If you search the internet for famous quotes about the ocean and life, there are literally hundreds to choose from. This list focuses solely on the best quotes about calm, smooth seas…
And if you’re looking for calm sea quotes for Instagram, just grab one of these and slap it on a pretty sea picture!
The Best Calm Sea Quotes
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
This famous quote by the American president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, means that when everything is going well, not much skill is needed. Conversely, when things happen that test our skills, it makes us work harder and achieve more.
Storms draw something out of us that calm seas don’t.
Bill Hybels
This quote by American author, Bill Hybels, is very much along the same vein. It’s about how experiencing difficult times can build us up to become better. In these quotes, the calm sea is a metaphor for easy times.
Great people are not affected by each puff of wind that blows ill. Like great ships, they sail serenely on, in a calm sea or a great tempest.
George Washington
This quote by American president George Washington is about how you don’t need to let yourself be affected by things that are outside of your control.
In a calm sea, every man is a pilot.
John Ray
17th-century English naturalist, John Ray, used the calm sea metaphor to demonstrate how we’re all ready to offer advice when there’s no risk. But, when danger threatens, people aren’t always so keep to step forwards.
If the ocean can calm itself, so can you. We are both saltwater mixed with air.
Nayyirah Waheed
Nayyirah Waheed has been described as ‘the best poet on Instagram’. This quote is about the importance of meditation and self-reflection in achieving calm in difficult situations.
The man who has experienced shipwreck shudders even at a calm sea.
Ovid
This quote by the Roman poet, Ovid, demonstrates how traumatic experiences can have an effect on us for long after the event has finished.
But never have I been a blue calm sea. I have always been a storm.
Stevie Nicks
This line is from the Fleetwood Mac song, Storm. This is a very sad song and people have offered various insights into the meaning behind it. One suggestion is that it means that we can be calm on the outside, but some of us have ‘storms’ within us which can affect how we act.
There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.
Willa Cather
This quote by American author, Will Cather, is a testament to those people that survived the Great Depression. It means that we will all encounter challenges, and what matters most is taking away lessons to help us grow.
At night, time becomes a calm sea. It goes on for ever.
Francoise Sagan
This quote by French playwright, Francois Sagan, draws our minds to how quiet and long the night is, by likening it to the view of a smooth ocean.
Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.
Thomas Jefferson
This quote by the third US President, Thomas Jefferson, means that when liberty is abused and morality no longer guides our decisions, then tyranny will take its place.
One’s ships come in over a calm sea.
Florence Scovel Shinn
Florence Scovel Shinn was a 19th-century artist and spiritual teacher. This quote means that if you can be happy, with or without your heart’s desire, then it will suddenly appear. The calm sea is a metaphor for peace and happiness.
The courage to press on regardless – regardless of whether we face calm seas or rough seas, and especially when the market storms howl around us – is the quintessential attribute of the successful investor.
John C. Bogle
John C. Bogle is the founder of investment company Vanguard and the inventor of the index fund. His quote highlights the importance of sticking to your plan no matter what happens
Instead of passing on choppy waters to the next generation, we should endeavour to leave them a calmer sea.
Najib Razak
This quote from the Malaysian prime minister serves as a reminder of how we should strive to make the world a better place for future generations.
It is extraordinary to see the sea; what a spectacle! She is so unfettered that one wonders whether it is possible that she again become calm.
Claude Monet
With this quote, French painter Monet draws attention to how the sea can be incredibly rough, yet still becomes calm again. You could argue it’s a rough seas quote as much as a smooth sea quote.
You have to think of your career the way you look at the ocean, deciding which wave you’re gonna take and which waves you’re not gonna take. Some of the waves are going to be big, some are gonna be small, sometimes the sea is going to be calm. Your career is not going to be one steady march upward to glory.
Alan Arkin
American actor, director and screenwriter, Alan Arkin, uses the ocean as a metaphor for potential career directions in this inspirational quote.
To us large creatures, space-time is like the sea seen from an ocean liner, smooth and serene. Up close, though, on tiny scales, it’s waves and bubbles. At extremely fine scales, pockets and bubbles of space-time can form at random, sputtering into being, then dissolving.
Gregory Benford
Astrophysicist, Gregory Benford, uses the image of a smooth sea to explain the concept of space-time.
Life is like the ocean. It can be calm or still, and rough or rigid, but in the end, it is always beautiful.
Unknown
And there we finish with one more beautiful quote about the calm ocean and how it compares to life itself.
I hope that you’ve found some calm from reading these quotes about calm seas. Speaking quotes like these can help us in times of stress and worry, along with traditional methods such as meditation and the use of tools like anxiety rings and stress balls.
Do you have a favourite calm sea quote?
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Quotes about the sea can be very powerful and these short quotes pack a lot of meaning into just a few words.
Short, simplistic quotes are easy to remember and can provide inspirational mantras for us to live by. These short quotes are also great to use as captions for Instagram posts or slogans to add to items such as t-shirts.
Now, let’s dive into this list of the best short sea quotes and sayings…
The Best Short Quotes About The Sea
“Life is like the ocean, it goes up and down“
– Vanessa Paradis
Vanessa Paradis is a French singer, model and actress. She became a pop star at the age of 14, married Johnny Depp and is now a fashion icon and a spokeswoman for Chanel. This quote is attributed to her, although the context behind it is unknown.
“I need vitamin sea.”
– Unknown
It’s not known who came up with this clever play on words that serves as a example of sea quotes about life. Time spent by the ocean certainly has a similar effect on our health as Vitamin C.
“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson was a 19th Century American lecturer, philosopher and poet. This famous line is from his poem ‘Merlin’s Song‘.
“The sea does not like to be restrained.”
– Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief
‘The Lightning Thief’ is a fantasy-adventure novel written by Rick Riordan. This quote comes from the main character, Percy Jackson, who embarks upon a quest to travel across the United States and reach the gates of the Underworld.
“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.“
– Ryunosuke Akutagawa
Ryunosuke Akutagawa was a Japanese poet and writer from the 1920s. He is regarded as the ‘Father of the Japanese short story’ and his works have been translated into many languages.
“The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea.”
– Isak Dinesen
Isak Dinesen is a pen name of Karen Blixen, a Danish author who is best known for the book ‘Out of Africa’. This quote is an excerpt from her short story, “The Deluge at Norderney“. In this story, the character is considering curing depression by throwing themselves into the ocean.
“Let the waves carry you where the light can not”
– Mohit Kaushik
Mohit Kaushik is an Indian actor. The origins of this short quote about the sea are unknown. Quotes about sea and waves, and the inspiration they have on our lives, are perfect for sharing on social media.
“Sometimes in the waves of change, we find our true direction”
– Unknown
This is a quote that is very relevant to a lot of people at the moment. Just as the tide changes, other things in our life can change too, and this can push us towards the path that we were destined to follow.
“Smell the sea and feel the sky, let your soul and spirit fly”
– Van Morrison
Van Morrison is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter. This quote is a line from the song ‘Brand New Day’ which was featured on his 1970 album ‘Moondance’.
“Let the sea set you free”
– Unknown
This is a nice short sea quote that you’ll commonly see printed on cushions, wall art and coasters. Its meaning is open to interpretation as the ways in which the sea can set you free will be unique to each person’s circumstances.
“A rising tide lifts all boats”
– Sean Lemass
This aphorism was originally coined by Irish politician Sean Lemass and made famous by John F. Kennedy, who used it often. It means that when an economy is performing well, everyone will benefit from it.
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
– Jacques Cousteau
Jacques Cousteau was a French explorer and pioneer of marine conservation. This is another of those famous quotes about sea and life that mean once you begin to explore the sea, you will be so mesmerized by its wonders that you’ll always want to learn more.
“A lot of people attack the sea, I make love to it.”
– Jacques Cousteau
This quote by Jacques Cousteau demonstrates how his attitude towards marine conservation was different to so many others at the time.
“How foolish to believe we are more powerful than the sea or the sky.”
– Ruta Sepetys
Ruta Sepetys is a bestselling writer of historical fiction. This quote is from her novel, Salt to the Sea.
“The ocean is calling and I must go”
– Unknown
This short ocean quote is adapted from a similar quote – ‘The mountains are calling and I must go’. The original quote is by John Muir, a Scottish-American naturalist who was known as ‘John of the Mountains’.
“The sea is a desert of waves, A wilderness of water.”
– Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes was an American poet. This sea quote is a line from one of his poems – Long Trip.
“How inappropriate to call this planet Earth when it is clearly Ocean.”
– Arthur C. Clarke
Arthur C. Clarke was an English science-fiction write, undersea explorer and futurist. This quote about the sea refers to the fact that the ocean covers around 71% of the planet’s surface.
“Darling, it’s better, down where it’s wetter. Take it from me!”
– Sebastian The Crab
This is a line from the song ‘Under the Sea’ from the 1989 movie ‘The Little Mermaid’.
“The sea is as near as we come to another world.”
– Anne Stevenson
Anne Stevenson was an American-British poet and writer. This line from one of her poems can be found at the entrance to Hull’s aquarium, The Deep. There’s no denying that some ocean creatures are so remarkable that they could indeed be from another planet.
“The ocean is a mighty harmonist”
– William Wordsworth
This is a line from the poem ‘On the Power of Sound‘ by 16th Century English poet, William Wordsworth. It highlights how vital the ocean is to life on planet Earth.
“Even the upper end of the river believes in the ocean.”
– William Stafford
William Stafford was an American poet and pacifist. This quote is a line from his poem, Climbing Along the River. It means that you should believe in something, even if you have no proof that it exists.
“Eternity begins and ends with the ocean’s tides.”
– Unknown
This quote about the ocean refers to the role that the tides play in life on Earth. Without the ocean’s tides to churn up material in the ocean, there would be no ecosystems and life as we know it would not exist.
“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
This is a famous quote by the American president, Franklin D. Roosevelt. The meaning behind the quote is that we need to be challenged in order to develop and improve. It can be applied to many aspects of life including work and relationships.
“A rough day at sea is better than any day in the office.“
– Unknown
Whether you apply this to cruising or not, it’s certainly a quote that ocean-lovers will attest to. Even a bad day at sea is better than a good day spent working on land, because a) you’re at sea, and b) you aren’t working. So take the time to get out of the office every now and then.
“Family is a life jacket in the stormy sea of life.“
– J.K. Rowling
Taken from the hugely popular third Harry Potter book, Prisoner of Azkaban, this short and snappy quote beautifully sums up how our family can look after us even when times are rough.
“Life’s roughest storms prove the strength of our anchors.“
“Great sea captains are made in rough waters and deep seas.“
– Kathryn Kuhlman
Kathryn Kuhlman was an evangelist in America, and so it is no surprise she came up with this quote about enduring life’s challenges, a message that is consistent with some parables and lessons from religion. We are better people for the hard times that we overcome.
“No matter how rough the sea, I refuse to sink.“
– Unknown
Another unknown origin quote and another that inspires – the lesson is to always carry on fighting even when times get their hardest. It’s a fantastic quote to live your life by.
“Storms draw something out of us that calm seas don’t.“
– Bill Hybels
Another quote with a similar meaning to those above, this sea quote from American author Bill Hybels demonstrates how we become better and stronger through the challenges rougher seas and storms may bring us.
“In a calm sea, every man is a pilot.“
– John Ray
This wonderful quote from naturalist John Ray may have been given in the 17th Century but it’s very profound for modern society including the online world – everyone feels confident offering advice when there’s no real risk, but when times are harder it may be harder to come by.
“At night, time becomes a calm sea. It goes on for ever.“
– Francoise Sagan
If you’ve ever had trouble sleeping, you’ll be able to sympathise with this quote from French playwright Sagan. Time seems to go on forever, just like a calm sea does. However, you probably didn’t feel calm when trying to finally nod off.
“One’s ships come in over a calm sea.“
– Florence Scovel Shinn
This quote from a 19th Century artist and spiritual teacher is one worth remembering. If you can find peace and happiness in what you have, then the happiness and goals you had in mind will follow.
“The sound and smell of the sea cleanses my soul.”
– Unknown
It’s not known who said this, but it’s certainly something any cruise fan will agree with. There’s a wonderful feeling of being refreshed down to your very soul when you set sail on a cruise ship.
“At sea, I learned how little a person needs, not how much.”
– Robin Lee Graham
Robin Lee Graham was a sailor who set out to sail around the world while just a teenager in the 1960s. This magnificent quote shows how life at sea strips back all the needs and wants of the modern world. Even if cruise ships keep adding more features to cater for those who do want their home comforts.
“The sea lives in every one of us.”
– Robert Wyland
A famous artist and conservationist, American Robert Wyland uses the oceans in much of his work, and this quote shows that inherently we really do have a calling that ties us to the waters.
“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination, and brings eternal joy to the soul.”
– Robert Wyland
Another quote from Wyland, this shows just how important the seas were to him. It’s certainly easy to feel inspired when you’re standing on the deck looking out to the ocean, and few people take a cruise without feeling overwhelming joy.
“I wanted freedom, open air and adventure. I found it on the sea.”
– Alain Gerbeault
Has any quote ever summed up the feeling of a first cruise holiday better than French sailor (and tennis player) Alain Gerbeault? The passion for sailing is perfectly captured in this short statement.
“We dream in colors borrowed from the sea.”
– Unknown
A popular theme in sea-related quotes is how we as humans have a natural affinity for all things oceanic. This quote links that natural love of the seas with the worlds we bring to life in our happiest dreams at night.
“That the sea is one of the most beautiful and magnificent sights in Nature, all admit.”
– John Joly
John Joly was a 19th Century Irish physicist who also studied geology, including looking at how oceans dated the world. That amongst his studies he made such a powerful quote about the sea shows how much of an effect it had on him in his work.
“Dear ocean, thank you for making us feel tiny, humble, inspired, and salty…all at once.”
– Unknown
This fun quote shows that the ocean can trigger a number of feelings in you and that it is hard not to feel your place in the world when faced with an expansive ocean. Whether they meant salty literally, or as in annoyed (because of rough seas?) we won’t ever know.
“The oceans roar is music to the soul.”
– Unknown
Another common theme that people share with the sea is how it can cleanse them of stress and worry. This quote reflects that – the roar of the ocean, the sound of the waves, can heal all kinds of negative feelings.
“A sailor is an artist whose medium is the wind.”
– Webb Chiles
This quote may sound quite profound already, but when you realise that Webb Chiles is a sailor himself who has circumnavigated the world four times, you really feel his passion for the ocean and nature shining through.
“The ocean makes me feel really small and it makes me put my whole life into perspective.”
– Beyonce Knowles
This ocean quote was given by modern singing legend Beyonce as part of a documentary. When a global superstar says they feel small, you realise just how grand the ocean is, and how it makes equals of us all.
“There’s nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it’s sent away.”
– Sarah Kay
Sarah Kay is an American poet known for her spoken word, and she does a wonderful job of summarising the amazing allure of the sea through her charming use of metaphor.
“If the ocean can calm itself, so can you. We are both salt water mixed with air.”
– Nayyirah Waheed
Nayyirah Waheed is a poet that has been described as “possibly the most famous poet on Instagram”. This quote does a wonderful job of comparing humans to the ocean.
“There’s nothing wrong with enjoying looking at the surface of the ocean itself, except that when you finally see what goes on underwater, you realize that you’ve been missing the whole point of the ocean. Staying on the surface all the time is like going to the circus and staring at the outside of the tent.”
– Dave Barry
This is a great quote that reminds us of just how much of the ocean we don’t see. Yes as cruisers we focus on the waves but there is so much underneath the surface.
“I have seafoam in my veins, I understand the language of waves.”
– Le Testament d’Orphée
Taken from the 1960 movie, this quote definitely feels like it could apply to a lot of people who are passionate about cruising.
“Your heart is like the ocean, mysterious and dark.”
– Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is one of the greatest lyricists to have ever performed musically, and this is a powerful quote that reminds us of the vastness and wonder of the ocean.
“I find comfort in the rhythm of the sea”
– Charlotte Eriksson
Don’t we all, Charlotte? The author really summed up just what it feels like to cruise in this short but memorable quote.
“We are like islands in the sea, separate on the surface but connected on the deep.”
– William James
William James was an American philosopher in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. This quote reminds us of how connected we all are by the oceans that surround us.
“Dance with the waves, move with the sea, let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.”
– Christy Ann Martine
I think that everyone who loves cruising has felt a freedom of the soul while at sea, perfectly captured by this Canadian poet.
“Why do we love the sea? It is because it has some potent power to make us think things we like to think.”
– Robert Henri
Henri was an American painter and teacher, and I think we can definitely take a lesson from this quote and the way that the sea makes us feel.
“For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), it’s always our self we find in the sea.”
– E. E. Cummings
Another great quote from another great American poet. Do you ever feel like a cruise holiday helps you find yourself?
“Take me to the ocean. Let me sail the open sea. To breathe the warm and salty air and dream of things to be.”
– Erica Billups
The fact that there are so many poets on this list shows just how poetic the ocean is. This great quote invokes the wonderful feeling of being amongst your dreams while you cruise.
“The ocean is this beautiful, unexplored place. Why on Earth everyone isn’t down there, I don’t know.”
– Graham Hawkes
Rather than being from a professional wordsmith, this quote is from a famous marine engineer and submarine designer. No one is closer to the ocean depths.
“Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”
– Gandhi
Gandhi was one of the world’s leading civil rights campaigners. This wonderful quote reminds us that a small amount of bad can’t spoil something so magnificent and vast.
“Your thoughts, feelings and sensations are the waves of the ocean – coming and going. There are big strong waves and there are soft gentle waves; they are all water and all part of the ocean.”
– Rose-Marie Sorokin, The Miracle of Yes
The Miracle of Yes is a self-help book written by Rose-Marie Sorokin. This is a good quote that shows how our emotions mirror that of the sea.
“The beauty and mystery of the ocean, fills our lives with wonders, vast beyond our imagination.”
– M. L. Borges, By The Sea
This quote is taken from an artbook by Borges, who painted numerous ocean and beach scenes and added inspirational quotations about the ocean.
“Looking out over the ocean you can see reflections of God.”
– Catherine Pulsifer
Even if you aren’t religious in any way, you can appreciate what Catherine Pulsifer is trying to say here – that the ocean truly is a reflection of the wonder of nature.
Final Thoughts
Do you have a favourite short quote about the ocean that’s not here? I’d love for you to add it in the comments below.
If you’d like more quotes about the sea which are particularly relevant to 2024, you should also look at this list of rough sea quotes and this list of calm sea quotes.
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
