Quote of the day by Robin Williams: ‘Words and ideas can change the world’

Robin Williams is remembered as one of the most versatile and beloved actors of all time. His range, which started from comedy, could smoothly transition to deeply emotional performances. One such role of his was as John Keating, an unconventional English teacher, in the 1989 classic ‘Dead Poets Society’.

As Keating, Robin Williams delivered one of his most iconic phrases: “Words and ideas can change the world.”

Quote of the day by Robin Williams

“Words and ideas can change the world.”

In the film, Keating uses this phrase to challenge his students to think for themselves and break free from the rigid conformity of their elite boarding school. He encourages them to "seize the day" (carpe diem).

While screenwriter Tom Schulman wrote the line, Williams' passionate delivery turned it into a lasting symbol of inspiration. Undoubtedly, it is because Williams was a phenomenal actor.

Here’s a look at Robin Williams’ career journey.

Williams’ acting career spanned nearly 40 years. His breakthrough came with his guest role as the alien Mork on an episode of ‘Happy Days’ in 1978. His performance was so popular that it led to the spin-off sitcom ‘Mork & Mindy,’ which turned him into a global superstar and earned him his first Golden Globe.

After his starring debut in ‘Popeye’ (1980), Williams established himself as a leading man with ‘Good Morning, Vietnam,’ ‘Aladdin,’ ‘Mrs.Doubtfire,’ and ‘Dead Poets Society.’ He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1998 for his role as therapist Sean Maguire in ‘Good Will Hunting.’Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”