10 Inspiring Quotes from Will Smith's "The Pursuit of Happiness"

In the film “The Pursuit of Happiness,” Will Smith delivers a powerful performance as Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman turned stockbroker. The movie tells the true story of Gardner’s journey from homelessness to success, and along the way, it offers many inspiring quotes that resonate with viewers. These quotes encapsulate the themes of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.

“You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People can’t do somethin’ themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want somethin’, go get it. Period.”

This quote highlights the importance of holding onto your dreams and not letting others discourage you. Gardner’s unwavering belief in himself and his abilities is a testament to his resilience and determination.

“Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something. Not even me. You gotta dream, you gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.”

This quote emphasizes the need to stay true to your ambitions and not let anyone, not even your loved ones, discourage you from pursuing your goals. It serves as a reminder to believe in yourself and trust your instincts, even when faced with adversity.

“The future was uncertain, absolutely, and there were many hurdles, twists, and turns to come, but as long as I kept moving forward, one foot in front of the other, the voices of fear and shame, the messages from those who wanted me to believe that I wasn’t good enough, would be stilled.”

This quote touches on the idea that success and personal growth require perseverance and pushing through fear and doubt. It speaks to the power of taking action and the importance of silencing negative voices and messages in order to achieve your dreams.

“You got a dream… You gotta protect it. People can’t do somethin’ themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want somethin’, go get it. Period.”

These words from Chris Gardner remind us that if we have a dream, we must stand up for it and fight for it. We should not allow anyone to discourage us from pursuing what we truly desire. Instead, we must take action and go after our dreams with determination and unwavering belief in ourselves.

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Will Smith’s “The Pursuit of Happiness”

“The Pursuit of Happiness” is a 2006 biographical drama film starring Will Smith. The movie is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son while trying to pursue a better life for both of them.

Here are 10 inspiring quotes from the movie that highlight the themes of perseverance, determination, and the pursuit of one’s dreams:

“You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it.” – Chris Gardner
“The future was uncertain, absolutely, and there were many hurdles, twists, and turns to come, but as long as I kept moving forward, one foot in front of the other, the voices of fear and shame, the messages from those who wanted me to believe that I wasn’t good enough, would be stilled.” – Chris Gardner
“Don’t ever let someone tell you, you can’t do something. Not even me. You gotta dream, you gotta protect it. When people can’t do something themselves, they are going to tell you that you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period.” – Chris Gardner
“You got a dream… You gotta protect it. People can’t do somethin’ themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want somethin’, go get it. Period.” – Chris Gardner
“It was right then that I started thinking about Thomas Jefferson on the Declaration of Independence and the part about our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And I remember thinking how did he know to put the pursuit part in there? That maybe happiness is something that we can only pursue and maybe we can actually never have it. No matter what. How did he know that?” – Chris Gardner
“When you’re doing something you love, fatigue is a non-factor. It’s like a rechargeable battery; it’s just going, going, going.” – Chris Gardner
“You can only depend on yourself. The cavalry ain’t coming.” – Chris Gardner
“I met my father for the first time when I was 28 years old. I made up my mind that when I had children, my children were going to know who their father was.” – Chris Gardner
“You gonna love him, and you gonna love him hard.” – Chris Gardner (to his son)
“Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something. Not even me. Alright? You got a dream. You gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. You want something? Go get it! Period!” – Chris Gardner

These quotes from “The Pursuit of Happiness” remind us of the importance of resilience, self-belief, and the determination to overcome obstacles in order to achieve our goals and find true happiness.

Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Dreams

Throughout the movie “The Pursuit of Happiness”, Will Smith’s character, Chris Gardner, faces numerous obstacles and hardships while striving to achieve his dreams. Despite these challenges, he maintains a resilient and determined attitude, motivating audiences to persevere through their own struggles. Here are 10 inspiring quotes from the film that reflect the theme of overcoming obstacles and achieving dreams.

“You got a dream, you gotta protect it.” – Chris Gardner

This quote emphasizes the importance of holding onto one’s dreams, even during difficult times. Gardner’s unwavering determination serves as a reminder to never give up on what you want to achieve.
“Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something. Not even me.” – Chris Gardner

Gardner’s words highlight the significance of self-belief and the importance of not allowing others to hinder your aspirations. He encourages individuals to rise above external doubts and remain steadfast in pursuing their goals.
“The world is your oyster. It’s up to you to find the pearls.” – Martin Frohm

This quote reminds us that our future is full of endless possibilities. Despite the challenges we face, it is our responsibility to seek out and seize the opportunities that will lead us closer to our dreams.
“The future is something we build, through the choices we make in the present.” – Jay Twistle

Twistle’s words highlight the importance of taking control of our own destiny. By making conscious choices and working towards our goals today, we can shape a brighter future for ourselves.
“Don’t ever let someone tell you they can’t be done.” – Chris Gardner

Gardner’s beliefs encourage individuals to challenge the limitations imposed by others and society. This quote inspires us to defy the expectations of others and demonstrate that anything is possible with determination and hard work.
“Don’t ever let somebody tell you, you can’t do something. You got a dream, you gotta protect it.” – Chris Gardner

Once again, Gardner emphasizes the significance of holding onto our dreams and not allowing anyone or anything to discourage us. This quote reminds us to protect and nurture our aspirations, no matter what obstacles we face.
“You want something, go get it. Period.” – Chris Gardner

Gardner’s straightforward statement reinforces the notion that achieving our dreams requires action. It encourages us to be proactive in pursuing our goals and not be content with merely hoping for success.
“It can’t rain all the time.” – Martin Frohm

This quote serves as a reminder that tough times are temporary and that brighter days will come. Even during the darkest moments, it is important to maintain hope and keep pushing forward towards our dreams.
“The pursuit of happiness is the right of every human being.” – Declaration of Independence

This quote from the Declaration of Independence reminds us that we are entitled to chase our own happiness and build a life in pursuit of our dreams. It reinforces the idea that our dreams are valid and worth fighting for.
“You got a dream, you gotta protect it. When people can’t do something themselves, they’re gonna tell you that you can’t do it. You want something? Go get it. Period.” – Chris Gardner

In this quote, Gardner reiterates the importance of guarding our dreams and pushing through the negativity of others. It serves as a powerful reminder to take control of our own destiny and work tirelessly towards our ambitions.

Finding Strength in Difficult Times

When life gets tough, it can be hard to find the strength to keep going. However, it is during these challenging moments that we often discover our true resilience and can achieve tremendous personal growth. In the movie “The Pursuit of Happiness,” Will Smith’s character, Chris Gardner, experiences numerous obstacles and setbacks but never gives up on his dreams. Here are 10 inspiring quotes from the movie that remind us to find strength in difficult times:

“Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something.” – This quote encourages us to believe in ourselves and not let others’ opinions or negativity hold us back.
“You got a dream… You gotta protect it.” – It emphasizes the importance of safeguarding our dreams and goals, even in the face of adversity.
“If you want something, go get it. Period.” – This quote motivates us to take action and pursue what we want, regardless of the obstacles in our path.
“You want something, go get it. Period.” – It reiterates the previous quote’s message, emphasizing the need for determination and persistence in achieving our desires.
“The world is your oyster. It’s up to you to find the pearls.” – This quote reminds us that even in challenging times, there are opportunities for growth and success.
“Hey, don’t ever let somebody tell you… You can’t do something. Not even me. You gotta dream, you gotta protect it. People can’t do somethin’ themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want somethin’, go get it. Period.” – It reinforces the idea that no one has the right to limit our potential, and we should never give up on our dreams.
“It’s not about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” – This quote highlights the importance of resilience and the ability to bounce back from tough situations.
“You gotta dream. You gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. You want something? Go get it. Period.” – It reiterates the theme of refusing to let others define our capabilities and encourages us to seize opportunities.
“The future is bright, and you can’t have brightness without a little darkness.” – This quote reminds us that even in difficult times, there is always hope for a better future.
“Don’t ever let somebody tell you… You can’t do something. You got a dream? You gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. You want something? Go get it. Period.” – It reinforces the movie’s central message of never giving up on our dreams and not letting others deter us.

These quotes from “The Pursuit of Happiness” serve as powerful reminders that strength and resilience can be found in the face of adversity. They inspire us to keep pushing forward, believe in ourselves, and ultimately pursue our dreams with unwavering determination.

Embracing Positive Attitude

Having a positive attitude can greatly impact our lives and the way we approach challenges. In Will Smith’s “The Pursuit of Happiness,” his character portrays the importance of maintaining a positive outlook despite facing countless obstacles.

Below are ten inspiring quotes from the movie that highlight the value of embracing a positive attitude:

“You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you, you can’t do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.”
“Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you gotta protect it.”
“The future is really all we have. We can’t just let go of our dreams. We have to hold on tightly and never give up.”
“You want something. Go get it. Period.”
“You got a dream, you gotta protect it.”
“You got a dream, you gotta protect it, don’t let others tell you what you can’t do.”
“The world is your oyster. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
“Believe in yourself. Have faith in your abilities. Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers, you cannot be successful or happy.”
“Never give up on your dreams, no matter how hard life gets. Perseverance is key.”
“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”

These quotes serve as a reminder that maintaining a positive attitude is essential in pursuing our dreams, overcoming obstacles, and achieving success. It’s a powerful mindset that can transform our lives and help us navigate through life’s challenges with resilience and determination.

The Importance of Perseverance

Perseverance, or the ability to persist and stay focused on a goal, is a crucial trait for success in any endeavor. Throughout history, countless individuals have faced obstacles and challenges on their journey to achieving their dreams. Will Smith’s character in “The Pursuit of Happiness” exemplifies the power of perseverance and serves as an inspiration for us all.

“The Pursuit of Happiness” offers some powerful quotes that highlight the importance of perseverance. Here are 10 inspiring quotes from the movie:

“Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something.” – This quote reminds us that we should never allow the doubts or negativity of others to limit our potential.
“Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you gotta protect it.” – It emphasizes the importance of believing in our own dreams and defending them, even when faced with discouragement.
“You got a dream… You gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it.” – This quote emphasizes that some people may try to bring us down because they are unable to achieve their own dreams, but we must stay strong and persevere.
“If you want something, go get it. Period.” – A simple, yet powerful statement that reminds us that we must take action and work hard to achieve our desires.
“Hey. Don’t ever let somebody tell you… You can’t do something. Not even me. Alright?” – This quote emphasizes the importance of self-belief and the need to stay motivated, even in the face of adversity.
“You want something, go get it. Period.” – Similar to the previous quote, this one reinforces the idea that we must be proactive in pursuit of our goals.
“Never say can’t. It’s just ‘can’t’ means ‘won’t.'” – This quote challenges us to reframe our thinking and view obstacles as opportunities for growth.
“You got a dream… You gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.” – Combining multiple quotes, this line serves as a powerful reminder to ignore naysayers and take action towards our dreams.
“You got a dream… You gotta protect it. Keep your head up… And keep going.” – This quote underscores the importance of staying determined, even when faced with setbacks or adversity.
“It was right then that I started thinking about Thomas Jefferson on the Declaration of Independence and the part about our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And I remember thinking how did he know to put the pursuit part in there? That maybe happiness is something that we can only pursue and maybe we can actually never have it.” – While not directly about perseverance, this quote reminds us that happiness is a journey, and the pursuit of it requires perseverance and dedication.

The quotes from “The Pursuit of Happiness” serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance in achieving our goals and overcoming challenges. Regardless of the obstacles we may face, staying determined and focused on our dreams is the key to success.

Nurturing Relationships and Family

One of the central themes in Will Smith’s “The Pursuit of Happiness” is the importance of nurturing relationships and family. Throughout the film, Chris Gardner, played by Smith, demonstrates his dedication to his son and the lengths he will go to ensure their well-being. The following quotes highlight the significance of relationships and family in the pursuit of happiness:

“You got a dream, you gotta protect it.” – Chris Gardner

This quote emphasizes the importance of protecting and nurturing your dreams, even in the face of adversity. Chris Gardner’s dream of providing a better life for himself and his son motivates him to never give up.

“Hey. Don’t ever let somebody tell you… You can’t do something. Not even me.
All right?” – Chris Gardner

Chris Gardner reminds his son that he should never let anyone, including himself, discourage him from pursuing his goals. This quote highlights the role of family in providing support and encouragement.

“This part of my life… this little part… is called happiness.” – Christopher Gardner Jr.

Christopher Gardner Jr., played by Jaden Smith, expresses the importance of cherishing the moments of happiness, even in difficult circumstances. This quote reflects the resilience and optimism within the Gardner family.

“You want something. Go get it. Period.” – Chris Gardner

Chris Gardner’s determination and drive to provide a better life for his family are evident in this quote. It emphasizes the importance of taking action and pursuing your goals.

“You got a dream… You gotta protect it. People can’t do somethin’ themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it.” – Chris Gardner

Chris Gardner recognizes that sometimes people may try to bring you down or discourage you from pursuing your dreams. This quote reinforces the importance of staying focused and not letting others define your potential.

“I met my father for the first time when I was 28 years old. You know what I learned? You need to love your family because your family is what’s gonna love you when nobody else will.” – Chris Gardner

This quote highlights the significance of family in providing love and support, especially during challenging times. Chris Gardner’s own experiences shape his understanding of the importance of familial relationships.

“Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you gotta protect it. When people can’t do something themselves, they’re gonna tell you that you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period.” – Chris Gardner

This quote reiterates the message conveyed in quote number two, emphasizing the importance of pursuing your dreams and not allowing others to dictate your potential.

“I’m going pro!” – Christopher Gardner Jr.

This simple yet powerful quote reflects Christopher Gardner Jr.’s determination to succeed and realize his dreams. It illustrates the influence of supportive family dynamics in fostering success.

“The important thing about that freedom train, is it’s got to climb mountains. We ALL have to climb mountains, you know. Mountains that go way up high, and mountains that go deep and low. Yes, we know what those mountains are here at Glide. We sing about them.” – Rev. Cecil Williams

This quote, spoken by Rev. Cecil Williams, underscores the shared struggles and challenges that individuals and families face. It recognizes that everyone has their own mountains to climb and acknowledges the importance of community support in overcoming them.

“You want something. Go get it. Period.” – Chris Gardner

This quote is a resounding reminder of the importance of taking action and actively pursuing your dreams. It encapsulates the theme of the film, highlighting the determination and persistence required to achieve happiness.

Taking Risks and Stepping Out of Comfort Zone

Taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone can be challenging, but it is often necessary for personal growth and achieving success. Will Smith’s character in “The Pursuit of Happyness” exemplifies the importance of taking risks and pushing oneself beyond what is comfortable.

1. “The secret to success is knowing that the price you pay for it is worth it.”

This quote reminds us that taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zone may require sacrifice and hard work, but the rewards can be well worth it in the end.

2. “You got a dream… You gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you that you can’t do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.”

Will Smith’s character emphasizes the importance of not letting others discourage you from pursuing your dreams. Taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone may invite criticism or doubt from others, but it’s essential to believe in yourself and go after what you want.

3. “Don’t ever let somebody tell you… You can’t do something. Not even me. All right? You got a dream. You gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you that you can’t do it. You want something? Go get it. Period.”

This quote reinforces the idea that the only person who can truly hold you back is yourself. Taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone may require self-belief and determination to overcome obstacles and prove others wrong.

4. “You got a dream, you gotta protect it. If you want something, go get it, period.”

Will Smith’s character emphasizes the importance of taking action to pursue your dreams. Taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone means actively working towards your goals and not just waiting for success to come to you.

5. “The moment we stop fighting for each other, that’s the moment we lose our humanity.”

This quote reminds us that taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zone can also have a broader impact on society. By pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo, we can inspire others to do the same and make a positive difference in the world.

6. “You want something, go get it. Period.”

This quote serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how challenging or uncertain the journey may be, if you want something badly enough, you need to be proactive and take the necessary risks to achieve it.

7. “The time when you are most vulnerable is the time when you are most alive.”

Taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone can feel intimidating and make you feel vulnerable. However, it is during these moments that you truly come alive and experience personal growth and development.

8. “Success doesn’t just happen overnight. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and being willing to take risks.”

This quote emphasizes that success is not achieved by playing it safe and staying within your comfort zone. It requires a willingness to take risks and put in the necessary effort to reach your goals.

9. “Where you are right now doesn’t have to determine where you’ll end up.”

Taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone opens up new opportunities and possibilities. Regardless of your current circumstances, you have the power to create a different future for yourself.

10. “You gotta make a decision: either you’re gonna stand still or you’re gonna move forward.”

Taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone requires making a conscious decision to move forward and pursue your dreams. Standing still may feel safe, but it also means missing out on potential growth and success.

Believing in Yourself and Your Abilities

Believing in yourself and your abilities is a key factor in achieving success. In “The Pursuit of Happyness,” Will Smith’s character, Chris Gardner, demonstrates the importance of self-belief despite facing numerous challenges.

Here are some inspiring quotes from the movie that highlight the significance of believing in yourself:

“You want something, go get it. Period.” – Chris Gardner
“You got a dream, you gotta protect it.” – Chris Gardner
“Don’t ever let somebody tell you, you can’t do something. Not even me.” – Chris Gardner
“The secret of happiness is not in doing what one likes, but in liking what one does.” – Chris Gardner
“Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you gotta protect it. When people can’t do something themselves, they’re gonna tell you that you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period.” – Chris Gardner
“You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you that you can’t do it. You want something? Go get it. Period.” – Chris Gardner
“Hey, don’t ever let somebody tell you… You can’t do something. Not even me, alright?” – Chris Gardner
“Don’t ever let somebody tell you… You can’t do something. Not even me. Alright?” – Chris Gardner
“You want something? Go get it. Period.” – Chris Gardner
“I’m going to do something with my life. I’m going to be somebody.” – Chris Gardner

These quotes remind us that self-belief is crucial in pursuing our dreams and overcoming obstacles. Despite the challenges we may face, it is essential to believe in ourselves and our abilities to achieve success.

Creating Your Own Happiness

In the movie “The Pursuit of Happiness,” Will Smith’s character, Chris Gardner, teaches us valuable lessons about finding happiness and pursuing our dreams. Here are 10 inspiring quotes from the movie that can help guide us in creating our own happiness:

“You got a dream… You gotta protect it. People can’t do somethin’ themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want somethin’, go get it.”
“Don’t ever let somebody tell you… You can’t do something. Not even me. Alright? You dream… you gotta protect it. People can’t do something’ themselves, they wanna tell you can’t do it. If you want something’, go get it. Period.”
“The future is scary, but you can’t just run back to the past because it’s familiar. Yes, it’s tempting, but it’s a mistake.”
“Hey, don’t ever let somebody tell you… You can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream… You gotta protect it. People can’t do somethin’ themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want somethin’, go get it. Period.”
“You wanna know what I think? I think you should do it. I mean, I think you’re a hell of a guy, and I think what you’ve done, is nothing short of amazing. I mean, you’ve got a lot of potential. You’ve got, you know, what it takes talent-wise. You have all that.”
“You gotta dream, you gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want something’, go get it. Period.”
“This part of my life… this little part… is called happiness.”
“You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People can’t do something’ themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want something’, go get it. Period.”
“Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you gotta protect it. When people can’t do something themselves, they are going to tell you that you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period.”
“You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People can’t do something’ themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want something’, go get it. Period.”

These quotes remind us that we are in control of our own happiness and that we should never let anyone or anything stand in the way of our dreams. We must believe in ourselves and be willing to take the necessary steps to achieve our goals. By staying motivated and determined, we can create our own happiness and live a fulfilling life, just like Chris Gardner did in “The Pursuit of Happiness.”

Question and answer:

What is the movie “The Pursuit of Happiness” about?

“The Pursuit of Happiness” is a movie based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who goes through many hardships while trying to provide a better life for himself and his son.

Who is the main character of the movie?

The main character of the movie is Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith.

What are some of the challenges Chris Gardner faces in the movie?

Chris Gardner faces a number of challenges in the movie, including homelessness, financial struggles, and the difficulties of being a single parent.

How does Chris Gardner overcome his challenges?

Chris Gardner overcomes his challenges through perseverance and determination. He never gives up even when things seem impossible and eventually finds success.

How can the movie “The Pursuit of Happiness” inspire viewers?

The movie “The Pursuit of Happiness” can inspire viewers by showing the power of perseverance and determination. It teaches the importance of never giving up on your dreams, no matter how difficult the journey may be.

What is the message of the movie?

The message of the movie is that with hard work, perseverance, and a positive mindset, anyone can overcome their obstacles and achieve success.

Top 10 Inspirational Will Smith Quotes from The Pursuit of Happiness