10 Inspiring Quotes by Keanu Reeves That We Should All Learn From

(Getty Images | Albert Ortega)

Keanu Reeves became famous for his starring roles in action films such as “The Matrix,” “Speed,” and the “John Wick” franchise. Behind his unassuming exterior and celebrity status is a life full of hard times. Yet, he is also an example worthy of following in how he handles both adversity and fame.

Born in Lebanon in 1964, the actor’s childhood wasn’t without struggle. His father left when he was young, and he struggled academically due to dyslexia and changing schools often. His sister, Kim, was his best friend, and she was the one who encouraged him to go to Los Angeles and pursue acting as a career.

In his youth, Reeves also had to deal with unimaginable tragedy. He lost his best friend River Phoenix to drugs and had a stillborn child. He didn’t fall apart when faced with devastation.

375127 01: 3/10/99 Las Vegas, NV. Keanu Reeves ("The Matrix") at the ShoWest ''99 Convention. (©Getty Images | Brenda Chase)

Reeves is a celebrity who uses his powers of fame to make other people’s lives better. He frequently donates money to cancer charities and has several foundations that help people suffering from leukemia in honor of his sister, who survived the disease. According to Snopes, he told Woman’s Day that he didn’t “like to attach my name to it. I just let the foundation do what it does.”

Here are 10 pearls of wisdom spoken by the actor over the years that are particularly poignant and can serve as advice worthy of hearing.

Actor Keanu Reeves signs autographs after posing next to the beach closet dedicated to him during a photocall on Sept. 4, 2015. (©Getty Images | Marc Piasecki)

1.

It is incredibly empowering to know that your future is in your hand.

2.

Our dreams can teach us, instruct us, confuse us, sometimes I think they look to be considered. They are an opportunity and I think they most certainly could be utilized to focus, to try and achieve—whether it’s looking for someone, or influencing us, or inspiring us.

©Getty Images | Alberto E. Rodriguez

3.

Art is about trying to find the good in people and making the world a more compassionate place.

4.

Sometimes simple things are the most difficult things to achieve.

5.

Sometimes we get so caught up in our daily lives that we forget to take the time out to enjoy the beauty in life. It’s like we’re zombies. Look up and take your headphones out. Say “Hi” to someone you see and maybe give a hug to someone who looks like they’re hurting.

©Getty Images | Frederick M. Brown

6.

You have to change your life if you’re not happy, and wake up if things aren’t going the way you want.

7.

Every struggle in your life has shaped you into the person you are today. Be thankful for the hard times, they can only make you stronger.

8.

So in the end, I think we can all pretty well agree that even in the face of tragedy, a stellar person can thrive. No matter what’s going on in your life, you can overcome it! Life is worth living.

9.

Sometimes enemies are our best teachers, people can learn from their mistakes, destruction sometimes means rebirth.

10.

I was also raised to treat people exactly how I would like to be treated by others. It’s called respect.