Random Quote Generator

Generate a random inspirational, witty, or wise quote, with its author -- for motivation, a caption, a speech, or a moment of reflection.

Why are quotations so often misattributed?

A quotation is a passage repeated verbatim from a speaker or writer, and the striking ones circulate far beyond their source, which is where the trouble begins. Attributions drift toward famous names -- Einstein, Twain, Churchill and Lincoln absorb a disproportionate share -- because a well-known name makes a line feel more authoritative and easier to remember. Wordings smooth over retellings too, so the familiar version is often tidier than what was actually said or written. Researchers call the pattern the Matthew effect, and it is why checking a quotation against a primary source so often turns up nothing at all.

About this generator

This generator draws from 60 well-known quotations across six themes -- Inspiration & Motivation, Success & Perseverance, Humor & Wit, Love, Life & Living, and Wisdom. Each result shows the quote with its author.

Every result here is drawn using crypto.getRandomValues() -- the Web Crypto API's cryptographically secure randomness -- instead of Math.random(), so it's genuinely unpredictable, not just statistically random. Learn more.

What people use it for

Use it for a daily dose of motivation, a line to open a speech or presentation, a caption for a post, or a thought to reflect on. It's also handy for writers looking for an epigraph or a spark of inspiration.

How it works

Generate draws one quote at random from the pool using the site's cryptographically secure randomness, guaranteed not to repeat whatever result is currently showing in single-result mode. Filtering by theme narrows the pool before drawing, and each result is shown with its author.

What's inside

A sample of what this generator can draw, spread evenly across the full list:

• The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
• Believe you can and you're halfway there.
• The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
• You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
• The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
• Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.
• Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
• Dream big and dare to fail.
• Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
• Fall seven times, stand up eight.
• I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
• I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.
• Opportunities don't happen. You create them.
• The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.
• Well done is better than well said.
• Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.
• I can resist everything except temptation.
• Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.
• The road to success is always under construction.
• A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.
• We accept the love we think we deserve.
• The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.
• Where there is love there is life.
• To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.
• A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.
• Love is not only something you feel, it is something you do.
• There is no remedy for love but to love more.
• Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.
• You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
• Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.
• Turn your wounds into wisdom.
• Life is short, and it is up to you to make it sweet.
• Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.
• The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
• It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
• Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.
• The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
• Happiness depends upon ourselves.
• Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd.
• Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.

Common questions

Can I filter by theme?

Yes -- use the filter button to pick one or more of the six themes. Generate will then only draw from quotes in the themes you've selected.

Are the attributions accurate?

Attributions follow commonly-cited sources. As with many famous quotations, wording and authorship can vary between sources, so treat them as widely-accepted rather than definitive.

Will it show me the same quote twice in a row?

Not in single-result mode -- each new roll is guaranteed to differ from the one currently on screen.

Can I generate several at once?

Yes -- use the amount control to draw a batch of quotes at a time.

Related Generators

Movie · TV Show · Anime · Book · Artist · Actor

All Arts & Media generators

Browse all generators