35 One Piece Quotes That Inspire Us

Shonen anime might not be known for its nuance or maturity, but the genre has developed a reputation for generating excitement and motivating audiences. That said, one specific title seems to have figured out how to do both. Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece has proven that it offers something for everyone. A variety of its characters, such as Monkey D. Luffy and Marshall D. Teach, have spouted unexpected wisdoms that break up the hilarious jokes and captivating action scenes.

One Piece expanded upon the conventional Shonen formula, allowing it to delve into all sorts of themes and stay relevant for nearly three decades. On multiple occasions, its characters have made statements that did more than just stick with readers — they inspired a whole generation of anime fans. Working both within the world of One Piece and without, Oda has managed to make a lasting impact through his character’s inspiring quotes.

Updated on March 10, 2025, by Ajay Aravind: Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hats are yet to find the One Piece, but the story seems to be reaching its inevitable conclusion. According to Oda, the upcoming and final world war will make Marineford look like a joke. Action sequences aside, fans are also expecting some of the best lines to be delivered in the Final Saga. Until then, however, we have updated this list with five more of the best One Piece quotes.

35

“I Left Everything I Gathered Together in One Place.”

Episode 1, “I’m Luffy! The Man Who’s Gonna Be King Of The Pirates!”

In Gol D. Roger’s first appearance in the series, he clearly conveyed One Piece‘s thoughts about dreams and freedom. For people to pursue dreams, they need a motivator, and the One Piece is the biggest motivator. The treasure is synonymous with the pursuit of aspiration, and only through this pursuit can one achieve greatness.

You want my treasure, you can have it. I left everything I gathered together in one place. Now, you just have to find it.

Roger’s name-drop of the One Piece single-handedly started the Golden Age of Pirates, launching the next generation of seafarers (as well as the show’s viewers) into a journey of self-exploration that will guide them towards the reason for freedom itself. Additionally, the Pirate King makes it clear that everyone needs to choose to pursue their own destiny, otherwise they will miss out on great treasure. In the real world, this doesn’t necessarily mean physical riches, but whatever dream each individual has.

34

“Nobody Hurts a Friend of Mine!”

Episode 4, “Luffy’s Past! The Red-Haired Shanks Appears”

Red-haired Shanks is one of the most important characters in the world of One Piece, yet he played a relatively minor role in the events of its narrative until recently. As a result, his scenes are jam-packed with information and often contain some of the best one-liners in series history. One such memorable line is this quote that Shanks says when Luffy is in danger.

You can pour drinks on me. You can throw food at me… but for good reason or not, nobody hurts a friend of mine!

During Shanks’ opening flashback, a group of mountain bandits runs roughshod over the Red-Haired Pirate, dousing him in alcohol and dumping plates of food on his head. The legendary pirate simply laughs them off and only springs to action when they mistreat his young companion, Luffy. His display of self-control serves as an example for both the audience and One Piece‘s protagonist. One Piece quotes like these also bluntly reinforce the series’ Shonen values in charming, memorable ways.

33

“Only I Can Call My Dream Stupid!”

Roronoa Zoro’s dream is to become the World’s Strongest Swordsman. From the very beginning of One Piece, this goal is at the forefront of his character’s motivation, and he wouldn’t let anyone mock it — not even his future crewmate and rival, Sanji. While still working at the Baratie as a chef, Sanji criticized Zoro for chasing his dream, calling him “stupid” for pursuing something so unlikely, and for putting his life on the line in the process.

I devoted my entire life to becoming the World’s Greatest Swordsman. I made my choice, so I’m the only one who gets to call me stupid.

Upon hearing Sanji’s criticism, the former Pirate Hunter bristled at the statement, quickly responding, “Only I can call my dream stupid!” The cook was taken aback, but after watching Zoro’s unwavering commitment during his fight against Mihawk, he realized that the swordsman’s statement spoke to the same mentality that spurred Sanji towards his own dream of discovering the All Blue; dreams are to be treasured.

32

“Scars on the Back Are a Swordsman’s Shame.”

Episode 24, “Hawk-Eyes Mihawk! Swordsman Zoro Falls Into The Sea!”

The samurai code stresses the importance of honor and courage, and few One Piece characters embody these traits more than the Straw Hat Pirates’ resident swordsman, Roronoa Zoro. From his very first appearance in the series, he set the tone for his journey to becoming the World’s Strongest Swordsman. In his preliminary encounter with his greatest rival, Dracule Mihawk, Zoro utters a line that still sticks in the minds of One Piece fans over two decades later.

Scars on the back are a swordsman’s shame.

When the Straw Hat Pirate was asked why he insisted on taking a slash to the chest from Mihawk, Zoro stated it was dishonorable for a swordsman to suffer “scars on their back.” Although he decisively lost his clash with the Warlord, Zoro’s words inspired many to face their challenges head-on in life with their heads held high. Whitebeard’s death scene also corroborated Zoro’s words, as the Emperor of the Sea died without a single scar on his back.

31

“A Man Dies When People Forget Him!”

Episode 86, “Hiriluk’s Cherry Blossoms And The Will That Gets Carried On!”

Some quotes from One Piece can be a bit dark, but they still ring true among Shonen fans, and they help give the series some weight. For example, Dr. Hiriluk spoke some wise words about what life and death really mean for a person on a metaphysical level. He was also the one who taught Tony Tony Chopper the value of life. Regardless of his more eccentric habits/personality traits, Dr. Hiriluk left a legacy on Drum Island that will last for generations.

When do you think a person dies? When a bullet from a pistol pierces his heart? No. When he’s attacked by an incurable disease? No. When he eats a soup of deadly poisonous mushrooms? No. A man dies when people forget him!

Before departing from this world due to his terminal illness, Dr. Hiriluk delivered a speech so powerful it left the face of Dalton — as well as the fans — covered in tears. His impassioned argument that people survive until they are forgotten strikes straight to the core and establishes exactly how much One Piece cares about personal connections.

30

“The King’s Promise Kept Ringing in My Head.”

Episode 98, “Here Come The Desert Pirates! The Men Who Live Free”

Keeping in line with most Shonen anime, the characters introduced in One Piece‘s filler episodes are usually flatter, less-developed characters than their canonical counterparts. However, there are a few significant exceptions. In Rasa’s case, she’s the source of what is arguably the best monologue in the entire saga, making this filler arc worth the watch.

The fact that I was still alive baffled me. But the King’s promise kept ringing in my head.

Rasa grew up in a remote village in Alabasta Kingdom. When she was little, King Nefertari Cobra promised her that he would visit her hometown if anything were to happen to it. Eventually, the village ends up abandoned because of repeated sandstorms, but rather than leaving the village, Rasa desperately clung to the King’s words and held out hope despite the dire circumstances. Her commitment is a reminder of the power that a promise can have, especially in the presence of extreme struggle.

29

“You’ll Never Win That Way.”

Episode 104, “Luffy Vs. Vivi! The Tearful Vow To Put Friends On The Line!”

Monkey D. Luffy may usually present himself as a goofy, unassuming captain, but fans know when push comes to shove, the Straw Hat Captain is more than capable of handling business. Case in point, the wake-up call he delivered to Princess Vivi during his time in Alabasta Kingdom spoke volumes. It’s one of the most sharply brutal One Piece quotes, especially considering who stated it.

You want it to work out where nobody dies in this fight, isn’t that right? We’re up against one of the Warlord of the Sea and a million of your own people on top of that. And you still want everyone to end up all safe and sound — you’ll never win that way.

While Princess Vivi was (understandably) fretting about the death of her people during the Alabasta civil war, Luffy interjected with a cold, yet much-needed statement regarding her naivety. He pointed out the intrinsic link between death and war, reminding audiences why the struggle for peace is so important. Luffy’s words got through to the distraught princess, prompting Vivi to resume the mission with renewed determination.

28

“There Comes a Time When a Man Must Stand and Fight.”

Episode 114, “Swear On Your Crewmate’s Dream! Battle At Molehill 4th Avenue”

Although Usopp isn’t One Piece‘s most beloved character, that doesn’t mean he won’t stand up for his friends and the things they hold dear. This is evident as early as his first appearance in Syrup Village when he tries to stop Captain Kuro from taking Lady Kaya’s fortune for himself. This courage doesn’t change as the series goes on, either.

There comes a time when a man must stand and fight. And that is when his friends’ dreams are being laughed at!

While fighting against some of Baroque Works’ strongest officers, Usopp expresses how important it is to protect the dreams of his friends. His call-to-action rallies not just his ally, Tony Tony Chopper, but also all the fans who appreciate this underrated sequence during Alabasta. Usopp’s words may not be terribly original by Shonen standards, but One Piece quotes like that are still needed to reinforce the show’s hopeful themes. More importantly, Usopp’s quotes help establish him as a lovable hero, no matter his outlandish lies.

27

“As Long As She Keeps Fighting to Save Her Kingdom, Then So Will We!”

Episode 124, “The Nightmare Draws Near! Secret Base Of The Suna Suna Clan”

While Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates’ first encounter with Nefertari Vivi happens by chance in the Albasta saga, the princess of Alabasta Kingdom quickly turns into one of the crew’s most trusted allies. Nefertari Vivi’s battle to save Alabasta from Sir Crocodile and Baroque Works makes for the first truly epic sequence of One Piece. Were it not for the help of the tight-knit Straw Hat Pirates, she would have almost certainly failed.

As long as she keeps fighting to save her kingdom, then so will we!

Crocodile defeats Monkey D. Luffy on two separate occasions before the pair meet for their final battle, leading the Warlord of the Sea to question the source of the young pirate’s resolve. Luffy reminds him that Vivi’s will to fight is the only reason his crew needs to persevere — an explanation that hints at Crocodile’s defeat shortly after. This also reminds audiences to similarly keep persevering even when faced with failure until the desired outcome is achieved.

26

“There Is No Straying from the Path of a Human!”

Episode 129, “Everything Began That Day! Vivi Tells of her Adventures!”

Mr. 2 Bon Kurei is easily one of the best One Piece characters. He accepts Sanji’s hand as a rival even after being defeated, revealing his innately honorable nature. Bon Kurei later joins the Straw Hat Pirates and quickly befriends them, particularly Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper. The other crew members also start liking him soon after they watch Bon Kurei perform his first act of sacrifice.

One may stray from the path of a man, one may stray from the path of a woman, but there is no straying from the path of a human!

With the Marines trying to attack the Going Merry after the Arabasta Arc, Bon Kurei learned that the Straw Hats couldn’t leave without saying goodbye to Vivi. As a result, he bravely tricks the Marines with his Clone-Clone Fruit and leads them away from the Straw Hats. This the point that Bon Kurei reminds not only the Marines, but also the audience, that the only worthwhile path is paved with humanity.