If you’re a sucker for superhero movies, there’s no way you haven’t heard about Christopher Reeve, the actor who played Superman in 1978.

As a talented young actor, Reeve seemed to be the perfect fit for portraying the role of the ultimate DC superhero – he was tall enough, handsome and had the necessary blue eyes. But he appeared too slim considering his height so he went through an intense two-month training regimen in order to avoid wearing fake muscles under the suit.

Unfortunately, in 1995 Reeve suffered a spinal cord injury during an equestrian competition. Falling from his horse left him quadriplegic, but not without hope. He never stopped believing that one day he will be able to hold his family in his arms again.

Reeve became a real life hero after starting the Reeve Foundation which helps people living with paralysis and funds innovative medical research in the field.

Here are 15 Christopher Reeve quotes on never-ending hope.

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I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.

So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.

Timing is very important: words can only have a positive effect on others if and when they are ready to listen.

Some people are walking around with full use of their bodies and they’re more paralyzed than I am.

What I do is based on powers we all have inside us; the ability to endure; the ability to love, to carry on, to make the best of what we have — and you don’t have to be a ‘Superman’ to do it.

If I can laugh, I can live.

When we have hope, we discover powers within ourselves we may have never known- the power to make sacrifices, to endure, to heal, and to love. Once we choose hope, everything is possible.

To be able to feel the lightest touch really is a gift.

Success is finding satisfaction in giving a little more than you take.

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Either you choose to stay in the shallow end of the pool or you go out into the ocean.

Misfortune can force you into doing things you should be doing anyway. Lessons come from adversity. Anything can happen to anyone…

In the face of adversity, hope often comes in the form of a friend who reaches out to us.

We all have many more abilities and internal resources than we know. My advice is that you don’t need to break your neck to find out about them.

Never accept ultimatums, conventional wisdom, or absolutes.

You play the hand you’re dealt. I think the game’s worthwhile.