Is it any wonder that Disney films are filled with poignant, inspirational and uplifting quotes? Walt Disney himself once said, "all of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them," and that kind of positive attitude tends to have a trickle-down effect. Disney movies entertain us, inspire us, and help remind us that all things are possible with just a little bit of imagination. For those of you who need an inspirational boost, here are 10 of the best inspirational Disney movie quotes out there.
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"Always let your conscience be your guide." - Pinocchio
After the Blue Fairy brings Pinocchio to life, her parting words to him are, "be a good boy, and always let your conscience be your guide." These words don't just apply to Pinocchio, they apply to everyone who will listen.
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Using your own moral compass to guide your decision-making is much better than giving into peer pressure or allowing other people to make decisions for you. Remember, doing what is right doesn't always mean doing what is easy.
"The very things that hold you down are going to lift you up." - Dumbo
There's something special about the fact that this gorgeous piece of inspiration came out of the mouth of Timothy Mouse, a small, seemingly insignificant "rodent" that not many people would take the time to listen to. As they always say, good things often come in small packages. In the film, Timothy Mouse is obviously referring to Dumbo's extremely long ears, but this quote goes much deeper than that. In the end, people have to learn to embrace their perceived "flaws" and find an advantage in differences.
"Just keep swimming." - Finding Nemo
How can anyone forget Dory's positive advice to Marlin in Finding Nemo? In the film, Marlin is beginning to lose hope that he'll ever find Nemo, but Dory is NOT about hopelessness or giving up. "When life gets you down, you want to know what you've got to do? Just keep swimming!" Not only does she deliver her advice in the form of a catchy little tune, she also practices what she preaches throughout the duration of the film.
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Sometimes all you can do is push forward, no matter how hopeless the situation might feel. Moving forward is always better than being paralyzed by the past (or by the present).
"She warned him not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within." - Beauty And The Beast
This particular quote is said by the narrator at the beginning of the film, as part of the Prince's backstory. When an unexpected visitor comes to the castle, offering the prince a single rose in exchange for shelter, the prince rejects her after being 'repulsed by her haggard appearance'. As the story goes, the haggard visitor is revealed to be an enchantress who transforms the vain prince into a beast. In a world where both men and women are judged according to what they look like or what they wear, there's a lot that society as a whole can learn from this quote. A piece of fruit can look beautiful on the outside, but still be rotten at its core.
"There’s a great big hunk of world down there with no fence around it." - Lady And The Tramp
One of the best things about Tramp in Lady and the Tramp is how he is always challenging Lady's narrow worldview. Sure, he might not be as well groomed as Lady, but he sees the world through a different lens and we all need a partner who can help us do that. This quote is perfect on its own, but it's even better in its entirety.
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"Look, there's a great big hunk of world down there, with no fence around it. Where two dogs can find adventure and excitement. And beyond those distant hills, who knows what wonderful experiences? And it's all ours for the taking, Pige. It's all ours."
"If you can't say something nice, don’t say nothing at all." - Bambi
This particular bit of wisdom came straight out of Thumper's mouth in the movie Bambi, but given that it was released back in 1942, it's now become a popular adage in American culture. They say that what comes out of your mouth is what lies in your heart, so we should all strive for our words to be uplifting and encouraging. Has anyone ever benefited from hearing (or saying) mean and bitter words? Of course not! Thumper's mama knew what she was talking about.
"Venture outside your comfort zone. The rewards are worth it." - Tangled
This particular quote is delivered by Rapunzel herself in Tangled, and has there ever been anything more true? It's like they always say - if it scares you, you should probably do it.
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Asking someone to venture outside of their comfort zone is essentially just asking them to be brave. Don't be afraid to take risks! The only way you can be 100% positive that something won't work out is by not trying at all, so you might as well take the chance!
"Even miracles take a little time." - Cinderella
The Fairy Godmother says this to Cinderella when she's preparing her for the ball, and the simplicity and beauty of this quote could make anyone tear upWhoeverer said that "miracles" have to be fast, and why do we expect them to be? True miracles often involve patience, resilience, and determination, which only makes them more beautiful (and miraculous) when they finally come to fruition. The potential for a miracle is inside each and every one of us.
"The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." - Mulan
In the movie Mulan, a young girl steals her father's armor, runs away from home, impersonates a soldier, and ends up fighting for (and saving) China. At the very end of the film, she receives a medal for her efforts from the Emperor before riding back home to see her family.
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At that moment, the Emperor tells Li Shang (Mulan's army captain and love interest) that "the flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all," advising him to go after her. In other words, strength of character is much more valuable (and rare) than a pretty face.
"You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." - Pooh's Most Grand Adventure
This quote has been taken from 1997's Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin, and how could anyone not be touched by it? The truth is, you are your own toughest critic and are likely to sell yourself short on just about every level imaginable. Pooh's quote in this movie is a reminder that we are always MORE than we think we are. If we don't believe in ourselves, then who will?