Best quotes from “40 Rules of Love” by Elif Shafak:

In many ways, the 21st century is not that different from the 13th century. Both will be recorded in history as times of unprecedented religious clashes, cultural misunderstandings and a general sense of insecurity and fear of the other. At times like these, the need for love is greater than ever.

The Forty Rules of Love by Elif shafak: Summary, Lessons and Key Takeaways

Most of the problems of the world stem from linguistic mistakes and simple misunderstandings. Don’t ever take words at face value. When you step into the zone of love language as we know it becomes obsolete. That which cannot be put into words can only be grasped through silence.

God never burdens us with more than we can bear.

There was a rule that suited my mood: ”Whatever happens in your life, no matter, how troubling things might seem, do not enter the neighbourhood of despair. Even all doors remain closed, God will open up a new path only for you. Be thankful. It is easy to be thankful when all is well. A Sufi is thankful not only for what he has been given but also for all that he has been denied.

Patience does not mean to passively endure. It means to be farsighted enough to trust the end result of a process. What does patience mean? It means to look at the thorn and see the rose, to look at the night and see the dawn. Impatience means to be so shortsighted as to not be able to see the outcome. The lovers of God never run out of patience, for they know that time is needed for the crescent moon to become full.

The midwife knows that when there is no pain, the way for the baby cannot be opened and the mother cannot give birth. Likewise, for a new self to be born, hardship is necessary. Just as clay needs to go through intense heat to become strong, love can only be perfected in pain.

If you ever lose faith in yourself, the mirror will show your inner beauty. In case your reputation is stained the handkerchief will remind you of how pure your heart is. As for the balm, it will heal your wounds, both inside and outside.

There are more fake gurus and false teachers in this world than the number of stars in the visible universe. Don’t confuse power-driven self-centred people with true mentors. A genuine spiritual master will not direct your attention to himself or herself and will not expect absolute obedience or utter admiration from you, but instead will help you to appreciate and admire your inner self. True mentors are as transparent as glass. They let the Light of God pass through them.

Because you are so desperate to win the approval of others, you’ll never get rid of their criticism, no matter how hard you try.

Being used to an itinerant life, I found it slightly unnerving to have to settle in a city but I recalled another fundamental rule: Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead, let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?

If you want to change the way others treat you, you should first change the way you treat yourself. Unless you learn to love yourself fully and sincerely, there is no way you can be loved. Once you achieve this stage, however, be thankful for every thorn that others might throw at you. It is a sign that you will soon be showered in roses.

Fret not where the road will take you. Instead, concentrate on the first step. That’s the hardest part and that’s what you are responsible for. Once you take that step let everything do what it naturally does and the rest will follow. Do not go with the flow. Be the flow.

Beautiful is your life full and complete. Or, so you think until someone comes along and makes you realize what you have been missing all this time. Like a mirror that reflects what is absent rather than present, he shows you the void in your soul – the void you have resisted seeing. That person can be a lover, a friend, a spiritual master. Sometimes it can be a child to look after. What matters is to find the soul that will complete yours.

I am sure you will love “40 Rules of Love” by Elif Shafak and will note the best quotes from the book for yourself as the whole book is a book of wisdom.

Read full summary and key takeaways from the book “Forty rules of love” here.

Short Bio of Franklin D. Roosevelt:

Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 to 1945, and the only U.S. president to be elected to four terms. Born into a prominent New York family, Roosevelt entered politics and became Governor of New York before assuming the presidency during the Great Depression. He implemented the New Deal, a series of programs and reforms aimed at revitalizing the economy and providing relief to those affected by the economic downturn. Roosevelt’s leadership during World War II further solidified his legacy as a steadfast and determined leader. Despite facing personal and national challenges, including being paralyzed by polio, he exhibited remarkable resilience and optimism. Roosevelt’s inspiring words and decisive actions left an indelible mark on the nation, guiding America through some of its most trying times.

15 Inspirational and Positive Quotes by Franklin D. Roosevelt:

1. “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.”
2. “Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”
3. “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
4. “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”
5. “We may not be able to prepare the future for our children, but we can at least prepare our children for the future.”
6. “When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”
7. “Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds.”
8. “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
9. “True individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence.”
10. “The only guide to a man is his conscience; the only shield to his memory is the rectitude and sincerity of his actions.”
11. “It isn’t sufficient just to want – you’ve got to ask yourself what you are going to do to get the things you want.”
12. “The point in history at which we stand is full of promise and danger. The world will either move forward toward unity and widely shared prosperity – or it will move apart.”
13. “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.”
14. “Be sincere; be brief; be seated.”
15. “The only sure bulwark of continuing liberty is a government strong enough to protect the interests of the people, and a people strong enough and well enough informed to maintain its sovereign control over the government.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s quotes exemplify his leadership, optimism, and unwavering commitment to uplifting the nation during challenging times. His enduring words continue to inspire individuals to face adversity with courage, embrace progress, and strive for a better and more united future.

Short Bio of Theodore Roosevelt:

Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) was the 26th President of the United States, a rugged outdoorsman, and a progressive reformer. Born in New York City, Roosevelt grew up with a passion for nature and adventure. He served as a police commissioner, assistant secretary of the Navy, and governor of New York before becoming President in 1901. Roosevelt’s presidency was marked by his commitment to conservation, trust-busting, and social reforms. He championed the concept of the “Square Deal,” aiming to balance the interests of labor, business, and the public. A charismatic and energetic leader, Roosevelt’s bold and optimistic approach earned him admiration and respect both domestically and internationally. His inspirational words continue to resonate, inspiring generations to embrace challenges with courage and make a lasting impact on the world.

15 Inspirational and Positive Quotes by Theodore Roosevelt:

1. “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

2. “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.”

3. “Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.”

4. “The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything.”

5. “It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.”

6. “Far and away, the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”

7. “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”

8. “Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don’t have strength.”

9. “Do what is right, not what is easy.”

10. “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

11. “The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants to be done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”

12. “The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.”

13. “No man is worth his salt who is not ready at all times to risk his well-being, to risk his body, to risk his life in a great cause.”

14. “It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things.”

15. “Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, and half shut afterward.”

Theodore Roosevelt’s quotes encompass wisdom, courage, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. His enduring inspiration encourages individuals to embrace challenges, lead with integrity, and strive for greatness in their endeavors.

Short Bio of Peter Drucker:

Peter Drucker (1909-2005) was a renowned management consultant, educator, and author, often hailed as the “Father of Modern Management.” Born in Austria, Drucker became a prominent figure in the field of management theory and practice. He taught at prestigious universities, including New York University and Claremont Graduate University, and authored numerous influential books on management and leadership. Drucker’s insights and ideas have shaped the way organizations and individuals approach business, emphasizing the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship, and effective leadership. His profound wisdom and vision continue to inspire leaders and professionals worldwide, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and personal growth.

15 Inspirational and Positive Quotes by Peter Drucker:

1. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

2. “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.”

3. “The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.”

4. “The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it, and exploits it as an opportunity.”

5. “Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results, not attributes.”

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

7. “Results are gained by exploiting opportunities, not by solving problems.”

8. “The only thing we know about the future is that it will be different.”

9. “Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.”

10. “The productivity of work is not the responsibility of the worker but of the manager.”

11. “Management by objectives works if you first think through your objectives. Ninety percent of the time, you haven’t.”

12. “Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.”

13. “Knowledge has to be improved, challenged, and increased constantly or it vanishes.”

14. “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.”

15. “The most important thing in life is to stop saying ‘I wish’ and start saying ‘I will.’ Consider nothing impossible, then treat possibilities as probabilities.”

Peter Drucker’s quotes encapsulate timeless principles of effective leadership, continuous learning, and embracing change. His teachings encourage individuals to proactively shape their destinies, focus on meaningful goals, and cultivate a mindset of adaptability and innovation.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (1931-2015) was an eminent Indian scientist, aerospace engineer, and the 11th President of India. Born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Kalam played a pivotal role in India’s space and missile development programs. He served as the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister and later as the President of India from 2002 to 2007. Known as the “Missile Man of India,” Kalam was highly regarded for his vision, humility, and commitment to education and youth empowerment. He dedicated his life to inspiring and mentoring young minds, urging them to dream big and work towards a technologically advanced and prosperous India. His profound contributions to science, education, and national development earned him widespread respect and admiration both in India and across the world.

15 Inspirational and Positive Quotes by APJ Abdul Kalam:

1. “Don’t take rest after your first victory because if you fail in second, more lips are waiting to say that your first victory was just luck.”

2. “You have to dream before your dreams can come true.”

3. “All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.”

4. “Success is when your signature becomes an autograph.”

5. “If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.”

6. “Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.”

7. “Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow.”

8. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

9. “You have to be your own scriptwriter, and the play is never finished, no matter what your age.”

10. “Learning gives creativity, creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge, and knowledge makes you great.”

11. “Thinking should become your capital asset, no matter whatever ups and downs you come across in your life.”

12. “If a country is to be corruption-free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother, and the teacher.”

13. “Life is a difficult game. You can win it only by retaining your birthright to be a person.”

14. “You cannot change your future, but you can change your habits, and surely your habits will change your future.”

15. “Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow.”

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s motivational quotes are a testament to his vision, optimism, and dedication to inspire the youth to dream big and work towards a brighter future. His words continue to resonate with people of all ages, encouraging them to strive for excellence and contribute positively to society.

Short Bio of Winston Churchill:

Winston Churchill (1874-1965) was a British statesman, orator, and author, best known for his leadership during World War II as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Born into a prestigious family, Churchill’s political career spanned over five decades and included roles as First Lord of the Admiralty and Chancellor of the Exchequer. His indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve during the darkest days of the war earned him the admiration and respect of the nation. Churchill’s powerful speeches and iconic quotes have become immortalized, standing as a testament to his defiance in the face of adversity and his commitment to freedom and democracy. His remarkable leadership and ability to inspire hope in times of crisis continue to inspire generations worldwide.

15 Inspirational and Positive Quotes by Winston Churchill:

1. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”

2. “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.”

3. “Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence, is the key to unlocking our potential.”

4. “If you’re going through hell, keep going.”

5. “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”

6. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

7. “The price of greatness is responsibility.”

8. “To improve is to change, to be perfect is to change often.”

9. “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”

10. “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”

11. “The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes.”

12. “You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.”

13. “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.”

14. “It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time.”

15. “Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.”

Winston Churchill’s timeless quotes encapsulate the essence of leadership, resilience, and courage. His words continue to inspire individuals to persevere in the face of challenges and to embrace the power of a determined and positive mindset.

Short Bio of Albert Einstein:

Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was a theoretical physicist, best known for his groundbreaking theory of relativity and his equation E=mc^2, which revolutionized our understanding of the universe. Born in Germany, Einstein demonstrated exceptional intelligence from an early age and developed a profound curiosity about the natural world. His scientific achievements earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. Beyond his scientific contributions, Einstein was admired for his philosophical insights, humanitarian values, and advocacy for peace. He believed in the power of imagination and creativity, emphasizing that knowledge is limited, but imagination encircles the world. Albert Einstein’s ideas continue to shape modern physics and inspire generations to seek knowledge, question the status quo, and approach life with a sense of wonder and curiosity.

15 Inspirational and Positive Quotes by Albert Einstein:

1. “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.”

2. “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”

3. “The only source of knowledge is experience.”

4. “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.”

5. “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

6. “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.”

7. “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”

8. “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”

9. “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

10. “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”

11. “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”

12. “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”

13. “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

14. “The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious.”

15. “The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.”

Albert Einstein’s quotes transcend scientific boundaries, offering insights into life, learning, and the human condition. His profound words encourage us to explore the wonders of the universe, seek wisdom in every experience, and nurture our imagination to shape a brighter and more compassionate world.

Short Bio of Steve Jobs:

Steve Jobs (1955-2011) was a visionary entrepreneur and co-founder of Apple Inc. Known for his innovative mindset and relentless pursuit of excellence, Jobs revolutionized the technology industry with iconic products like the iPhone, iPad, and Macintosh computer. His passion for design, attention to detail, and ability to anticipate consumer needs set Apple on a path to becoming one of the world’s most valuable companies. Steve Jobs’ legacy continues to inspire countless individuals to think differently, embrace creativity, and change the world through groundbreaking ideas.

15 Inspirational and Positive Quotes by Steve Jobs:

1. “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.”

2. “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

3. “Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.”

4. “Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”

5. “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”

6. “Stay hungry, stay foolish.”

7. “Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith.”

8. “Quality is more important than quantity. One home run is much better than two doubles.”

9. “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”

10. “The journey is the reward.”

11. “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.”

12. “Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.”

13. “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”

14. “I think the things you regret most in life are the things you didn’t do.”

15. “Your work is going to be a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

Steve Jobs’ words continue to inspire innovation, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence. His remarkable insights and unwavering commitment to his vision have left a lasting impact on the world of technology and beyond. Jobs’ legacy serves as a reminder to never settle, to push the boundaries of possibility, and to follow our passions with determination and purpose.

Brief Bio of Eleanor Roosevelt:

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) was an influential American diplomat, activist, and the longest-serving First Lady of the United States. Born into a prominent family, she married Franklin D. Roosevelt, who became the 32nd President of the United States. During her husband’s presidency, Eleanor redefined the role of First Lady, becoming a passionate advocate for human rights, civil rights, and social justice. She used her position to promote causes such as women’s rights, racial equality, and the rights of workers. Eleanor Roosevelt’s tireless efforts, strong advocacy, and compassionate nature left an enduring legacy, making her one of the most esteemed and beloved figures in American history.

15 Inspirational and Positive Quotes by Eleanor Roosevelt:

1. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

2. “Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you’ll be criticized anyway.”

3. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

4. “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.”

5. “You must do the things you think you cannot do.”

6. “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences.”

7. “Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product.”

8. “The giving of love is an education in itself.”

9. “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.”

10. “Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility.”

11. “It is not fair to ask of others what you are unwilling to do yourself.”

12. “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.”

13. “No one can ever make you feel small if you have a dream and know in your heart you can do it.”

14. “The future is literally in our hands to mold as we like. But we cannot wait until tomorrow. Tomorrow is now.”

15. “In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.”

Eleanor Roosevelt’s words continue to inspire people to believe in themselves, stand for what is right, and contribute to a better world. Her timeless wisdom encourages us to embrace courage, kindness, and compassion in our pursuit of a more equitable and compassionate society.