150 Best Quotes by Arnold Schwarzenegger: The Austrian Oak's Words of Wisdom
Introduction
Arnold Schwarzenegger's journey from a small Austrian village to becoming one of the most recognizable figures in the world is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in 1947, this bodybuilding champion transformed himself into a Hollywood superstar, successful businessman, and eventually the Governor of California. Known as "The Austrian Oak," Schwarzenegger has inspired millions with his relentless drive, unwavering determination, and unique philosophy on life.
His words carry the weight of experience – from winning Mr. Olympia seven times to starring in blockbuster films, from building a business empire to leading the world's fifth-largest economy. Whether delivering iconic movie lines or sharing life wisdom, Arnold's quotes reflect his belief in hard work, self-improvement, and the power of the human will.
This collection of 150 quotes captures the essence of a man who refused to accept limitations and continuously pushed boundaries. From bodybuilding wisdom to political insights, from humor to profound life lessons, these quotes showcase the multifaceted nature of a true American success story.
Table of Contents
Success and Achievement
Arnold's approach to success is legendary. His quotes in this section reveal the mindset that took him from a small Austrian town to global stardom.
"What is the point of being on this Earth if you are going to be like everyone else?" - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"If I can see it and believe it, then I can achieve it." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"For me life is continuously being hungry. The meaning of life is not simply to exist, to survive, but to move ahead, to go up, to achieve, to conquer." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I believe in the philosophy of staying hungry. If you have a dream and it becomes a reality, don't stay satisfied too long. Make up a new dream and hunt after that one and turn it into a reality." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"If you want to turn a vision into reality, you have to give 100% and never stop believing in your dream." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I will not fail, I will not disappoint you, I will not let you down." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"When you build a career, you should never imitate anybody." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"The worst thing I can be is the same as everybody else. I hate that." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Money doesn't make you happy. I now have $50 million but I was just as happy when I had $48 million." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I knew I was a winner back in the late sixties. I knew I was destined for great things. People will say that kind of thinking is totally immodest. I agree. Modesty is not a word that applies to me in any way." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I welcome and seek your ideas, but do not bring me small ideas; bring me big ideas to match our future." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Start wide, expand further, and never look back." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I do the same exercises I did 50 years ago and they still work. I eat the same food I ate 50 years ago and it still works." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Just remember, you can't climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I never felt that I was good enough, strong enough, smart enough. He let me know that there was always room for improvement. A lot of sons would have been crippled by his demands, but instead the discipline rubbed off on me." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Be hungry for success, hungry to make your mark, hungry to be seen and to be heard and to have an effect. And as you move up and become successful, make sure also to be hungry for helping others." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I have a love interest in every one of my films: a gun." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"The resistance that you fight physically in the gym and the resistance that you fight in life can only build a strong character." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I don't suffer of anything that I've lost." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
Training and Discipline
The bodybuilding champion's insights on training extend far beyond the gym, offering lessons on dedication and perseverance.
"Training was all I could think about. One Sunday when I found the stadium locked, I broke in and worked out in the freezing cold. Every painful set, every extra rep, was a step toward my goal of winning." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"There are no shortcuts—everything is reps, reps, reps." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"From the bodybuilding days on, I learned that everything is reps and mileage. The more miles you ski, the better a skier you become; the more reps you do, the better your body." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides the champion from someone else who is not a champion. That's what most people lack, having the guts to go on and just say they'll go through the pain no matter what happens." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"We had a strict routine that nothing could change: we'd get up at six, and it would be my job or Meinhard's to get milk from the farm door. When we were a little older and starting to play sports, exercises were added to the chores, and we had to earn our breakfast by doing sit-ups. In the afternoon, we'd finish our homework and chores, and my father would make us practice soccer no matter how bad the weather was." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Kurt Marnul can win Mr. Austria," I thought, "and he's already told me that I could too if I train hard, so that's what I'm going to do." This thought made the hours of lifting tons of steel and iron actually a joy. Every painful set, every extra rep, was a step toward my goal of winning Mr. Austria and entering the Mr. Europe competition." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"My definition of a sport is that it's a physical activity that involves competition. Since bodybuilders certainly train and then compete, we are certainly a sport." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"There are bodybuilders who are afraid of indulging in sex or even of playing other sports for fear of harming their bodies. I think that's silly. What's the use of building your body if you don't use it?" - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"The day is 24 hours; 6 hours we sleep, so you have left 18 hours. So don't ever give me this thing 'I'm working 12 hours so I don't have time to exercise and to work out.' Or 'I don't have time to study another language' and all these kind of things. 18 hours; so utilize the 18 hours, that's what I've always believed in, and I feel like that's the only way you can get ahead." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"What we face may look insurmountable. But I learned something from all those years of training and competing. I learned something from all those sets and reps when I didn't think I could lift another ounce of weight. What I learned is that we are always stronger than we know." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Bodybuilding is much like any other sport. To be successful, you must dedicate yourself 100% to your training, diet and mental approach." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you really believe 100 percent." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Good things don't happen by coincidence. Every dream carries with it certain risks, especially the risk of failure. But I am not stopped by risks. Supposed a great person takes the risk and fails. Then the person must try again. You cannot fail forever. If you try ten times, you have a better chance of making it on the eleventh try than if you didn't try at all." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Learned helplessness is the giving-up reaction, the quitting response that follows from the belief that whatever you do doesn't matter." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Training gives us an outlet for suppressed energies created by stress and thus tones the spirit just as exercise conditions the body." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"The pain that you hold is yours. There is not a single pain quite like it. Nobody else on God's green earth can feel this pain, or have the indescribable feeling of pride you will have when you overcome it. This pain is not your curse; this pain is your privilege." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"It's simple, if it jiggles, it's fat." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
Motivation and Mindset
Arnold's mental approach to challenges has been as impressive as his physical achievements.
"You can't be paralyzed by fear of failure or you will never push yourself." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"The difference between those who adapted and those who didn't, Gorton said, was a willingness to totally commit." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Positive thinking can be contagious. Being surrounded by winners helps you develop into a winner." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"When you have a well developed body and you're confident, you see people bending your way, wanting to be on your side, wanting to do things for you." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Stop whining" - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I didn't mind basic training. It taught me that something that seems impossible at the start can be achieved." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Not every legend is a myth, some are flesh and blood. Some legends walk among us, but they aren't born, they're built. Legends are made from iron & sweat, mind and muscle, blood and vision and victory. Legends are champions, they grow, they win, they conquer." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I never listened to anyone who said I can't do something." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Failure is not an option. Everyone has to succeed." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I'll be back." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"The meaning of life is not simply to exist, to survive, but to move ahead, to go up, to achieve, to conquer." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"You have to remember something: Everybody pities the weak; jealousy you have to earn." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"If you don't find the time, if you don't do the work, you don't get the results." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Help others and give something back. I guarantee you will discover that while public service improves the lives and the world around you, its greatest reward is the enrichment and new meaning it will bring your own life." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I was always interested in proportion and perfection. When I was fifteen, I took off my clothes and looked in the mirror. When I stared at myself naked, I realized that to be perfectly proportioned I would need twenty-inch arms to match the rest of me." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Concentrate on your goals. Do not allow other thoughts to enter your mind. If you allow them to, other things will take priority and your goals will never be achieved." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"As long as I live, I will never forget that day 21 years ago when I raised my hand and took the oath of citizenship. Do you know how proud I was? I was so proud that I walked around with an American flag around my shoulders all day long." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"In our society, the women who break down barriers are those who ignore limits." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I have plenty of money, unlike other Hollywood celebrities or athletes that have not invested well." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
Life Philosophy
His approach to life combines old-world discipline with American optimism.
"It's as satisfying to me as, uh, coming is, you know? As, ah, having sex with a woman and coming." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"When I was playing soccer at the age of 14, the first thing we'd do before going out onto the field would be to climb up on one another's thighs and massage the legs; it was a regular thing. None of us had a thought of being gay, absolutely not, and it's the same with most bodybuilders." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Milk are for babies, when you get older you drink beer." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"My wife (Maria) is the best reason to come home." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"There is nothing like chess to keep the brain smart, and give it a workout." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"For 20 years, Simon & Schuster asked me, 'Why don't you write your autobiography?'" - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"He had a voice you couldn't miss: strong and penetrating with strange vowels that sounded different from the accents of other English speakers even to me. I later discovered that he was Canadian." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I think that gay marriage is something that should be between a man and a woman." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"The better you get, the less you run around showing off as a muscle guy. You know, you wear regular shirts-not always trying to show off what you have. You talk less about it. It's like you have a little BMW - you want to race the hell out of this car, because you know it's just going 110. But if you see a guy in a Ferrari or a Lamborghini, they slide around at 60 on the freeway because they know if they press on that accelerator they are going to go 170. These things are the same in every field." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I was striving to be the most muscular man, and it got me into the movies. It got me everything that I have." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"My body is like breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I don't think about it, I just have it." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I saw a woman wearing a sweatshirt with Guess on it. I said, Thyroid problem?" - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I have a private plane. But I fly commercial when I go to environmental conferences." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Everything I have, my career, my success, my family, I owe to America." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I speak directly to the people, and I know that the people of California want to have better leadership. They want to have great leadership. They want to have somebody that will represent them. And it doesn't matter if you're a Democrat or a Republican, young or old." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"People should make up their own mind about what they think of me." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Well, I think that California has had a history of always spending more money than it takes in." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Political courage is not political suicide." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
Leadership and Politics
As Governor of California, Arnold brought his unique perspective to public service.
"For the hundreds of thousands of Californians in gay and lesbian households who are managing their day-to-day lives, this decision affirms the full legal protections and safeguards I believe everyone deserves." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I was also going to give a graduation speech in Arizona this weekend. But with my accent, I was afraid they would try to deport me." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"He wouldn't say that to me, ... He has said to me many times, 'Don't pay attention to what I say out there because it's all just political talk. You and I know better.'" - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Without reform, we are destined to relive the past all over again: $22 billion deficits, higher car taxes and the threat of bankruptcy," - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"California's strength as an innovator and world leader in science, technology and solutions related to the environment and alternative energy make it a natural partner with China," - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"We need to build more schools and have more teachers." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"California's new law will ensure parental involvement in determining which video games are appropriate for their children. I believe strongly that we must give parents the tools to help them protect their children." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"When I came here in 1968 from Austria as an immigrant, it's the last thing I thought, that one day 35 years later I would be standing here filing the papers to run for governor of the great state of California," - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Finally I can sign something my opponents won't criticize," - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"We all know that California right now is going in the wrong direction. We all know that businesses are leaving, and with them, the jobs are leaving." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Let me tell you that I am not in this just for a short run, ... But I am going to make an official announcement Friday, this Friday. I believe very strongly in follow-though. Follow-though is the most important thing. If you start something you've got to finish it." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"California is facing an obesity epidemic, ... We have to put California on the path to good health." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"My fellow Americans, this is an amazing moment for me. To think that a once scrawny boy from Austria could grow up to become Governor of California and stand in Madison Square Garden to speak on behalf of the President of the United States that is an immigrant's dream. It is the American dream." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I've starred in a lot of science fiction movies and, let me tell you something, climate change is not science fiction, this is a battle in the real world, it is impacting us right now." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I love Thanksgiving turkey. It's the only time in Los Angeles that you see natural breasts." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Gray Davis can run a dirty campaign better than anyone, but he can't run a state." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I think that people are interested seeing me on the screen." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"To restore the trust of the people, we must reform the way the government operates." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
Personal Growth
Arnold's journey of self-improvement continues to inspire people worldwide.
"I am absolutely ecstatic about it, ... To say you are one of the 50 favorite villains and one of the 50 favorite heroes in the history of American motion pictures, that is unbelievable, and I felt very honored." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"The success I have achieved in bodybuilding, motion pictures, and business would not have been possible without the generosity of the American people and the freedom here to pursue your dreams." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I just use my muscles as a conversation piece, like someone walking a cheetah down 42nd Street." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Mistakes are made in every other human endeavor. Why should nuclear weapons be exempt?" - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I have inhaled, exhaled everything." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Government's first duty and highest obligation is public safety." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"No matter the nationality, no matter the religion, no matter the ethnic background, America brings out the best in people." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I think Americans are very patriotic." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"One of my movies was called 'True Lies.' It's what the Democrats should have called their convention." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"If it's hard to remember, it'll be difficult to forget." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I made my fair share of mistakes." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Freedom is a right ultimately defended by the sacrifice of America's servicemen and women." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I'm addicted to exercising and I have to do something every day." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I think that if you grow up and your parents are good coaches and you have good parents, you grow up with a positive attitude." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"People need to be insured so when you have an accident out there, or when something catastrophic happens to you, that you're covered and there's not someone else has to pay for you." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"You know, nothing is more important than education, because nowhere are our stakes higher; our future depends on the quality of education of our children today." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Women are the engine driving the growth in California's economy. Women make California's economy unique." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I feel good because I believe I have made progress in rebuilding the people's trust in their government." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
Humor and Entertainment
Even in his most serious moments, Arnold's wit and humor shine through.
"Hasta la vista, baby." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"If it can bleed, we can kill it." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Your clothes. Give them to me. Now." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I need your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Get to the chopper!" - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Consider that a divorce." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"It's not a tumor!" - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Come with me if you want to live." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I eat Green Berets for breakfast. And right now, I'm very hungry!" - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Let off some steam, Bennett." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Remember when I said I'd kill you last? I lied." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"You're a funny guy Sully, I like you. That's why I'm going to kill you last." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentation of their women!" - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"If my life was a movie, no one would believe it." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I'm a machine. I can take it." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"My CPU is a neural net processor; a learning computer." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Who is your daddy and what does he do?" - Arnold Schwarzenegger
Legacy and Inspiration
Arnold's impact extends far beyond his personal achievements, inspiring generations to dream bigger.
"As a kid I always idolized the winning athletes. It is one thing to idolize heroes. It is quite another to visualize yourself in their place." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I am a big believer in education, because when I grew up in Austria - when I grew up in Austria I had a great education. I had great teachers." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"The future is green energy, sustainability, renewable energy." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I believe with all my heart that America remains 'the great idea' that inspires the world. It is a privilege to be born here. It is an honor to become a citizen here. It is a gift to raise your family here, to vote here, and to live here." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"We simply must do everything we can in our power to slow down global warming before it is too late. The science is clear. The global warming debate is over." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I'm not perfect." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Teddy Roosevelt is still a hero among environmentalists for his conservationist policies." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I'm not looking for sympathy at all." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Maria is the best partner I could ever have. She's the best mother and the best wife and the best friend. I'm so lucky to have her. She has brought three beautiful children into this world." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"In this country, it doesn't make any difference where you were born. It doesn't make any difference who your parents were. It doesn't make any difference if, like me, you couldn't even speak English until you were in your twenties." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"The writing is important, but the way you say the line and the pause you give it, the facial expression - all of that is very important." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I can promise you that when I go to Sacramento, I will pump up Sacramento." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Well, you know, I'm the forever optimist." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"You can scream at me, call me for a shoot at midnight, keep me waiting for hours - as long as what ends up on the screen is perfect." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Even with my divorce and with everything, I don't need money." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Bodybuilding is an art, your body is the canvas, weights are your brush and nutrition is your paint. We all have the ability to turn a self portrait into a masterpiece." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I don't understand how they can call me anti-Latino when I've made four movies in Mexico." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I know a lot of athletes and models are written off as just bodies. I never felt used for my body." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"I'm sure a lot of people out there make mistakes." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
"The secret is contained in a three-part formula I learned in the gym: self confidence, a positive mental attitude, and honest hard work." - Arnold Schwarzenegger
Conclusion
Arnold Schwarzenegger's words continue to resonate because they come from a place of authentic experience. From a young boy in Austria who dared to dream beyond his circumstances to becoming a global icon, his journey embodies the transformative power of determination and self-belief.
His quotes reveal more than just motivational soundbites – they offer a blueprint for success that transcends bodybuilding, acting, or politics. Whether discussing the importance of repetition in training, the value of taking risks, or the necessity of giving back to society, Arnold's philosophy remains consistent: never settle for mediocrity.
What makes Arnold's wisdom particularly compelling is its practical nature. He doesn't speak in abstract concepts but in concrete actions: do the reps, embrace the pain, take responsibility, and keep pushing forward. His humor and self-awareness prevent his confidence from becoming arrogance, making his message accessible to anyone willing to work for their dreams.
As we reflect on these 150 quotes, we see a man who refused to be limited by others' expectations or his own circumstances. Arnold Schwarzenegger's legacy isn't just in his achievements but in his enduring message: that with vision, dedication, and relentless effort, we all have the power to become legendary.
"I'll be back" may be his most famous line, but his most important message might be this: You don't have to stay where you started. You can build yourself into whoever you want to become.
More Arnold Schwarzenegger Quotes
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- Success & Achievement
- Entrepreneurship & Business
- Persistence & Resilience
- Personal Growth & Self-Improvement
- Mindset & Mental Strength
- Confidence & Self-Belief
- Life Wisdom & Purpose
- Happiness & Joy
- Change & Transformation
- Leadership & Influence
- Relationships & Communication
- Daily Inspiration
- Overcoming Fear
- Creativity & Innovation
- Health & Wellness
- Achievement & Victory
- Goal Setting & Dreams
- Wealth & Prosperity
- Career & Professional Success
- Excellence & Quality
- Performance & Results
- Competition & Winning
- Recognition & Fame
- Power & Influence
- Strategy & Planning