Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, fondly known as the “Missile Man of India,” was renowned for his contributions to science and technology, as well as his profound wisdom on life, dreams, and success. His words continue to inspire millions around the world. Below is a curated collection of 40+ Inspirational APJ Abdul Kalam Quotes.
On Dreams and Aspirations
“Dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep.”
“Small aim is a crime; have great aim.”
“You have to dream before your dreams can come true.”
“Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts, and thoughts result in action.”
“Great dreams of great dreamers are always transcended.”
On Hard Work and Perseverance
“If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.”
“We should not give up and we should not allow the problem to defeat us.”
“Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success.”
“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.”
“All of us do not have equal talent. But, all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.”
On Leadership and Management
“To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal.”
“Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident.”
“Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow.”
“Climbing to the top demands strength, whether it is to the top of Mount Everest or to the top of your career.”
“A leader must have vision and passion and not be afraid of any problem. Instead, he should know how to defeat it.”
On Education and Knowledge
“The purpose of education is to make good human beings with skill and expertise.”
“Learning gives creativity, creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge, and knowledge makes you great.”
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
“Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber, and future of an individual.”
“Science is a beautiful gift to humanity; we should not distort it.”
On Failure and Resilience
“If you fail, never give up because F.A.I.L. means ‘First Attempt In Learning’.”
“End is not the end; in fact, E.N.D. means ‘Effort Never Dies’.”
“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.”
“Winners are not those who never fail but those who never quit.”
“Problems are common, but attitude makes the difference.”
On Youth and Nation Building
“The ignited mind of the youth is the most powerful resource on the earth.”
“My message, especially to young people, is to have courage to think differently.”
“Youth should not accept any compromise or lower their sights.”
“The youth need to be enabled to become job generators from job seekers.”
“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”
On Values and Ethics
“Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character.”
“Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough; money can be got.”
“For great men, religion is a way of making friends; small people make religion a fighting tool.”
“We must think and act like a nation of a billion people and not like a nation of a million people.”
“Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us.”
On Vision and Inspiration
“India can live without nuclear weapons. That’s our dream, and it should be the dream of the U.S. also.”
“As a child of God, I am greater than anything that can happen to me.”
“Be more dedicated to making solid achievements than in running after swift but synthetic happiness.”
“The bird is powered by its own life and by its motivation.”
“To become ‘unique,’ the challenge is to fight the hardest battle which anyone can imagine until you reach your destination.”
On Life and Happiness
“Life is a difficult game. You can win it only by retaining your birthright to be a person.”
“You see, God helps only people who work hard. That principle is very clear.”
“Poetry comes from the highest happiness or the deepest sorrow.”
“I’m not a handsome guy, but I can give my hand to someone who needs help.”
“Luxury and lies have huge maintenance costs. But truth and simplicity are self-maintained without any cost.”
On Motivation and Positivity
“Confidence and hard work are the best medicine to kill the disease called failure.”
“Thinking should become your capital asset, no matter whatever ups and downs you come across in your life.”
“Two rules for a peaceful life: Depression in failure should never go to heart, and ego in success should never go to the brain.”
“Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place—that is, the unique you.”
“Your best teacher is your last mistake.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are some of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s most famous quotes?
Some of Dr. Kalam’s renowned quotes include:
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“Dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep.”
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“If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.”
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“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.”
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What did Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam say about dreams and aspirations?
Dr. Kalam emphasized the importance of dreams as the foundation for achievement. He believed that dreams are not just visions during sleep but are goals that drive individuals to strive for success. He famously said, “You have to dream before your dreams can come true.”
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How did Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam view failure and resilience?
Dr. Kalam had a positive perspective on failure, viewing it as a stepping stone to success. He coined the acronym F.A.I.L. to mean “First Attempt In Learning,” encouraging individuals to persevere and learn from their setbacks. He also stated, “Winners are not those who never fail but those who never quit.”
