The Most Powerful Quotes from 21 People Who Shaped HistoryThe Most Powerful Quotes from 21 People Who Shaped HistoryThis post may contain links from our sponsors and affiliates, and Flywheel Publishing may receive compensation for actions taken through them. If you’re looking for some wisdom from successful leaders and entrepreneurs, read on for some powerful quotes and life lessons. Galileo GalileiHulton Archive / Hulton Archive via Getty ImagesGalileo Galilei, an Italian astronomer and physicist, established the idea that the Earth moved around the Sun and not the other way around. Henry FordHulton Archive / Archive Photos via Getty ImagesHenry Ford was undeniably controversial, but his mark on the automobile and manufacturing worlds cannot be understated. “We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grouds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills, we shall never surrender.”5.