Famous Words of the Famous

By Simran Khurana, About.com Guide to Quotations

I believe that it is not the technology, the culture, or the wars, that have marked the progress of human civilization. It is more the evolution of thought and wisdom that defines us. If you share my view, you will enjoy reading quotations by famous people.

1. Famous Writers and Poets
2. Political Leaders
3. Famous Women
4. Funny People
5. Celebrities

Famous Writers and Poets

When you read a classic, you can't help feeling overwhelmed by the author's depth of thought. Legends such as Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Rudyard Kipling continue to dominate the world of literature. Remarkably, many celebrated writers and poets of previous centuries did not have strong educational backgrounds! Yet, they left their distinct mark on English literature and language. Mark Twain, Samuel Johnson, and Christopher Marlowe contributed a great deal to the English language. Marvel at the power that great authors wield over words.

• Mark Twain
• Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Rudyard Kipling
• Charles Dickens

Political Leaders

You may think that political leaders are power-hungry bad hats who never fulfill their promises. But the truth is that without revolutionary political leaders, social and economic progress would be unimaginable. Political leaders have an aura that compels the masses to follow them. They also envision a glorious future for the common good. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamt of a society devoid of racial prejudice. Winston Churchill led his country through the World War. Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence saw India through her freedom struggle. Thus, a leader aspires for his nation and guides people to realize their dreams.

• Abraham Lincoln
• Boris Yeltsin
• George W Bush
• Gandhi
• Martin Luther King Jr.

Famous Women

The women of today may be an emancipated lot, but this was not always the case. In earlier centuries, male domination ensured that the woman was confined to the home and the hearth. A few women chose to carve their own future, and eventually, the future of womankind. Mother Teresa, Susan B Anthony, Eleanor Roosevelt, Helen Keller -– these were ordinary women who went on to achieve extraordinary success. What set them apart was their self-belief. They gave other women the courage to come into their own. Their inspirational words trigger the desire to achieve the impossible.

• Eleanor Roosevelt
• Hellen Keller
• Mother Teresa
• Susan B Anthony

Funny People

Laughter is serious business. Getting a room full of people to burst into peals of laughter is not everybody's cup of tea. Yet, great comedians like Rodney Dangerfield, Groucho Marx, Dane Cook, and others manage to leave their audience in splits every time they crack a joke. But you don't have to be a famous stand-up comedian to make light conversation. Whether you are in a mood for a good laugh, or you want to be the center of attention at your office party, quotes from funny people can be handy.

• Rodney Dangerfield
• Dane Cook
• Evan Esar
• George Carlin
• Mitch Hedberg

Celebrities

Here is a pertinent question: Who is more obsessed with celebrity talk? The paparazzi or the public? The more we read about celebrity lifestyles, the more we want to know. It is well-known that celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and Britney Spears have always influenced fashion, lifestyle, and even thought. When fans idolize their celebrity icons, a brand is created. It is no wonder that celebrity-endorsed brands are a marketer's trump card. Get to know your favorite celebrities' thoughts and feelings through celebrity quotes.

• Britney Spears
• Elvis Presley
• Marilyn Monroe
• Jennifer Lopez