London commuters get burst of inspiration on subway

The daily grind of London commuting is being brightened by a collection of black marker pens and white boards - giving city dwellers a welcome boost as they travel through the metropolis.

The hall of Oval underground station looks more like a living room than a Tube stop - complete with plants and a small library, while Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 plays.

It is at this stop on the Underground's Northern Line that Glen Sutherland, an employee of Tube operator Transport for London, whips out a black marker and writes up the "Thought for the Day".

Today the quote appearing on the large whiteboard - strategically positioned in front of the escalators used by thousands of people daily - is from Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho.

"There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure," it reads, written in fine writing which harks back to the books of centuries past.

The Oval station tradition began in 2004, as a way to brighten up the station and distract passengers - particularly during peak times when the crowded trains are akin to sardine cans.

"As you come up from the escalator you hear the music, you got the thought of the day, the books, the bench, you can sit down, have a read, take it easy."

The transportation agency employee hunts down quotes on the internet, wary of what should be avoided: "It's a case of choosing them carefully, you can't put anything political, sexist, religion."

Sutherland often chooses positive messages for the "Thought for the Day", encouraging those who may have got out of bed on the wrong side.

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love", is one example from Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius.

The quotes can also come from more unusual quarters, such as Yoda from Star Wars: "Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose."

Other famous names which have appeared include Mother Teresa, Bob Marley, Bruce Lee, Steve Jobs, Confucius, Shakespeare, Socrates and Picasso.