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Able Quotes

On capability, readiness and what makes action possible.

These quotes touch on being able to act: governments expected to give straight answers, leaders imagined thinking more imaginatively, and allies working to restore the unity needed to act together. For more, see our Being quotes.

When I was a teenager, I thought how great it would be if only I could write novels in English. I had the feeling that I would be able to express my emotions so much more directly than if I...

Quotes by Haruki Murakami

I also had this mistaken dream, fantasy really - perhaps because I'm good at languages - of being able in both Italy and France to become someone else through my fluency in the language.

Quotes by Harry Mathews

After the navy, I transferred to Harvard and finished there. I was there the spring term of 1951 and I stayed through the summer term and a whole other year, so I was able to do two years in a...

Quotes by Harry Mathews

I'm able to sometimes express things even more articulately on the piano than I am with singing.

Quotes by Harry Connick, Jr.

Though we hear various reports of his existence we can never find the young wizard who is able so they say to graft the soul of a girl to the soul of her lover so that not even the sharp...

Quotes by Harry Crosby

The Navy Seals don't travel with 200 people, they wouldn't be able to execute the kind of tip-of-the-spear missions they do.

Quotes by Harris Faulkner

I hoped to be able to write a novel which would enable me to live on it while I wrote the next.

Harper Lee

I've never been able to understand what they mean by 'Pinteresque,'. I'm sure it's indefinable.

Quotes by Harold Pinter

I'll tell you something, and this is true: I've never been able to write a film which I didn't respect. I just can't do it. I'm very happy about all the films I haven't done.

Quotes by Harold Pinter

I've never been able to understand where great artists come from.

Quotes by Harold Prince

Many artists have not been able to realise their fondest projects. My role is to help them.

Quotes by Hans-Ulrich Obrist

Fragrance is important to me because of its emotional dimension. I feel like fragrances are able to transport, stir emotion, and bring up memories. You can wear makeup, you can dress yourself up, but fragrance gives a powerful aspect to...

Quotes by Hari Nef

Art has to be able to match life, to respond to the ever-changing forms of the world, to electrify the audience.

Quotes by Haris Pasovic

It's funny, I was talking to somebody who writes for a cop show, and he was saying how they aren't allowed to acknowledge Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, just because it has to be able to play forever.

Quotes by Hannah Simone

I'm thrilled to partner with Gillette to help men understand what women want. If we're able to give them that information, and Gillette can give them the tools to get there, then we both win, and that's very exciting.

Quotes by Hannah Simone

I love five-string banjo. On an electric guitar, let’s say a two-hour show, it starts getting heavy right across the neck and shoulders. And I like to be able to flip it off and grab the fiddle, and that’s just...

Quotes by Hank Williams Jr.

It's unrealistic not to be able to indulge.

Quotes by Hannah Bronfman

Imagine life without any algorithms at all, you wouldn't be able to do anything. This is already completely encompassing. We have a habit of over-trusting what mathematics or computer scientists tell us to do, without questioning it, too much faith...

Quotes by Hannah Fry

The idea of science fiction, mythology, and creating a world is my favourite thing. I do love the reality of dramas and playing that, but being able to start from scratch, to completely build the character and this world, I...

Quotes by Hannah John-Kamen

I deferred my third-year studies from university to go full time sailing to try and qualify for the 2012 London Olympics, which I did. I tried to go back to the university, but having won the silver medal, I just...

Quotes by Hannah Mills

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of statements about being "able" appear here?
The quotes cover being able to get clear answers from government, a commander being able to guide the military "into thinking more imaginatively," and nations being able to "take actions collectively together."
Is there a quote about government transparency?
Yes: "We should be able to go to our government and get clear answers," a statement calling for openness and accountability.
Does this page touch on international relations?
Yes: "Europe and America must act together in the face of evil. It's high time for Americans and Europeans to restore that unity and be able to take actions collectively together" makes the case for transatlantic cooperation.
Is there anything here about military leadership?
Yes: "A commander in chief with military experience might be able to prod a conservative military into thinking more imaginatively," suggesting that hands-on experience shapes better leadership. For more reflections on personal qualities, see Being.
Is this page more political than personal?
Yes, these particular quotes lean toward government, military, and international themes rather than personal or romantic reflections. If you're looking for warmer, more personal content, try Love, Life, or Good quotes instead.

You might also like our Good quotes and Love quotes for a broader range of reflective lines.