This story is about inspirational ideas. You see, as of this writing, Russia is destroying Ukraine, a democracy of 44 million souls. Needlessly. Criminally. Barbarically. Why? Because a megalomaniac with an insatiable thirst for power decided it was time to resurrect the Russian Empire. Yay! What fun! Perhaps I was naïve, but I truly never thought that Ukraine, a country of sunflowers, would be destroyed like this.
And I certainly never thought I’d witness so many inspiring people, including Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, fighting and dying to save their beloved land. In fact, Zelenskyys’ resistance against the Russian behemoth seems exceptionally courageous. Perhaps because he started his public life as an actor and businessman, but found his true voice and a heart filled with inspirational ideas.
Will Zelenskyy, and Ukraine, survive this catastrophe? As of now, we do not know.
That being said, with terrible events unfolding in Eastern Europe, I thought you might find comfort in reading some inspiring speeches from the past. Each one resonates with a power that reaches across decades and even centuries.
Yes, the men and women featured here, like Zelenskyy, are remarkable in their grace, dignity, bravery, and inspirational ideas. Let their words stir your heart and soul. And, perhaps, galvanize you to action.
Inspirational Ideas: A Legacy of Inspiring People
Queen Elizabeth I, 1588: Spanish Armada Speech to the Troops at Tilbury, Essex, England
I chose this one because Queen Elizabeth’s situation makes me think of the plight of Volodymyr Zelenskyy. You see, while I don’t particularly care for royalty, he may just have the “heart and stomach of a king.”
“I am come amongst you, as you see, at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live and die amongst you all; to lay down for my God, and for my kingdom, and my people, my honour and my blood, even in the dust.
“I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm: To which rather than any dishonour shall grow by me, I myself will take up arms, I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field.”
And now, for Queen Elizabeth’s full speech, please click here.
George Washington, 1783: Resignation Speech at the State House, Annapolis, Maryland
I think I’ve become a cynic, possibly pushed over the edge by the words and actions of our recent president and his henchmen. But then I read Washington’s speech and realize that, even in his last address as leader of our nation’s armed forces, he made it all about America. Not about himself. One among many of Washington’s inspirational ideas.
“Happy in the confirmation of our Independence and Sovereignty and pleased with the opportunity afforded the United States of becoming a respectable Nation, I resign with satisfaction the Appointment I accepted with diffidence. A diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so arduous a task, which however was superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of our Cause, the support of the Supreme Power of the Union, and the patronage of Heaven.”
And now, for Washington’s full speech, please click here.
Inspiration and Heartbreak
Chief Joseph, 1877: Surrender Speech, Bears Paw Mountains, Montana
And now take the case of one of the great Native American chiefs and warriors. Chief Joseph represents bravery, leadership, strength, and military skill. On October 5, 1877, his speech, as he surrendered to General Howard, immortalized him in American history. Chief Joseph was the conscience of his people. And he never gave up hope that one day Native Americans would achieve freedom and equality.
“I am tired of fighting. Our chiefs are killed. Looking Glass is dead. The old men are all dead. It is the young men who say, ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ He who led the young men [Olikut] is dead. It is cold, and we have no blankets. The little children are freezing to death. My people, some of them, have run away to the hills, and have no blankets, no food.
“No one knows where they are — perhaps freezing to death. I want to have time to look for my children and see how many of them I can find. Maybe I shall find them among the dead. Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.”
It should be noted that this was the full speech given by Chief Joseph. In my view, there’s something especially tragic about that.
Lou Gehrig, 1939: “Luckiest Man” Speech at Yankee Stadium
Baseball legend Lou Gehrig died at 37 after a brief battle with ALS. Following a stunning career in which the Hall of Fame player earned many of baseball’s top honors and awards, Gehrig delivered one of the most touching speeches of the 20th century, bringing comfort to those mourning his illness even as his health fell apart. In essence, he told people not to worry about one dying man, but to celebrate all life had to offer.
“Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in ballparks for 17 years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans…So I close in saying that I may have had a tough break, but I have an awful lot to live for.”
For Lou Gehrig’s full speech, please click here.
Social Justice on a Global Scale
Eleanor Roosevelt, 1948: Address to The UN on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Palais de Chaillot, Paris, France
As you know, Eleanor Roosevelt was the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and America’s First Lady for 12 years. A dedicated humanitarian and activist, she was the first U.S. delegate to the United Nations.
Most certainly though, Eleanor Roosevelt achieved her life’s most remarkable success when she drafted and presented the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, inspired by the cruelties of World War II.
“I have come this evening to talk with you on one of the greatest issues of our time — that is the preservation of human freedom. I have chosen to discuss it here in France, at the Sorbonne, because here in this soil the roots of human freedom have long ago struck deep and here they have been richly nourished.
“It was here the Declaration of the Rights of Man was proclaimed, and the great slogans of the French Revolution — liberty, equality, fraternity — fired the imagination of men. I have chosen to discuss this issue in Europe because this has been the scene of the greatest historic battles between freedom and tyranny.”
For Eleanor Roosevelt’s full speech, please click here.
At this point, it would be wonderful if you could share inspirational ideas. About life. About politics.About anything that interests you! Please share them in the comments section of this story. Why? Because social media is the most powerful tool for spreading a vision of peace, security, and understanding. (Note: This ghostly and beautiful photo is of a lake in Ukraine.)
The photo of the woman amongst the sunflowers is by Adina Voicu from Pixabay.
Loved Inspirational Ideas and People story. Winston Churchill also comes to mind. Thanks Amy!
Glad you loved the story! Yes, Winston Churchill was an extraordinary speechmaker. A true inspiration to the British people.
I read all the quotes in your post. Very moving. I am sick over the Ukraine situation and have made donations to humanitarian aid for Ukraine. Each day I read the news and hope for hope. Thanks for posting this.
I am delighted you found the quotes moving. They remind me that humanity has a long history of bravery, goodness, and love. Thank you for reading!
I love these inspirational stories. I have newspaper cuttings of wise sayings and life inspirations.
I’m so glad you found these stories meaningful. Isn’t it amazing how words from decades & centuries past can still inspire us?