30 Inspirational Quotes from One Piece!

During Shanks' introductory flashback, a group of mountain bandits mistreats the red-haired pirate, pouring alcohol on him and throwing plates of food at his head. The legendary pirate simply laughs at their behaviour, only reacting when they harm his young companion, Luffy. His display of self-restraint serves as an example for both the audience and the protagonist of One Piece. Quotes like this charmingly reinforce the shōnen values of the series in a memorable way.

28. "I'm the only one who gets to say my dream is stupid!"

Roronoa Zoro, Baratie Arc, Episode 23, "Protect Baratie! The Great Pirate, Red Foot Zeff!"

"I have dedicated my life to becoming the world's greatest swordsman. I’ve made my choice, so I’m the only one who gets to say I’m stupid."

Roronoa Zoro's dream is to become the world's greatest swordsman. From the very beginning of One Piece, this goal has been central to his character's motivation, and he wouldn’t let anyone mock it—not even his future crewmate and rival, Sanji. While still working as a cook at Baratie, Sanji criticised Zoro for chasing his dream, calling it "stupid" for pursuing something so improbable and risking his life in the process.

Hearing Sanji’s criticism, the former pirate hunter bristled at the remark, swiftly responding, "I'm the only one who gets to say my dream is stupid!" The cook was taken aback, but after witnessing Zoro’s unwavering dedication in his duel against Mihawk, he realised the swordsman’s statement reflected the same mentality that drove Sanji to pursue his own dream of discovering the All Blue; dreams are to be cherished.

27. "Scars on the back are a swordsman’s shame."

Roronoa Zoro, Baratie Arc, Episode 24, "Hawk-Eyes Mihawk! Swordsman Zoro Falls Into the Sea!"

"Scars on the back are a swordsman’s shame."

The samurai code emphasises the importance of honour and courage, and few One Piece characters embody these traits better than the Straw Hat Pirates’ resident swordsman, Roronoa Zoro. From his first appearance in the series, he set the tone for his journey to become the world’s greatest swordsman. During his preliminary encounter with his ultimate rival, Dracule Mihawk, Zoro delivers a line that has stayed with One Piece fans for over two decades.

When asked why he insisted on receiving a blow to the chest from Mihawk, Zoro declared that it was dishonourable for a swordsman to bear "scars on the back." Although he lost decisively in his clash with the Warlord, Zoro's words inspired many to face their challenges head-on in life, holding their heads high.

26. "A man dies when people forget him!"

Dr Hiriluk, Drum Island Arc, Episode 86, "Hiriluk's Cherry Blossoms and the Will that Gets Passed On!"

"When do you think a person dies? When a bullet from a gun pierces their heart? No. When they are struck by an incurable disease? No. When they eat a soup made from deadly poisonous mushrooms? No. A man dies when people forget him!"

Some quotes from One Piece can be a bit dark, but they always resonate with shōnen fans, adding weight to the series. For instance, Dr Hiriluk shared profound wisdom about what life and death truly mean on a metaphysical level. He also taught Tony Tony Chopper the value of life, and despite his eccentric habits and personality, Dr Hiriluk left a legacy on Drum Island that will endure for generations.

Before departing this world due to his terminal illness, Dr Hiriluk gave such a powerful speech that it left Dalton's face—and the fans'—covered in tears. His impassioned argument that people live on as long as they are remembered strikes directly at the heart, highlighting how much One Piece values personal connections.

25. "The king's promise still echoed in my head."

Rasa, Alabasta Arc, Episode 98, "Enter the Desert Pirates! The Men Who Live Freely"

"The fact that I was still alive unsettled me. But the king's promise still echoed in my head."

In line with most shōnen anime, characters introduced in filler episodes of One Piece are generally flatter, less developed than their canonical counterparts. However, in the case of Rasa, she delivers what is arguably the best monologue of the entire saga, making this filler arc well worth watching.

Rasa grew up in a remote village within the Kingdom of Alabasta. As a child, King Nefertari Cobra promised her that he would visit her village if anything happened. Eventually, the village was abandoned due to repeated sandstorms, but rather than leave, Rasa clung desperately to the king's words and held onto hope despite the dire circumstances. Her commitment reflects the power a promise can hold, especially in the face of extreme struggles.

24. "You'll never win like that."

Monkey D. Luffy, Alabasta Arc, Episode 104, "Luffy vs. Vivi! Tearful Vow to Put Friends on the Line!"

"You want everything to go perfectly without anyone dying in this fight, don't you? We're up against one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea and a million of your own people on top of that. And you want everyone to come out of this unharmed—you'll never win like that."

Monkey D. Luffy is typically portrayed as a cheerful and carefree captain, but fans know that when things get serious, the Straw Hat Pirates' captain is more than capable of rising to the occasion. A prime example is the reality check he gave to Princess Vivi during their time in the Kingdom of Alabasta. It's one of One Piece's most brutally honest quotes, especially considering who delivered it.

While Princess Vivi was (rightly) worried about her people's lives during Alabasta's civil war, Luffy intervened with a cold yet necessary statement about her naivety. He emphasised the intrinsic connection between death and war, reminding viewers why the fight for peace is so crucial. Luffy's words struck a chord with the desperate princess, pushing her to approach the mission with renewed determination.

23. "There comes a time when a man has to stand and fight."

Usopp, Alabasta Arc, Episode 114, "Swear on Your Crewmates' Dreams! Battle on Molehill Fourth Avenue"

"There comes a time when a man has to stand and fight. And that's when his friends' dreams are laughed at!"

While Usopp may not be the most beloved character in One Piece, that doesn't mean he won't stand up for his friends and what matters to them. This is evident from his very first appearance in Syrup Village, where he tried to stop Captain Kuro from stealing Lady Kaya's fortune for himself. This courage remains consistent throughout the series.

While battling some of Baroque Works' strongest officers, Usopp articulates the importance of protecting his friends' dreams. His call to action not only inspires his ally, Tony Tony Chopper, but also resonates with fans who appreciate this underrated sequence during the Alabasta arc. Usopp's words may not be particularly original by shōnen standards, but One Piece quotes like this are always needed to reinforce the series' uplifting themes, and Usopp's lines help establish him as an endearing hero despite his extravagant lies.

22. "As long as she's fighting to save her kingdom, so will we!"

Monkey D. Luffy, Alabasta Arc, Episode 124, "The Nightmare Draws Near! The Secret Base of the Suna Suna Clan"

"As long as she's fighting to save her kingdom, so will we!"

Although Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates' first encounter with Nefertari Vivi was purely by chance during the Alabasta saga, the princess of the Kingdom of Alabasta quickly became one of the crew's most trusted allies. Her battle to save Alabasta from Sir Crocodile and Baroque Works marked One Piece's first truly epic sequence, and without the help of the tightly knit Straw Hat Pirates, she would have almost certainly failed.

Crocodile defeats Monkey D. Luffy twice before their final encounter, leading the Warlord of the Sea to question the source of the young pirate's determination. Luffy reminds him that Vivi's will to fight is the only reason his crew needs to persevere—a statement that hints Crocodile's defeat is near. It also reminds viewers to persist even when faced with failure until their desired outcome is achieved.

21. "A man's dream will never die!"

Marshall D. Teach, Jaya Arc, Episode 147, "Distinguished Pirates! A Man Who Talks of Dreams and the King of Salvage"

"The age of pirates dreaming of treasures coming to an end? Of course not—a man's dream will never die!"

As despicable as he is, Captain Blackbeard is one of the few One Piece characters who unwaveringly adheres to a defined and consistent philosophy. The Jaya arc is centred on the pursuit of seemingly unreachable goals, providing the perfect opportunity for Marshall D. Teach to demonstrate his intimidating resolve, which mirrors Luffy's own.

Marshall D. Teach declares that a pirate's dream will never die—a quote that perfectly introduces the concept that Luffy and Blackbeard are two sides of the same coin. Despite their opposing moralities, both are driven by their dreams to an unimaginable degree, and their determination to succeed should motivate anyone who can relate to their aspirations. Blackbeard may also be suggesting that a pirate's dream is their destiny, and destiny is not easily avoided or changed.

20. "When you aim high, you often come across fights not worth fighting."

Marshall D. Teach, Jaya Arc, Episode 147, "Distinguished Pirates! A Man Who Talks of Dreams and the King of Salvage"

"Your two friends won that fight without even throwing a punch. I respected how you handled things back there... When you aim high, you often come across fights not worth fighting."

To be entirely honest, Blackbeard's entire presence during the Jaya arc was impactful. He delivered several of One Piece's best lines, and the fact that they came from a seemingly random drunkard (at least that's what everyone thought at the time) makes them all the more striking. Considering his eventual role as a significant villain who relishes dominating others in combat, it's interesting to note that he once commented on the value of knowing when a fight is meaningless.

19. "No one is born to be alone in this world."

Jaguar D. Saul, Enies Lobby Arc, Episode 278, "Say You Want to Live! We Are Your Friends!"

"The sea is vast, so one day, surely, you'll find friends to protect you. No one is born to be alone in this world!"

Nico Robin's backstory is one of those that has brought many fans to tears, or at the very least, evoked immense empathy for her character. Her relationship with Jaguar D. Saul, a former Vice Admiral of the Marines, is one of the most intriguing. Struggling with the order to lead a Buster Call on Ohara, Saul defected from the Marines. Shortly afterwards, a storm stranded him on the island, where he met Robin.

Unfortunately for Saul, Admiral Kuzan was the one leading the Buster Call. He ended up being frozen by the admiral's Devil Fruit powers. While speaking to Robin, who had been entrusted to him by her mother, Nico Olvia, he uttered this inspiring One Piece quote. Through this line, Saul reminds Robin—and viewers—that even if someone is currently alone or going through periods of solitude, there are people worth waiting for.

18. "I want to live!"

Nico Robin, Enies Lobby Arc, Episode 278, "Say You Want to Live! We Are Your Friends!"

"I want to live! Take me with you—take me away from here!"

Most of the time, Nico Robin is one of the most reserved characters in One Piece. As the sole survivor of the Ohara massacre, Robin was forced to live in the shadows, putting her own desires and needs second to those of the world around her. However, the Enies Lobby arc changed everything, finally giving her a reason to want something she had long denied herself: life itself.

Nico Robin's transformation during this arc is beautiful, and there’s a reason why it’s so fondly remembered by fans since its original airing. When Nico Robin’s broken voice finally screams, "Take me with you!" to the Straw Hat Pirates, the raw emotion is devastating. It marked a major turning point for Robin as she stopped seeing herself as a troublesome, unwanted child and began to see herself simply as Nico Robin—a woman who still had a full life to live.

17. "I'll do what you can't do, and you'll do what I can't do."

Sanji, Enies Lobby Arc, Episode 297, "Hunter Sanji Appears? Elegy for the Lying Wolf"

"Everyone has things they can and can't do. I'll do what you can't do, and you'll do what I can't do."

While the Alabasta and Skypiea arcs are crucial for the Straw Hat Pirates, it’s the Enies Lobby arc that finally solidifies the group as a true pirate crew. Each character plays a vital role in the story arc, leading to quality interactions, like the one shared between Sanji and Usopp after Sanji saves Usopp from Jabra.

Feeling particularly insignificant after the events of Water 7, Usopp openly laments his perceived uselessness to his crewmate Sanji after being saved from the CP9 member. Sanji’s response is exactly what his friend needed to hear, and it served as a beautiful reminder that everyone is valuable, no matter their differences. Moreover, it led Usopp to figure out how to save Robin, which truly would have been impossible without his sharpshooting skills.

16. "I will not die."

Gol D. Roger, Sabaody Archipelago Arc, Episode 400, "Roger and Rayleigh—The Pirate King and His Right Hand"

"Even if they execute me, I will not die."

Gol D. Roger’s legacy is larger than life, as he sparked the flames of revolution that will undoubtedly engulf the world of One Piece by the end of its narrative. However, as memorable as Roger’s life was, the moments preceding his death produced what might be his most poignant quote of all time. During the final solemn meeting between the Pirate King and his right-hand man, Silvers Rayleigh, Roger spoke of his impending death.

The greatest pirate of all time knew he was dying, just like Dr Hiriluk, but he also knew he wouldn’t be forgotten anytime soon. As long as Gol D. Roger is remembered, whether as a hero or a villain, his legacy keeps his name alive. Indeed, Roger’s name has grown even more significant in recent One Piece arcs, with hints about his journey to Laugh Tale revealed in a flashback during the Wano Country arc.

15. "Bit by bit, the tides are changing."

Shakuyaku, Amazon Lily Arc, Episode 408, "Landing! The Forbidden Island of Women—Amazon Lily"

"It’s quiet, but can you hear it? Bit by bit, the tides are changing, and so is the world."

The Sabaody Archipelago arc culminates in the most devastating defeat in the relatively short history of the Straw Hat Pirates. Yet, the arc gives plenty of reasons for optimism, and, as Shakky—the owner of Shakky’s Rip-Off Bar—stated, the gathering of the 11 Supernovas is proof that the One Piece world is slowly changing.

Shakky is a former Empress of Amazon Lily and the former captain of the Kuja Pirates, meaning she has seen her fair share of the Grand Line. The fact that she recognises the rising impact of the next generation should inspire anyone seeking to change the world around them. This One Piece quote also reminds us that not all change is sudden. On the contrary, some changes are subtle or occur over a long period, but they are no less impactful in the long term.

14. "If I give up now, I’ll regret it."

Monkey D. Luffy, Impel Down Arc, Episode 442, "Ace’s Convoy Begins! Offensive and Defensive Battles at the Lowest Level, Level 6!"

"If I give up now, I’ll regret it."

Fans were on the edge of their seats as Monkey D. Luffy raced through Impel Down in hopes of saving his brother, Portgas D. Ace, from execution. It came as a tragic surprise when it was revealed that Ace had already been transported out of Impel Down. Along the way to where Ace was being held, Luffy had gained several new allies, such as Emporio Ivankov and Bon Clay.

When they discovered Ace was gone, Ivankov suggested leaving Whitebeard to handle his rescue, knowing the Emperor of the Sea wouldn’t let the execution go unchallenged. Luffy disagreed, instead delivering this iconic line. This quote highlights Luffy’s inherent determination and unyielding spirit, which has allowed him to overcome almost every challenge he has faced.

13. "A flower of friendship can bloom even in hell."

Bon Clay, Impel Down Arc, Episode 451, "Cause the Last Miracle—Break Through the Gate of Justice!"

"A flower of friendship can bloom even in hell... Someday, I’ll make that flower bloom again."

Few motivations are as powerful as the force of friendship, and, as proven by Bon Clay’s sacrifice during the Impel Down arc, some bonds are worth more than life itself. Bon Clay once worked for Baroque Works, committing heinous acts as part of Crocodile’s criminal syndicate, but after meeting the Straw Hat Pirates, he gradually changed for the better.

During the events of the Impel Down arc, Bon Clay grew to appreciate everything Monkey D. Luffy represented. In the ultimate act of sacrifice, he stayed behind to ensure the Straw Hat Pirate’s safe passage to Marineford alongside Sir Crocodile, the First Son of the Sea Jinbei, and Emporio Ivankov. His final words are both inspiring and heartbreaking, serving as the perfect conclusion to Luffy’s first arc without his crew, succinctly summarising the close bond that formed between him and Luffy under unusual circumstances.

12. "The victor will define the meaning of justice!"

Donquixote Doflamingo, Marineford Arc, Episode 465, "Justice for the Winners! Sengoku’s Strategy in Action!"

"The one who wins will rewrite the definition of right and wrong. They will decide the future and how the past is written... The victor will define the meaning of justice!"

During the Marineford Arc, Donquixote Doflamingo made a major appearance alongside his fellow Warlords of the Sea. At this point in the series, Doflamingo was still a mysterious character, but after claiming that the winner of the Paramount War would decide what justice looked like, it became clear he wouldn’t play a minor role in the story.

Doflamingo’s speech doesn’t just apply to the world of One Piece—it also addresses real historical biases. History is written by the victors, as the saying goes, and Doflamingo’s astute observation that strength makes the rules highlights the need for widespread activism among people. While it may seem unfair at first, Doflamingo’s assertion is true, inspiring viewers to make a difference while they can, creating the history they wish to see.

11. "His power is to bring people together."

Dracule Mihawk, Marineford Arc, Episode 470, "Master Swordsman Mihawk—Luffy’s Black Blade Strike Approaches"

"His power is to bring people together. Among all those seeking to conquer the sea, he may possess the greatest talent of all."

The Marineford Arc demonstrated a conflict on a scale rarely seen in fiction, let alone anime. While the Paramount War focused on Portgas D. "Fire Fist" Ace, his brother, Monkey D. Luffy, became central to the events after disrupting the scheduled execution of Whitebeard Pirates.

Dracule Mihawk, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, recognised Luffy’s magnetic personality during the ensuing battle, noting that Luffy’s ability to "bring people together" might be the greatest talent in One Piece. Viewers may not be able to develop their Haki or acquire a Devil Fruit, but they can certainly strive to unite those around them through unwavering determination. The fact that Dracule Mihawk calls such charisma a power is significant in a world of Devil Fruits, truly emphasising the importance of such connections.

10. "It’s something you’ll see by living."

Monkey D. Garp, Marineford Arc, Episode 477, "Power That Reduces Life—Tension Hormones Return"

"It’s something you’ll see by living."

Vice Admiral Garp’s actions—or rather, his inaction—during the Marineford Arc are controversial among One Piece fans. He was torn between his moral obligation to uphold justice and his attachment to someone he considered a son. In a particularly poignant moment of the Marineford Arc, Garp sat beside Ace and reflected on their earlier interactions, highlighting how conflicted he was about Ace’s execution.

During this flashback, Ace asked Garp if he deserved to be alive. Garp replied, "It’s something you’ll see by living," which is an answer in itself. He implicitly told Ace that everyone deserves to live and continue living to discover the value that exists in simply being themselves. It’s a matter of living long enough to recognise one’s own intrinsic worth.

9. "The One Piece is real!"

Edward Newgate, Marineford Arc, Episode 485, "Settling the Score! Whitebeard vs. Blackbeard Pirates"

"I’m sure someone will find it; whether you like it or not, that day will come soon. The One Piece is real!"

Freedom and dreams are the two concepts that play the most significant role in the moral framework of the One Piece world. The series elevates these concepts above all else, represented most clearly by their attachment to the titular treasure that defines the show. Whitebeard saw piracy as the pursuit of freedom, so as he felt his end near, he declared that the One Piece was real, ensuring that a new generation of pirates would continue to dream of achieving that freedom.

Although Whitebeard himself may not have pursued Laugh Tale, his final words during the Paramount War signalled his recognition of its importance. This quote from One Piece also gave the impression that the series was coming full circle, with the adventure beginning with Luffy’s quest to find the One Piece and the tumultuous Marineford arc ending with Whitebeard reaffirming the treasure’s existence after so many episodes where no one had found it.

8. "There are injured men out there – we can save them if we stop fighting!"

Koby, Marineford Arc, Episode 488, "A Desperate Cry – Seconds of Courage that Change Destiny"

"What are we trying to prove? What’s the point? There are injured men out there – we can save them if we stop fighting!"

Even before the audience is introduced to any of the Straw Hat Pirates, they meet Koby, the humble cabin boy who was captured by Alvida and her pirate crew. He fears her and believes he’ll never escape, let alone realise his dream of becoming a Marine. However, after Luffy demonstrates how achievable change can be by defeating Alvida, Koby begins his journey as a Marine in Shells Town.

Koby was called to assist in the Battle of Marineford, and there, he witnessed the carnage caused by the unwavering determination of the warring sides. Each group was losing sight of the importance of life itself, so his desperate plea to Admiral Akainu to consider his soldiers was incredibly impactful for both the characters and the fans.

7. "There is still joy beyond your grief."

Jinbe, Post-Marineford Arc, Episode 505, "I Want to See Them! Luffy’s Tearful Scream!"

"Luffy, your pain may be great, but it must not consume you. There is still joy beyond your grief. What is lost may be gone, but there is still something to cherish in this world. Isn’t there?"

After the tragic death of his brother, Ace, Luffy nearly lost touch with reality. His shock stemmed primarily from his brother’s passing but also partly from a devastating realisation. He firmly believed he could save Ace, and he was wrong. It was Jinbe who finally brought some sense back into the lost Straw Hat captain, proving that Luffy could respond to more than just brute strength at times.

Luffy wasn’t the only member of his crew to lose someone dear, but the other crew members had found a way to move forward. If Nami could overcome the murder of her mother, Bellemere, and if Zoro could overcome Kuina’s accidental death, then Luffy could find the courage to move past Ace’s loss. Though grief is a natural part of life, so is joy. Such a simple yet profound idea makes this one of the best quotes in One Piece.

6. "This is... my soul."

Brook, Fish-Man Island Arc, Episode 565, "Luffy’s Full-Powered Blow! Red Hawk Explodes"

"What keeps me alive in this world is neither organs nor muscles. This is... my soul!"

Soul King Brook makes many skeleton-related jokes and comments throughout One Piece, often following them with his iconic "yohohoho" laugh. While battling Zeo, one of Hody Jones’ crewmates, his head is completely separated from his body. The sombre music playing, along with Zeo’s triumph at having defeated a Straw Hat, is interrupted when Brook stands back up and delivers this memorable One Piece quote.

Brook lives thanks to the Revive-Revive Fruit, but it’s much more than his skeleton and hair. As he discovers, he has a soul that he can freely manipulate. In addition to being an interesting facet of his Devil Fruit powers, it also speaks to the idea that what’s important lies within a person, not their outward appearance. A person’s actions and soul reflect who they are in life, not their organs or muscles.

5. "A new era... carried forward on an unstoppable tide. The era of the bold."

Trafalgar D. Water Law, Punk Hazard Arc, Episode 616, "A Shocking Conclusion! Smoker vs Vergo"

"You always told me it was coming – that a new era would come, carried forward on an unstoppable tide. The era of the bold."

The inevitability of change is addressed several times in One Piece, and more often than not, the concept is presented as a rallying cry for those pursuing their lofty ambitions. One such instance is when Trafalgar D. Water Law uses his Devil Fruit to defeat Vergo, a man he later admits to fearing as a child. After swiftly defeating Vergo, he delivers one of the coolest quotes in the series’ history.

Law, whose history with Vergo is as tragic as it is extensive, defeats Doflamingo’s double agent by cutting him, along with the entire surrounding landscape, in half. This provides the perfect opportunity for the captain of the Heart Pirates to declare the “unstoppable tide” brewing within the next generation and rally all his fans in the process.

4. "If we lose credibility by admitting our mistakes, then we had none to begin with."

Admiral Fujitora, Dressrosa Arc, Episode 736, "Sending a Shockwave – The Worst Generation Moves Out!"

"If we lose credibility by admitting our mistakes, then we had none to begin with."

The World Government in One Piece is arguably more corrupt than any other faction in the series – they regularly erase histories, perpetuate slavery, and treat other groups as lesser beings. However, characters like Admiral Fujitora prove the entity still possesses a form of justice. He had blinded himself in the past to avoid seeing even more corruption and demonstrated his willingness to walk the line of insubordination to do what is right.