Anime has long captivated audiences with its profound exploration of inner and outer strength, often through characters who overcome immense adversity in series like Naruto, One Piece, and Attack on Titan. These stories delve into themes of perseverance, self-belief, and growth amidst hardship, blending high-stakes battles with introspective moments.
This curated collection of 25 canonical quotes highlights strength in various forms, showcasing character development, emotional depth, and connections to broader series motifs across different arcs and tones.
Believe in yourself. Not in the you who believes in me. Not the me who believes in you
Episode 8 (Who Do You Think You Are, Having Two Faces!?)
Kamina
Empowers Simon’s self-reliance during a pivotal battle, marking his growth from doubt to independence in Gurren Lagann’s rebellion arc.
Push through the pain. Giving up hurts more
Episode 276 (Vegeta’s Respect)
Vegeta
Reflects Vegeta’s pride-fueled resilience in Dragon Ball Z’s Buu Saga, transforming rivalry into motivational strength for enduring challenges.
The strong should aid and protect the weak. Then, the weak will become strong, and they in turn will aid and protect those weaker than them. That is the law of nature
Episode 19 (Hinokami)
Tanjiro Kamado
Tanjiro’s compassionate vow in Demon Slayer’s early arc inspires communal growth, emphasizing empathy’s role in building collective strength.
Don’t give up, there’s no shame in falling down! The true shame is to not stand up again
Episode 24 (The Final Four)
Shintaro Midorima
Midorima’s encouragement in Kuroko no Basuke’s tournament arc highlights perseverance, driving team unity and personal redemption after setbacks.
No amount of talent trumps hard work
Episode 12 (The Tip-Off)
Rin Matsuoka
Rin’s realization in Free!’s competitive swimming arc fosters determination, connecting to themes of effort overcoming innate abilities in rivalry.
Life is not a game of luck. If you wanna win, work hard
Episode 6 (Step and a Step)
Sora
Sora’s strategic mindset in No Game No Life’s early challenges promotes diligence, aiding character evolution from isolation to triumphant partnership.
Fear is not evil. It tells you what weakness is. And once you know your weakness, you can become stronger as well as kinder
Episode 143 (Dog of the Fairy Tail)
Gildarts Clive
Gildarts’ wisdom in Fairy Tail’s peaceful mentorship moment guides Natsu’s development, linking self-awareness to compassionate power in guild bonds.
The ticket to the future is always open
Episode 26 (Reminisce)
Vash The Stampede
Vash’s optimistic reflection in Trigun’s finale arc encourages renewal, symbolizing redemption and forward momentum after tragic losses.
Believe in the Kamina Who Believes in You
Episode 8 (Later, Buddy)
Kamina
Kamina’s rallying cry in Gurren Lagann’s surface breakthrough arc boosts Simon’s confidence, embodying trust’s transformative strength in rebellion.
No matter how messed up things get, you can always figure out the best solution
Episode 37 (The Dawn of Humanity)
Eren Yeager
Eren’s early optimism in Attack on Titan’s Survey Corps arc evolves into complex resolve, tying to themes of adaptation amid chaos.
Move forward without fear
Episode 87 (The Dawn of Humanity)
Eren Yeager
Eren’s mantra in Attack on Titan’s final arc embodies courage, marking his shift from vengeance to purposeful strength against existential threats.
Nothing in this world is useless
Episode 27 (Flame of Hope)
Edward Elric
Edward’s insight in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’s rescue arc values every experience, fostering alchemical growth and philosophical depth.
It’s not over when you lose; it’s over when you quit
Episode 148 (The Last Exam)
Gon Freecss
Gon’s perseverance in Hunter x Hunter’s exam arc inspires resilience, highlighting development through failure in pursuit of adventure.
If you don’t believe in yourself, who will
Episode 24 (The Final Decision)
Misato Katsuragi
Misato’s encouragement in Neon Genesis Evangelion’s climax urges Shinji’s self-trust, connecting to themes of identity and emotional fortitude.
Miracles happen on the heads of those who never give up
Episode 11 (Simon, Hands Off)
Kamina
Kamina’s bold declaration in Gurren Lagann’s mid-arc battle fuels unyielding spirit, driving Simon’s evolution from timidity to heroism.
Set your heart ablaze, for the sake of changing tomorrow
Episode 19 (Hinokami)
Rengoku Kyojuro
Rengoku’s dying words in Demon Slayer’s Mugen Train arc ignite Tanjiro’s passion, symbolizing sacrificial strength for future generations.
Effort will definitely be rewarded
Episode 38 (The Explosion of the Right Arm)
Rock Lee
Rock Lee’s creed in Naruto’s Chunin Exams arc showcases diligence over talent, marking his inspirational growth through physical trials.
Live with all your might! You only have one life
Episode 101 (The Land of Waves)
Monkey D. Luffy
Luffy’s exuberant philosophy in One Piece’s early adventures promotes fearless living, tying to crew loyalty and boundless exploration.
Human strength lies in the ability to change yourself
Episode 12 (One Hundred Push-Ups)
Saitama
Saitama’s reflection in One Punch Man’s origin arc emphasizes self-transformation, subverting hero tropes with mundane yet profound discipline.
You can die anytime, but living takes true courage
Episode 48 (The Wandering Swordsman)
Kenshin Himura
Kenshin’s introspective wisdom in Rurouni Kenshin’s peaceful Kyoto arc highlights survival’s emotional toll, aiding his atonement journey.
A person can change, at the moment when the person wishes to change
Episode 26 (The Host Club Declares Dissolution!)
Haruhi Fujioka
Haruhi’s realization in Ouran Highschool Host Club’s finale promotes agency, fostering group dynamics and personal evolution in comedy.
You will never be able to love anybody else until you love yourself
Episode 25 (Zero Hour)
Lelouch Lamperouge
Lelouch’s vulnerable moment in Code Geass’s rebellion arc reveals inner turmoil, connecting self-acceptance to strategic and relational strength.
All we can do is live until the day we die. Control what we can…and fly free
Episode 39 (The Day of the Flight)
Deneil Young
Deneil’s philosophy in Space Brothers’ training arc inspires Mutta’s ambition, emphasizing proactive living amid space exploration challenges.
If you don’t take risks, you can’t create a future
Episode 100 (Departure)
Monkey D. Luffy
Luffy’s bold stance in One Piece’s East Blue Saga motivates the crew, embodying adventure’s risks for dream fulfillment and bonds.
My Motto Is To Be Stronger Than Yesterday. If I Have To, I’ll Be Stronger Than Half a Day Ago, Even a Minute Ago
Episode 198 (The Time of Reunion)
Rock Lee
Rock Lee’s relentless drive in Naruto’s Shippuden arc exemplifies incremental growth, inspiring allies through unwavering dedication in war.
