretting the past nor complaining against the changes which cause us discomfort, for change is the very essence of life. -Anatole France (1844-1924)

42) One of the prevailing sources of misery and crime is in the generally accepted assumption, that because things have been wrong a long time, it is impossible they will ever be right. -John Ruskin (1819-1900)

43) It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things. -Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919)

44) To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must cultivate our personal life; and to cultivate our personal life, we must first set our hearts right. -Confucius (BC 551-479)

45) I am not called upon or expected to change any world except the one at the end of my fingertips. -Richard F. Schubert

46) Whenever you take a step forward, you are bound to disturb something. -Indira Gandhi (1917-1984)

47) Winners must learn to relish change with the same enthusiasm and energy that we have resisted it in the past. -Thomas J. Peters

48) Life is a petty thing unless it is moved by the indomitable urge to extend its boundaries. -Jose Ortega Y Gasset (1883-1955)

49) After you’ve done a thing the same way for two years, look it over carefully. After five years, look at it with suspicion. And after ten years, throw it away and start all over. -Alfred Edward Perlman

50) Sometimes the answer to prayer is not that it changes life, but that it changes you. -James Dillet Freeman

51) A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will. -Spanish Proverb

52) You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. -Mike Murdock

53) What might not happen in a year might happen in an instant. -Puerto Rican Proverb

54) There are two kinds of fools. One says, “This is old, therefore it is good.” The other one says, “This is new, therefore it is better.” -Dean William R. Inge

55) Cause change and lead; accept change and survive; resist change and die. -Ray Norda

Wow, some of these are so good that I/we/you should be writing them down and stick them up around the house!  So…which ones do you like?

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Comments

    • Jerry Medlar
    • June 25, 2009
    Reply

    #15 was my favorite. It’s really difficult to change myself so what is the chance of me changing someone else who I have no control over anyway?

    • Marcia Hays
    • June 26, 2009
    Reply

    I anticipate CHANGE! It’s CHANGE that improves character. It’s CHANGE which let’s you see things and situations from a different prospective. It’s CHANGE that God uses to guide you. Besides, if it weren’t for CHANGE, I would be easily bored!

    • Michele
    • June 26, 2009
    Reply

    Great quotes. I have one that says “Change is here to stay”. Don’t know who said it but I like it because change is the only thing that isn’t transient.

    • EMMANUEL
    • June 29, 2009
    Reply

    Lovely, indeed change is the one thing we cannot ingnore if we sincerely aspire to be great. I’m excited about number (5) “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself”. -Leo Tolstoy

    • nimish
    • June 30, 2009
    Reply

    I, fully agree with no.13 that we normally look the close door which is not open for us we must have to see the another option for our better life.

    • Ibrahim Kadiwala
    • July 1, 2009
    Reply

    # 6 Absolutely! But this can happen only if everyone understands
    that education can be copied or bought from someone or somewhere but has to understand and put self efforts within

  1. #13 rings so true — the longer you are in mourning for the loss you can’t see the new gain. “When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one that has opened for us.” -Alexander Graham Bell

  2. Reply

    Thanks Everyone…and thanks to those that shared some quotes. Keep ’em coming!

    Shawn

    • Rekha
    • July 9, 2009
    Reply

    Good thoughts. Change is always required.

    Be a candle, Be a light, Be a twinkle in the dark, Be a hope, Be an inspiration & make a big difference to every one around.

    • Rao M Akram
    • July 28, 2009
    Reply

    Change Yourself, Otherwise Change Will Change you…………

    • Kavita
    • October 25, 2009
    Reply

    Nice thoughts Shawn. Here is another one.
    Change yourself and the World around you will change — Shriram Sharma

    • Thomas
    • October 27, 2009
    Reply

    I like this one “You cant Change the wind, but you can adjust the sails”

    • Peter Locuratolo
    • December 8, 2009
    Reply

    Number 13 hit the nail on the head for me. I’ve certainly heard the first part, but never the second which makes it all the more powerful. Was surprised that it’s a quote from Alexander Graham Bell. No offense meant Mr. Bell.

    Thanks
    Peter Locuratolo

    • rajesh
    • January 16, 2010
    Reply

    it is true, change yourself otherwise someone will change you.

    • rajesh
    • January 16, 2010
    Reply

    think progess and change are same.

    • Laurie Vowels
    • January 22, 2010
    Reply

    #3 is my favorite, they’re all good. Here’s one on change:

    The observer changes the nature of the observed.

    • Manjit Tendolkar
    • February 22, 2010
    Reply

    No.13 Quote is so very true. I am going through a change. And here i am fighting many bad reasons that have brought this change. but sure there has to be a window out there which i wouldnt have bothered to open otherwise. Let me just see.. let me just wait, coz i believe there has to be a bright reason for these circumstaces.

    • Yeahya
    • February 23, 2010
    Reply

    Change quote:
    You want change? Don’t nickel and dime yourself, give the cashier the entire 20 bucks.

    • Kelly
    • February 28, 2010
    Reply

    If nothing changes, nothing changes.

    • Starla Gamrath
    • March 19, 2010
    Reply

    Nice post. I don’t suppose you’d be against it if I added your blog to my linkexchange directory?

    1. Reply

      Where is your directory at?

    • Ashleigh
    • May 5, 2010
    Reply

    I have been writing them on my board at work, the people I work with hate change, so these will come in handy 🙂

    • Gary Butler
    • June 26, 2010
    Reply

    The only person who looks forward to change is a baby with a wet diaper!

    • Laurie
    • June 30, 2010
    Reply

    Hi Shawn, one of my favorites is: 13) When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one that has opened for us. -Alexander Graham Bell I can relate to that right now.

    1. Reply

      I know what you mean. Sometimes it’s hard to find that newly opened door! Sometimes it takes months…or years to find it! Or so I think.

    • terry
    • July 15, 2010
    Reply

    You are meant to be a river. If you will not change, you are a stagnant pond. You cannot reach the ocean. You can only evaporate.

    Osho

    • Faisal
    • July 27, 2010
    Reply

    Inspiring quotes…. Change shoud be positive … Change for gud

    • Trisha
    • September 20, 2010
    Reply

    I like them but I came up with one a while ago and it stuck on me pretty well. Maybe you will like it maybe you won’t. Your choice.

    “Change – what you get back when you’ve given too much.”
    – Trisha Sunryder

    • Ali
    • September 23, 2010
    Reply

    Change is the LAW of Life………..

    • sally
    • October 16, 2010
    Reply

    I like quote # 15 “Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you’ll understand what little chance you in trying to change others. -Jacob M. Braude

    • gajasura
    • October 27, 2010
    Reply

    I accept the quote #5 because Change comes from within not from outside.

    • Donnelle Daniels
    • December 7, 2010
    Reply

    Some people live for the moment, as soon as change arrives they die.

      • Rao M Akram
      • December 28, 2010
      Reply

      Wonderful……………..

    • alvi
    • June 5, 2011
    Reply

    Change is the only constant in life.

    • alvi
    • June 5, 2011
    Reply

    change is the only constant in life

    • Muhammad Zubair
    • August 4, 2011
    Reply

    “Change is the only thing where one can be consistent”

    Please add the above quote with my name

    • Becky
    • November 10, 2011
    Reply

    Great quotes. Thanks.

    • drew
    • November 15, 2011
    Reply

    Change causes friction. Change is normal. Therefore, friction is normal. (This is for those folks who see every disagreement as a major crisis, making mountains out of molehills. Anytime someone does not agree or has a different idea – thinks they are out-of-line.)

      • shawn
      • November 15, 2011
      Reply

      Good reminder! I too have to remember a disagreement is not a major crisis.

    • Ryan Jay
    • November 16, 2011
    Reply

    I write my own quotes under the registered brand LifeLines. Reading this list of change quotes reminded me of a LifeLine I wrote about three years ago. I trust you will find it thought provoking and a true LifeLine to you:

    Do not look upon the trials of life and ask WHY? Rather see them as opportunities to find new solutions and ask WHY NOT! -LifeLines

      • shawn
      • November 16, 2011
      Reply

      Thanks Ryan. You should share your URL so people know where to find you.

        • Ryan Jay
        • November 16, 2011
        Reply

        Hi Shawn,

        I live in Sri Lanka and my primary area of business is Marketing Communications. However I have been involved in community based support services for a little over three years now.

        As you might guess, people in my country needed (Still need) all the support & motivation they can get, so I started creating motivational quotes (LifeLines) for mobile phones in partnership with Network Operators locally.This is the first time LifeLines have got on to a web site. If you would like to know more about what I do please check out ProActivation facebook page.

          • shawn
          • November 19, 2011
          Reply

          Thanks for the interesting back story; so you’re at http://www.proactivation.lk, right? I found your Facebook page, but you should really get all the extra digits off the end of it. You can claim a dedicated name after 25 Likes, I think.

    • Ryan Jay
    • November 16, 2011
    Reply

    Here’s one on change:

    If you do not embrace change when you see it coming, it will surely sneak up on you from behind and swallow you up in time. -LifeLines

    • sally
    • November 17, 2011
    Reply

    I like this quote below “If you always do what you’ve done, you will always get what you’ve always got. -Ed Foreman” so i need change in my approach if i want different result” thanks Shawn for all these wonderful quotes…..it inspires me.

    • argaw
    • December 30, 2011
    Reply

    I found these quotes very interesting and life changing. thank you very much!all quotes are wonderful and inspiring.

    • Brit
    • December 30, 2011
    Reply

    #55 was the cherry to top it off. As always, though even more so with these, very inspiring. Thank you Shawn for your consistency in helping me aspire higher.

      • shawn
      • December 31, 2011
      Reply

      No problem, Brit. Glad you found something you liked in there. I was afraid 55 was too many quotes. 🙂

    • Chenai
    • December 31, 2011
    Reply

    hie i like#50 and thats because i am in a season and it goes well with my season , im in a season of change as we go into the new year,,,

    um there is a quote i have referring to change but not the type u have above there its more like when you have changed and started to speak up for urself and ppl don get it , well here goes..

    “I didn’t change, I’m the same person I always was, I just stopped being your doormat____*shrugs*”

    • Adam
    • December 31, 2011
    Reply

    Great quotes, Shawn. Many good comments, too. A thought that came to mind while reading these was the definition of insanity: doing the same thing repeatedly while expecting different results. It is a definite reminder of the need for change! Thanks for all the efforts in keeping this thing going. Good job!

      • shawn
      • December 31, 2011
      Reply

      Thanks Adam. That would have been a great quote to add to this page. Just have to go dig up the original….

    • Heidi
    • January 28, 2012
    Reply

    What is the exact quote by Amiri Baraka? It goes something like this: “If you’re not gonna change, change will change you.”

    • Susan
    • May 17, 2012
    Reply

    “You can’t change the world but you can change the world for one person.”

    I heard this from Cliff Richard but not sure if it was originally his.

    1. Reply

      Either way, thanks for sharing! 🙂

    • Jerry
    • May 20, 2014
    Reply

    Change is good for everyone except for the person who has to do it. Coach Jones

    • Louis Barbarino
    • June 29, 2014
    Reply

    “Change is good! It’s not always totally correct,but it’s never ever totally wrong!” Steve

    • Access Consciousness
    • April 25, 2018
    Reply

    Nice Information by this post

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