Soichiro Honda Quotes

Powerful Soichiro Honda for Daily Growth

About Soichiro Honda

Soichiro Honda (1906-1991), a pioneering Japanese engineer and industrialist, is renowned as the founder of Honda Motor Company, one of Japan's most successful multinational corporations. Born in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, on November 17, 1906, Honda's passion for mechanics was ignited at a young age when he repaired bicycles to support his family after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. In 1928, Honda joined Art Shokai, an automobile parts manufacturer. Three years later, he established Tokai Seiki, producing engine cylinders for military aircraft during WWII. Post-war, with Japan's industrial output prohibited under the Potsdam Declaration, Honda redirected his company's focus to producing motorized farm and bicycle tools. In 1948, Honda founded Honda Motor Co., Ltd., launching their first product, the A-Type motorcycle, which was based on a pre-war design. This initial success led to rapid expansion and innovation, with groundbreaking designs such as the Super Cub (1958)—the world's most sold vehicle ever—and the revolutionary Honda Civic car in 1972. Honda's relentless pursuit of perfection extended beyond motor vehicles. In 1963, he founded Honda Marine Engineering, manufacturing outboard motors and engines for marine use. He also led the creation of advanced racing machines, winning multiple Formula One constructors' championships throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Soichiro Honda's visionary leadership, innovative spirit, and commitment to quality continue to inspire the global automotive industry. Today, Honda Motor Company is a symbol of Japanese ingenuity and technological prowess, with operations in over 140 countries worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Success is 99% failure and 1% luck."

This quote by Soichiro Honda implies that success isn't just a product of luck, but rather it comes primarily from persistence in the face of failure (99%) and only a small part (1%) is influenced by chance or fortunate circumstances. It encourages resilience and perseverance as key factors to achieving one's goals.


"You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete."

This quote emphasizes the importance of innovation over confrontation when striving for change. Instead of merely challenging or resisting an established system, one should construct a superior alternative that renders the old model irrelevant. In essence, it's a call to action to build solutions that are so compelling and effective that they naturally replace outdated methods or ideas.


"Dreams are very necessary to life."

This quote emphasizes the importance of dreams in human existence. Dreams serve as a source of inspiration, motivation, and guidance for individuals. They provide us with goals and aspirations, fueling our creativity, resilience, and determination to overcome obstacles. In essence, dreams give life purpose, direction, and a sense of hope for the future.


"To become a pioneer you must be willing to blaze your own trail and risk burning yourself."

This quote by Soichiro Honda emphasizes that true pioneers are not afraid to venture into uncharted territories, even if it means taking risks and potentially facing failure or hardship. It underscores the spirit of innovation and perseverance required to create something new and significant. Embracing this mindset can lead to remarkable achievements but also involves a certain level of personal sacrifice and vulnerability. Ultimately, it suggests that those who are willing to blaze their own trail, even at the risk of burning themselves, have the potential to leave an indelible mark on history.


"Racing increases adrenaline, decreases self-doubt, and is a hell of a lot of fun."

This quote by Soichiro Honda emphasizes the exhilarating, confidence-boosting, and entertaining nature of racing. The adrenaline rush that comes with racing can help individuals conquer self-doubt and fear, as it pushes them beyond their comfort zones. Moreover, the fun aspect of racing implies an enjoyment of challenges, personal growth, and the camaraderie that comes from shared passion for speed and competition.


There is a Japanese proverb that literally goes 'Raise the sail with your stronger hand', meaning you must go after the opportunities that arise in life that you are best equipped to do.

- Soichiro Honda

Sail, Equipped, Literally, Japanese

The value of life can be measured by how many times your soul has been deeply stirred.

- Soichiro Honda

Soul, Been, Measured, How Many Times

I could not understand how it could move under its own power. And when it had driven past me, without even thinking why I found myself chasing it down the road, as hard as I could run.

- Soichiro Honda

Own, Why, Had, Down The Road

If you hire only those people you understand, the company will never get people better than you are. Always remember that you often find outstanding people among those you don't particularly like.

- Soichiro Honda

Always, Hire, Outstanding, Company

Success represents the 1% of your work which results from the 99% that is called failure.

- Soichiro Honda

Failure, Represents, Which, Results

Success is 99 percent failure.

- Soichiro Honda

Success, Failure, Success Is, Percent

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