Anime is the ultimate source of fun and motivation when it comes to entrainment. From Black Clover to Solo Leveling, this article contains the top 15 anime quotes where the characters have described their intentions behind not giving up and continuing to struggle through the pain.
This article explores the context and impact of words from Black Clover, My Hero Academia, and more, connecting their lessons to our lives.
Unforgettable lines that define anime’s greatest heroes:
- Epic Moments: Quotes capture pivotal scenes of anime heroes.
- Timeless Lessons: Themes of grit and growth resonate universally.
- Fan Fuel: Perfect for anime lovers seeking inspiration
1. Asta from Black Clover:
“Until I get what I want I will not give up. Well, not giving up is my weapon!” – Asta
Black Clover is famous for so many things. And of those major contributions can be referred to the quotes spoken by characters in the series. This line comes from episode 57th. It was when Asta was faced against a powerful foe named ‘Langris’ who was the vice-captain of the Golden Dawn guild and constantly looked down upon Asta due to his lack of magical powers.
Since the very beginning of the anime, Asta appears to be a highly motivated and determined individual who can cross any boundaries when it comes to his dreams and ambitions. During the ceremony where everyone of his age was supposed to acquire a grimoire, Asta, due to his lack of magical affinity, failed to get his hands on a grimoire.
He continues to work hard and finally comes across a sword and grimoire which provide him with the ability to weild anti-magical powers.
2. Sung Jin Woo from Solo Leveling anime:
They gave me that nickname because I was too weak. I was looked down upon because I was too weak. I also felt useless. As long as I’m strong enough.. One with overwhelming power can naturally remain undefeated. The weak are powerless before the strong. The weak can only stand still, trembling in fear. People are looked down upon because they are weak. Even if they’re knowledgeable, smart, or considerate, before the strong, they will be betrayed! Gentleness is meaningless. So I must become stronger. That’s why I came here!
Sung Jin Woo was called ‘the weakest hunter of all mankind ‘ as he couldn’t even face a low-level demon unscratched. His fellow hunters begun to consider every raid where JinWoo is present, to be the easiest ones without a doubt.
Sung Jin-Woo undergoes an awakening during the double-dungeon incident, gaining the power of the ‘system’, which allows him to level up his overall strength and intelligence by defeating monsters on the battlefield.
The quote is from the fourth episode of Solo Leveling anime, where JinWoo reflects on his past and promises to get stronger no matter what it takes. The anime was one of the most successful hits of all time and this particular quote brings JinWoo’s struggle to the attention of fans as he now becomes stronger with every battle and continues to level up.
Explore the best collection of Solo Leveling quotes.
3. Izuku Midoriya, from My Hero Academia:
“Sometimes I feel like a failure. But even so, I’m not gonna give up. Ever!”
Midoriya was born as a quirkless individual in a world where almost everyone has some kind of it. A quirk provides it’s user with a certain type of ability, each individual have different quirk which they can use to their convenience or chose to become a superhero by attending a special type of institution which specialises in this particular field.
Izuku Midoriya comes to the realization that, no matter how hard he tries, he will never acquire a quirk, as it is something individuals are born with. Upon reaching a certain age, they can assess their powers.
He was later given the ‘all for one’ quirk by All Might, with heavy responsibilities and conditions along with it.
This quote comes from the first season of My Hero Academia episode 11, where Midoriya finds himself in self-doubt and incapable of saving lives, which was his primary goal. Shattering all the setbacks and doubts, Midoriya unleashes his will to go all out, even if it meant haming his body or going through extreme pain later on.
4. Natsu Dragneel from Fairy Tail:
“The moment you think of giving up, think of the reason why you held on so long.”
Natsue uses these words to encourage his guildmate, Lucy Heartfilia, who lost her match and regrets being the reason for letting their guild down. Fairly Tale is the name of the anime and also the guild to which Natsu, the protagonist of this anime, belongs.
Natsu wanted Lucy to remember why she had participated in the tournament in the first place and the reasons she chose to become a mage. The moment was filled with both excitement and pain, as the Fairy Tail guild was one of the most renowned among all existing guilds. However, their reputation has weakened over the past few years.
The quote serves a great purpose in reminding Lucy about resilience and determination to keep moving despite minor setbacks.
5. Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood:
“A lesson without pain is meaningless. That’s because no one can gain without sacrificing something.”
Fullmetal Alchemist is based on the theme of the ‘Law of Equivalent Exchange’, which means that nothing great can be achieved without the sacrifice of something worth a similar value. Edward Elric and his brother Alphonse failed the attempt to bring their mother back to life and lost parts of their bodies.
This quote is mainly the reflection of everything that the brothers have to go through to find a way to regain their bodies. It is regarded as one of the most loved anime series of all time where something can never be created out of nothing.
The quote was used by Edward Elric during the final battle against the father who wished to attain supreme powers without the desire or understanding of losing anything in return.
6. Roronoa Zoro from One Piece:
“No matter what happens, keep walking on the path you believe in.”
Zoro has been one of the best and most admired side characters when it comes to loyalty and assistance which brings overall charm to the story and provides a sense of teamwork. Although Zoro starts off on his journey alone, he soon comes across Money D. Luffy and swears his loyalty to the future king of the pirates.
This quote is from the moment when Zoro was made to go through all the pain that Luffy was going through at that moment. The quote greatly highlights the stubbornness that makes Zoro cling to his ideals firmly believing in himself and his captain. Zoro refuses to back down from his goal of becoming the greatest swordsman and protecting Luffy.
7. Saitama from One Punch Man:
“Human beings are strong because we can change ourselves.”
Saitama holds that real strength comes from relentless training and not from praise. Although we get to see an epic entry from Saitama in the first episode of the anime, his backstory is as relatable as any other great hero in this list. Training through failures and hoping to achieve godly powers wasn’t just his dreams, but something that meant the world to him.
He used this quote to calm Genos who gets frustrated by the reaction of people upon seeing Saitama as he was a low-ranked hero and didn’t step up to gain attention from the public.
The quote highly signifies the ability of human beings to change themselves and become a better version through the path of hard and determination, whether it is physical, emotional, or mental change, one can always push their limits and change themselves into something extraordinary.
8. Hinata Shoyo from Haikyuu!
The view from the top… it’s something I haven’t seen yet!”
There are a myriad of anime characters born with several limitations and are seen to have transformed over time. Hinata from Haikyuu feels this quote and reflects upon it by considering himself a small giant who still needs to step into the field of Volleyball and witness the view from the top of the world.
Just like some of the other characters in this, like Asta and Sun Jin Woo, Hinata is also looked down upon due to his short stature. But the cycle of grinding never stopped in the case of all these characters. They believed in themselves without succumbing to the reactions and shabby opinions of the world.
9. Reigen Arataka from Mob Psycho 100:
“You can’t just give up! If you want to change, do it now!”
Reigen Arataka says this quote to Mob in the 11th episode of the series when the latter is hesitant to unleash his maximum strength as it causes him to lose control over the power and himself in general, which turns out to be dangerous for those around him.
Shigeo Kageyama is a psychic who isn’t very good when it comes to social interaction. He often fails to describe his feelings towards his loved ones and continues to harbor self-doubt throughout the series.
Mob Psycho 100 might be an underrated anime, but the ending gives a smooth sense of relief when Mob doesn’t just win and becomes a whole different version of himself, instead, he admits his lack in certain things and continues to be himself, a version which makes him happy and satisfied.
10. Kyojuro Rengoku from Demon Slayer:
“Set your heart ablaze. Grit your teeth and look straight ahead!”
Mugan Train was one of the most successful anime movies ever made. I’m sure that almost eighty percent of the people reading this article might have already watched Demon Slayer anime and have gone through Kyojuro Rengoku quotes either through reels or articles like this one.
‘Set your heart ablaze’ was once the most popular anime quote that Rengoku used to inspire and bring Tanjiro back to his senses as he found himself totally overwhelmed and incapable of saving Rengoku or defeating the demon who caused those circumstances.
Tanjiro felt broken and unfit to be a demon Slayer upon witnessing the incredible battle between Rengoku and Akaza, an upper-moon demon. Fans weren’t ready to lose Rengoku yet, but his quote still remains even in the latter episodes of the series when characters recall Rengoku’s inspirational words and beliefs.
Explore the best collection of Rengoku quotes.
11. Asta, once again from Black Clover:
I’m not done yet… My magic is never giving up!”
The quote is from the moment when Asta finds his powers incapable and inferior to his opponents. Although he worked hard and continued to hone his skill with the anti-magic sword, the opponents he came across in the 93rd. Episode of the anime.
Asta was exhausted and had used almost all of his stamina and strength, but refused to put down his swords and let his enemies walk away. Although he says this quote to uplift himself and challenge Patolli (the enemy he was facing), Yuno and Noelle also take inspiration from these words and stand their ground.
12. Levi Ackerman from Attack on Titan:
“We fight not because we want to win… We fight because we must!”
Levi reminds his squad that giving up is no longer an option available to them. Their determination and teamwork are what keep the remaining humanity alive. There were Titans on the opposite end powerful enough to destroy cities in one go. Although we didn’t get to hear much from our captain Levi, this was the moment when he accepted to become a version of Erwin and lead the squad effectively.
Levi could have also meant that their fight wasn’t a matter of choices or options; it was a fight for survival; even if they were unmatched or weak, doing what was right was their primary goal, even if it led to hopelessness or defeat.
Levi reminds the squad that it wasn’t their place to give up to run away, as it’s not a battle to secure victory or glory, but a fight for humanity’s cause, a duty that must be performed.
13. Jonathan Joestar from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood:
“The key to victory isn’t strength… It’s the courage to keep moving forward!”
Jonathan Joestar had lost almost everything at this point, including every member of his family. And this battle meant he decided the ultimate defeat of the Joestar’s family and bloodline. He said this quote to himself as he was on the verge of death.
14. Meliodas from The Seven Deadly Sins:
“No matter how many times I fall, I’ll rise again… Because I have people waiting for me!”
Meliodas says this to himself and his enemies, particularly Hendrickson, as a show of his unbreakable will. His friends, like Elizabeth and the other Sins, witness his resolve.
Meliodas is facing a powerful enemy who threatens everyone he cares about. He’s tired and hurt, and Hendrickson thinks he’s beaten. But Meliodas refuses to stay down because he knows Elizabeth, his team, and the people of Liones are counting on him. This quote is his way of saying that his strength comes from his connections—his love for others gives him the power to keep fighting, no matter how many times he’s defeated.
15. Rukia Kuchiki from Bleach:
“Stand up and fight. The moment you give up is when the battle truly ends.”
Rukia urges Ichigo to stand up and fight, as she is about to be taken away from the soul society and get executed. She wanted Ichigo to win, either for himself or her.
This quote is about the importance of resilience in the face of defeat. Rukia’s words mean that a battle—whether it’s physical or personal—only truly ends when you lose the will to keep going. It’s a call to stay strong and keep pushing, even when things look hopeless, because giving up means accepting failure.
