These 22 Inspiring Miyazaki Quotes Will Move You to Tears

Walt Disney Studios
Everett Collection

If you're familiar with the magic that comes from Hayao Miyazaki's mind, then you already know just how amazing his movies are. If you're not familiar with Miyazaki and his Studio Ghibli works — the film studio he founded — then stop what you're doing and start marathoning his movies. NOW. Don't let the cute animated characters deceive you — Miyazaki creates works of pure art, each one with a beautiful story and depth fans have to come expect of his films. In addition to gorgeous animation and unforgettable stories, Miyazaki, both in interviews and through his movies, has had words of wisdom that are timeless, moving, and inspirational. Get ready to laugh, cry, and see the world differently after reading them.

01

“You cannot alter your fate. However, you can rise to meet it.” — Princess Mononoke

02

"The Earth speaks to all of us, and if we listen, we can understand." — Castle in the Sky

03

"No matter how many weapons you have, no matter how great your technology might be, the world cannot live without love!" — Castle in the Sky

04

"They say that the best blaze burns brightest when circumstances are at their worst." — Howl's Moving Castle

05

"Whenever someone creates something with all of their heart, then that creation is given a soul." — The Cat Returns

06

"Yet, even amidst the hatred and carnage, life is still worth living. It is possible for wonderful encounters and beautiful things to exist." — Hayao Miyazaki

07

“Just follow your heart, and keep smiling." — Kiki's Delivery Service

08

"Now go, and don't look back." — Spirited Away

09

"It doesn’t really matter what color your dress is. What matters is the heart inside." — Kiki's Delivery Service

10

"Always believe in yourself. Do this and no matter where you are, you will have nothing to fear." — The Cat Returns

11

"Once you meet someone, you never really forget them." — Spirited Away

12

"I wanted to convey the message to children that this life is worth living. This message has not changed." — Hayao Miyazaki on Howl's Moving Castle

13

"Life, as they say, has its ups and downs. At times, the waves may taunt you, tossing you in their swells. But take heart. It's hard to stick with it and make it on your own. But even a couple of losers can survive most things if they're together." — My Neighbors the Yamadas

14

"The creation of a single world comes from a huge number of fragments and chaos." — Hayao Miyazaki

15

"A heart's a heavy burden." — Howl's Moving Castle

16

"Inspiration unlocks the future." — The Wind Rises

17

"Many of my movies have strong female leads — brave, self-sufficient girls that don't think twice about fighting for what they believe in with all their heart. They'll need a friend, or a supporter, but never a savior. Any woman is just as capable of being a hero as any man." — Hayao Miyazaki

18

"Life is a winking light in the darkness." — Hayao Miyazaki

19

"Everybody, try laughing. Then whatever scares you will go away!" — My Neighbor Totoro

20

"There's no future for people who worship the future and forget the past." — Up on Poppy Hill

21

"I've become skeptical of the unwritten rule that just because a boy and girl appear in the same feature, a romance must ensue. Rather, I want to portray a slightly different relationship, one where the two mutually inspire each other to live — if I'm able to, then perhaps I'll be closer to portraying a true expression of love." — Hayao Miyazaki

22

"Life is suffering. It is hard. The world is cursed. But still, you find reasons to keep living." — Princess Mononoke

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