Words of wisdom are great tools for therapy and coaching.

Studies back up the use of inspirational quotes in a number of areas.

Quotes need to be used carefully. They don't always mean what you think they mean.

I love quotable quotes and witty bon mots. I use them a lot in my practice. People often get stuck in negative thought cycles. Feedback loops that affect the way they think, feel, and act. These consequences then reinforce the same negative thought cycles that, in turn, bring on the same thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. And around they go, unless those cycles get broken. Sometimes, a powerful quote can help.

Studies on the subject are numerous and tend to concur. One 2018 study found them great for improving self-esteem, whilst another from 2022 found a link between wisdom quotes and psychological well-being. Yet another study (this time from 2024) said that motivational quotes could “wield and obtain a sense of power toward inspiring individuals to strive towards their goals.” I could go on, but you get the picture.

Often, a well-placed quote from someone else can provide just the right amount of insight needed to break a negative rumination, improve a mood, and inspire to action. But you do need to be careful.

The problem is that quotes can be tricky things. The person who people think said the thing might not be the person who said it. Or they might have said it, but not quite like that, and it might not have been what they meant in the first place.

Take the quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” That one is often attributed to the political and spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi (at least, according to cheap trinkets and motivational posters, it is). Only, he never said it.

It’s good advice and a sound maxim if it........

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