By Bernard Berenson
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
"Miracles happen to those who believe in them." This Bernard Berenson quote about faith carries a striking simplicity that can spark both curiosity and hope. Even in moments when life feels ordinary or tough, the idea of miracles meeting belief resonates emotionally, inviting us to pause and consider the power of our own outlook. Perhaps that’s why these words continue to echo across generations, offering a subtle suggestion that belief might hold more significance than we sometimes think.
What Does This Quote Mean?
On the surface, Bernard Berenson’s quote suggests a literal connection between miracles and belief — that extraordinary things are possible for those who truly expect them. But when you look past the literal words, the message gets deeper and more nuanced. In using the word "miracles," Berenson might not mean only supernatural events. Instead, he could be referring to changes, opportunities, or positive turns in life that once seemed unlikely or even impossible. The kind of miracles he points to might be the gentle, everyday transformations or the unexpected good fortune that often coincides with our willingness to keep hope alive.
The core of this Bernard Berenson quote about faith is not about simply wishing for good things, but about genuinely believing in possibilities even when evidence is scarce. It speaks to the powerful effect our mindset can have on our actions and experiences. When someone truly believes something can happen — whether it is recovery from hardship, a long-awaited breakthrough, or an inspiring moment of kindness — that belief fuels effort, resilience, and openness to notice opportunities.
At its heart, the quote is a reminder that belief isn’t passive. It activates us. Believing in miracles gives us the energy to keep going and eyes to spot the extraordinary in everyday moments. While literal miracles might not happen every day, the shift inside us when we believe is real: it changes how we interpret the world, how we respond to challenges, and what we’re able to attract or recognize. In this sense, Berenson’s words are both hopeful and practical — faith can be the spark that makes the unlikely possible.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
1. Stay open to possibilities, even in setback
Life brings disappointments — sometimes the job offer doesn’t come, health issues appear, or a relationship falters. If you remember this Bernard Berenson quote about faith, you give yourself permission to keep looking for positive surprises. Even when things seem bleak, keeping an open mind for "miracles" means you stay receptive to unexpected turns and solutions.
2. Set goals fueled by belief, not doubt
When you approach your intentions with genuine belief, you’re much more likely to put in consistent effort. Believing that something good can happen doesn’t guarantee an outcome, but it does keep you motivated to try, to adapt, and to persevere when others may quit. This approach can lead to results that may feel miraculous simply because most people give up too soon.
3. Encourage others to nurture hope
Sometimes, the belief that makes a miracle possible comes from more than just one person. Support friends, family, or colleagues by affirming their dreams, reminding them that positive surprises can and do happen. Passing on the message of the Bernard Berenson quote to others helps create a culture of faith and courage.
4. Turn belief into action
Believing in possibilities is only the start. Let your faith push you to take concrete steps toward what you desire. Apply for the job you think is out of reach, reconnect with an old friend, or start a creative project that excites you. Your actions, fueled by belief, lay the groundwork for "miracles" to occur.
5. Look for the gift in the ordinary
Sometimes, what we label as miracles are simply moments of grace in everyday life — a smile from a stranger when you’re down, a sudden solution to a long-standing problem, or the right words arriving at the perfect time. Practice noticing and appreciating these moments. Belief primes your mind to recognize the extraordinary in the seemingly mundane.
✨ The Motivation Message
You have so much untapped power inside you! The world might tell you to be "realistic," but there’s a special energy that comes when you let yourself believe in your own possibilities. Every great dream, every unexpected joy, and every turn of good luck starts with a simple spark — your belief! When you choose to keep faith, you’re not closing your eyes to difficulties — you’re choosing to see one step further, to recognize hope where others see none.
Remember, you have the ability to invite wonderful things into your life by keeping an open heart and mind. The odds can shift in your favor when you let go of doubt and give yourself permission to try, to hope, and to move forward, no matter how small the steps. 😊 You are far more capable than you realize! Go ahead and believe that something wonderful can happen for you — and then get ready to surprise yourself.
About Bernard Berenson
Bernard Berenson, who was born in 1865 and died in 1959, was a prominent American art historian and critic, best known for his expertise in Renaissance art. Raised in a family that had immigrated to the United States from Lithuania, Berenson’s early life was steeped in curiosity, scholarship, and a search for meaning beyond the ordinary. Over his long career, he became a respected voice in the art world, celebrated for his keen eye, passionate appreciation of beauty, and thoughtful writing.
His interest in art was deeply connected to his view of life as full of meaning and possibility. Berenson saw more than just paint on canvas — he found inspiration in the extraordinary capacity of human beings to create and to hope. The quote "Miracles happen to those who believe in them" fits perfectly with his wider message: that belief, faith, and a willingness to see beyond the obvious open doors to wonder and fulfillment. For Berenson, miracles weren’t just rare events, but the result of expecting and noticing the remarkable in life, especially when others might overlook it. This perspective encourages us, just as he did, to believe in possibility and to keep looking for inspiration in both art and life.
