For Ten Years, I’ve Been Collecting Quotes From Strangers; Here Are 30 Of The Most Profound Ones

When I reflect on this journey, I realize how much my own background shaped the way I approach connection. I grew up shy, afraid of rejection, and spent a long time believing I wasn’t the kind of person who could navigate the world alone. But at 18, I decided to take a daring step toward independence, moved out of my parents’ place, and started working hard on myself and on my career. It was during this time that I began to understand the value of what I now call “serendipitous courage”—the willingness to step into the unknown and trust that something beautiful will come from it.

As someone who worked in tourism for many years, volunteered in hostels, and now became a hostel manager, I’ve witnessed firsthand the magic that can happen when people open themselves up to strangers. My work and travels have taught me that vulnerability doesn’t weaken us—it connects us. It’s this understanding that I bring to every page of my book, Last Words for the Road.

Collecting quotes over the years has profoundly changed the way I see people and the world. At first, I thought the quotes were just bits of wisdom—a way to hold onto something meaningful. But as the collection grew, I realized it was more than that. Each quote carried a story, a glimpse into someone’s life, and a reminder that we all have something valuable to share. It shifted my perspective from seeing people as strangers to seeing them as potential teachers, each with their own unique lesson to offer.

One of the most unforgettable quotes I’ve received came from a retired war veteran I met while volunteering in Greece, Gary. He told me, “The older I get, the smarter my father gets.” It struck me deeply—not just because of the humor, but because of the layers of meaning in that statement. It’s a reflection of growth, humility, and the ever-changing way we understand the wisdom of those who tried their best in raising us.

Now that people send me quotes online, it feels like a natural evolution of the project. In-person encounters have a raw, unfiltered energy—there’s the spontaneity of the moment and the physicality of receiving a handwritten note. Online submissions, on the other hand, bring a different kind of intimacy. People take the time to reflect, to choose their words carefully, and to share pieces of their lives with a stranger they may never meet. It’s a reminder of how universal the need for connection is, whether in person or through a screen.

To anyone reading this, I want to say: never underestimate the power of small moments or the potential of serendipitous courage. Whether it’s asking for a quote or striking up a conversation with someone new, these tiny acts can ripple out in ways you can’t imagine. They can change your day—or even your life. I’m still collecting quotes for the next edition of Last Words for the Road, and I’d be honored if you shared yours. Together, we can create a tapestry of wisdom that inspires others to embrace the beauty of connection.

Collecting personal stories and snippets of wisdom from strangers captures a unique blend of human connection and transformation, much like the creative makeovers that turn dreams into reality.

If you are fascinated by how individuals embrace new identities and expressions, you might find inspiration in these transformative journeys that celebrate self-reinvention and courage.