Famous Want Quotes in English

Here’s a collection of famous quotes about "want," along with their meanings and detailed examples. These quotes delve into the concept of desire, ambition, and the pursuit of goals.

1. “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” – Peter Drucker

• Meaning: Drucker suggests that in times of change or uncertainty, the real threat is sticking to outdated ways of thinking or desiring solutions based on past experiences. Instead, one must adapt and innovate.

• Example: A business leader facing market disruptions must be willing to rethink their strategies and embrace new technologies rather than relying solely on traditional business models.

2. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

• Meaning: Roosevelt emphasizes that those who dare to dream and hold onto their aspirations have the power to shape their futures. Desire and belief in one's goals are essential for achieving them.

• Example: An aspiring artist who believes in their talent and dreams of exhibiting in a gallery tirelessly works on their craft, ultimately achieving their goal of showcasing their art.

3. “Desire is the starting point of all achievement.” – Napoleon Hill

• Meaning: Hill highlights that wanting something strongly enough is the first step toward achieving it. Without desire, there can be no motivation to pursue goals.

• Example: A student who desires to become a doctor studies diligently and volunteers at hospitals, driven by their passion to help others, illustrating how desire fuels their path to achievement.

4. “If you don’t know what you want, you’ll never find it.” – Unknown

• Meaning: This quote underscores the importance of having clear goals and desires. Without knowing what you want, it's impossible to make progress or achieve anything meaningful.

• Example: A person who drifts through various jobs without a clear career goal often feels unfulfilled, while someone with a specific ambition, like becoming an engineer, takes steps to gain the necessary education and experience.

5. “Wanting something is one thing. Being able to take action to get it is another.” – Unknown

• Meaning: This quote emphasizes the distinction between desire and the willingness to act on that desire. Many people want things, but only those who take action can achieve them.

• Example: A person may want to lose weight, but without the commitment to change their eating habits and exercise regularly, that desire will remain unfulfilled.

6. “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find you get what you need.” – The Rolling Stones

• Meaning: This quote suggests that while we often desire specific outcomes, the reality is that we may end up with something even more valuable through our efforts.

• Example: A job seeker may want a specific position but ends up in a different role that offers better growth opportunities, highlighting that needs sometimes align with efforts.

7. “I want to be the very best version of myself.” – Unknown

• Meaning: This quote expresses the desire for personal growth and self-improvement, indicating that striving to be better is a worthy goal.

• Example: An individual embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning new skills, and embracing challenges to become more confident and capable in their personal and professional life.

8. “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” – Helen Keller

• Meaning: Keller highlights that wanting something without a clear vision or understanding of how to achieve it can lead to stagnation. True desire is coupled with purpose and direction.

• Example: A business owner who dreams of expanding their company but lacks a strategic plan may struggle to grow, emphasizing the need for vision alongside desire.

9. “What we want is what we think we want.” – Unknown

• Meaning: This quote suggests that our desires can sometimes be influenced by external factors, such as society or peer pressure, rather than being genuine.

• Example: A teenager may desire the latest smartphone because their friends have it, rather than because they truly need it, highlighting the distinction between genuine wants and influenced desires.

10. “The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.” – Tacitus

• Meaning: Tacitus warns that the pursuit of comfort and security can prevent individuals from taking risks necessary for significant achievements and advancements.

• Example: An entrepreneur who fears failure may avoid launching an innovative product, thus missing the chance to make a meaningful impact in their industry.

11. “You must want to be a butterfly. You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.” – Anonymous

• Meaning: This quote emphasizes that true transformation requires a deep desire for change, along with the willingness to let go of old habits and identities.

• Example: An individual seeking to improve their mental health must be willing to confront their fears and let go of negative thought patterns to embrace a healthier mindset.

12. “To want is to have a great idea, but to act is to have a great idea and put it into motion.” – Unknown

• Meaning: This quote distinguishes between merely wanting something and taking the necessary steps to make that desire a reality. Action is the key to turning ideas into accomplishments.

• Example: A writer may have a brilliant idea for a novel but only achieves success by dedicating time to write and revise, demonstrating that action is essential to fulfillment.

13. “Desire is the fuel for the fire of action.” – Unknown

• Meaning: This quote implies that strong desires motivate individuals to take action and pursue their goals, serving as the driving force behind efforts.

• Example: An athlete who desires to win a championship trains rigorously, showcasing how their passion drives them to work hard and achieve their objectives.

14. “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” – Zig Ziglar

• Meaning: Ziglar highlights that the journey and personal growth experienced while pursuing desires and goals are more significant than the actual outcomes.

• Example: A student who works hard to earn a scholarship gains not only financial support but also valuable skills, discipline, and confidence that shape their character for future success.

15. “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle

• Meaning: Aristotle suggests that our desires and actions shape our identities; consistent efforts toward our goals create excellence rather than isolated achievements.

• Example: A musician who practices daily not only improves their skills but also becomes recognized for their talent, demonstrating how habitual action transforms desire into excellence.

16. “A man is but the product of his thoughts; what he thinks, he becomes.” – Mahatma Gandhi

• Meaning: Gandhi emphasizes that our desires and thoughts shape our identities and destinies, suggesting that what we truly want can manifest through our mindset.

• Example: An individual who consistently visualizes success and focuses on their goals is more likely to take the necessary steps to achieve them, ultimately becoming successful.

17. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker

• Meaning: Drucker emphasizes that taking proactive steps toward our desires allows us to shape our futures rather than waiting for circumstances to dictate them.

• Example: An entrepreneur who identifies a gap in the market and develops a product to fill that gap takes control of their future, illustrating how action can lead to desired outcomes.

18. “Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable you to attain the success you seek.” – Mario Andretti

• Meaning: Andretti suggests that while desire initiates motivation, it is the combination of determination and commitment that ultimately leads to success.

• Example: A student who aspires to be a doctor must not only want it but also commit to studying hard, volunteering, and excelling in relevant subjects to achieve that goal.

19. “Success is the progressive realization of a worthy goal or ideal.” – Earl Nightingale

• Meaning: Nightingale defines success not just by the achievement of a goal but by the continuous pursuit of something meaningful. The desire to achieve becomes part of the success journey.

• Example: An artist who constantly strives to improve their craft and contribute to the art community may find fulfillment in the journey itself, even if they haven’t yet reached the pinnacle of their aspirations.

20. “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” – Jimmy Dean

• Meaning: Dean emphasizes that while external circumstances may be beyond our control, we have the power to adapt our desires and actions to achieve our goals.

• Example: An entrepreneur facing economic challenges may need to pivot their business model to stay afloat, demonstrating the importance of adaptability in pursuing desires.

These quotes reflect various perspectives on "want," highlighting the distinction between desire and action, the importance of personal growth, and the necessity of adaptability in pursuing goals. They serve as reminders that our desires shape our journeys and that proactive efforts are essential to realizing our dreams.