Tom Hanks has long been seen as one of Hollywood’s most dependable and relatable stars. Over a career spanning more than four decades, the Oscar-winning actor has played characters that show empathy, moral strength, and emotional depth. From heartwarming dramas to inspiring true stories, Tom's on-screen presence often feels reassuring. Off-screen too, his words tend to strike a chord.
Famous quote by Tom Hanks
In an earlier interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Tom Hanks was asked what advice he would give his younger self. Instead of speaking about career choices or fame, the actor chose to focus on emotional perspective.
""I wish I had known that this too shall pass. You feel bad right now? You feel pissed off? You feel angry? This too shall pass. You feel great? You feel like you know all the You feel like that everybody finally gets you and there you are? This too shall pass. Time is your ally and if nothing else, just wait."
At the same time, moments of joy, clarity, and success are also fleeting. Summing it up simply, Hanks said that time works in one’s favour, and if nothing else helps, patience will.
The meaning behind Hanks’ words is both comforting and grounding. By reminding people that “this too shall pass,” the actor talked about the temporary nature of human emotions and situations. According to him, when someone feels overwhelmed or upset, time gradually dulls the intensity of that pain. Similarly, when life feels perfect and confidence is at its peak, those moments should be enjoyed but not clung to too tightly. As Hanks explained in the interview, time acts like a quiet companion that helps people move forward, even when they feel stuck.
Calling time an ally is a powerful idea. Forrest Gump actor's message encourages emotional balance, urging people to stay calm during difficult periods and humble during successful ones. It suggests that growth does not always come from action or immediate solutions, but sometimes from waiting, observing, and allowing life to unfold naturally.
The quote feels especially relevant today. In an era shaped by fast-paced lifestyles, constant online comparison, and pressure to succeed quickly, patience often feels outdated. Social media amplifies both failure and success, making emotions feel more intense and permanent than they really are. Against this backdrop, Hanks’ words offer reassurance. They remind people dealing with anxiety, burnout, career uncertainty, or personal loss that situations evolve with time.
More about Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks’ own journey shows the wisdom behind his statement. Before becoming one of the most respected actors in the world, he worked his way up through television and early film roles. He found mainstream success with films like Big, but it was his dramatic performances in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump that earned him back-to-back Academy Awards for Best Actor. Over the years, Tom continued to reinvent himself with films such as Saving Private Ryan, Cast Away, Apollo 13, and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.
Often referred to as "America’s Dad," he has built a reputation as an everyman actor, someone audiences trust and relate to. In a 2013 Reader’s Digest poll, he was ranked as the most trusted person in America. His ability to portray ordinary people facing extraordinary situations has made viewers reflect on their own choices and values.
By sharing a lesson rooted in patience and perspective, Tom Hanks once again connected beyond cinema.
Famous quote by Tom Hanks
In an earlier interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Tom Hanks was asked what advice he would give his younger self. Instead of speaking about career choices or fame, the actor chose to focus on emotional perspective. ""I wish I had known that this too shall pass. You feel bad right now? You feel pissed off? You feel angry? This too shall pass. You feel great? You feel like you know all the You feel like that everybody finally gets you and there you are? This too shall pass. Time is your ally and if nothing else, just wait."
At the same time, moments of joy, clarity, and success are also fleeting. Summing it up simply, Hanks said that time works in one’s favour, and if nothing else helps, patience will.
The meaning behind Hanks’ words is both comforting and grounding. By reminding people that “this too shall pass,” the actor talked about the temporary nature of human emotions and situations. According to him, when someone feels overwhelmed or upset, time gradually dulls the intensity of that pain. Similarly, when life feels perfect and confidence is at its peak, those moments should be enjoyed but not clung to too tightly. As Hanks explained in the interview, time acts like a quiet companion that helps people move forward, even when they feel stuck.
Calling time an ally is a powerful idea. Forrest Gump actor's message encourages emotional balance, urging people to stay calm during difficult periods and humble during successful ones. It suggests that growth does not always come from action or immediate solutions, but sometimes from waiting, observing, and allowing life to unfold naturally.
The quote feels especially relevant today. In an era shaped by fast-paced lifestyles, constant online comparison, and pressure to succeed quickly, patience often feels outdated. Social media amplifies both failure and success, making emotions feel more intense and permanent than they really are. Against this backdrop, Hanks’ words offer reassurance. They remind people dealing with anxiety, burnout, career uncertainty, or personal loss that situations evolve with time.
More about Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks’ own journey shows the wisdom behind his statement. Before becoming one of the most respected actors in the world, he worked his way up through television and early film roles. He found mainstream success with films like Big, but it was his dramatic performances in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump that earned him back-to-back Academy Awards for Best Actor. Over the years, Tom continued to reinvent himself with films such as Saving Private Ryan, Cast Away, Apollo 13, and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.Often referred to as "America’s Dad," he has built a reputation as an everyman actor, someone audiences trust and relate to. In a 2013 Reader’s Digest poll, he was ranked as the most trusted person in America. His ability to portray ordinary people facing extraordinary situations has made viewers reflect on their own choices and values.
By sharing a lesson rooted in patience and perspective, Tom Hanks once again connected beyond cinema.