Victor de la Cruz

“Congratulations, San Francisco! You’ve ruined pizza! First the Hawaiians and now you!”

From: Inside Out

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Anger

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the Pixar animated film, Inside Out. Released by Disney in 2015, the film revolves around the inner emotions of Riley, a pre-teen who had to move to San Francisco with her family.

The quote comes early in the film when Riley and her mom go to a pizza place and they realize the people in San Francisco put broccoli on their pizza. This prompts Anger (voiced by Lewis Black) to deliver the quote.

Geek wisdom: Different locations and different cultures will take one thing and adapt it for their own. While it may “ruin” it for some, some others may actually like it. Trying something different that may be terrible might not be so bad after all.

“Sure, we want to learn to become good adults. But we’re only kids for a little while. So just give us a break. Please?”

From: Disney’s Recess

Genre: Television, Cartoons

Who said it?: TJ Detweiler

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote is another submission from DJ Miller, who has helped us with a quote from Avatar: The Last Airbender, Kung Fu Panda, King of the Hill, Forrest Gump and Arthur. This time, the quote comes from the Disney animated program, Recess.

The quote comes from the episode “The Kids in the Mist.” When a video threatening to cut back on Recess due to a teacher wanting to focus more teaching discipline, TJ and the gang get ahold of the video and film themselves defending why recess is important. At the end of the video, TJ pops into view and delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: We shouldn’t be in a rush to grow up. Parents and teachers need to let kids stay a kid for a little while.

“Please, do not make me let you down.”

From: X-Men ’97

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Magneto

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the Disney+ animated show, X-Men ’97. Based on the Marvel comics series, X-Men ’97 is a continuation of X-Men: The Animated Series. The world thinks Professor X is dead and Magneto, the X-Men’s greatest villain, now is in control of the X-Men.

The quote comes from the second episode, entitled Mutant Liberation Begins. Magneto (voiced here by Matthew Waterson) subdues an attack by the Friends of Humanity on the United Nations during his trial. He mentions how he would’ve killed everyone in the past, especially due to how the X-Cutioner managed to remove Storm‘s mutant abilities during the battle. However, Professor X challenged him to try a different path and he is trying to be a better person. He closes the monologue by delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: Sometimes, people would like to change and change for the better. However, a lot of us have difficulty letting go of the past. With that in mind, we should never try to hold them back just because of their past mistakes. In fact, we should encourage these people and help them as they are trying instead of telling them they cannot change. At the very least, get out of their way when they are trying to better themselves.

“Right now, peace could be bought at a bargain price and you don’t even realize it.”

From: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Quark

The story behind the quote: There are already several quotes from the Star Trek franchise but there is still yet to be one from Deep Space Nine. Well, this is me correcting that. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine takes place on a space station controlled by the Federation and Bajor. The space station is strategically placed near a wormhole which will instantly transport ship to the Gamma Quadrant. As such, it is an important location for commerce as well as a strategic waypoint for the galaxy as a whole.

This week’s quote comes from the second season episode, The Maquis: Part II. Quark (played by Armin Shimerman), an unscrupulous Ferengi businessman who isn’t afraid of black market dealings, is upset with his new client, which confuses the Vulcan as he was paid well for his job. Quark states that that his client’s position is logical because she is saying that she would be willing to pay anything for peace. However, Quark states the Third Rule of Acquisition and delivers the quote, stating that peace, at that moment, could be bought cheap.

Geek wisdom: Everyone wants peace. The only problem is people do not want to compromise. If we just all take a step back and actually do a little give and take, peace might be easier to acquire than we think.

“I’m just Ken.”

From: Barbie

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Ken

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2023 live-action comedy/fantasy movie, Barbie. Based on the toy doll line by Mattel, Barbie stars Margot Robbie as the titular character who leaves Barbieland to go to the real world and find out why she’s been getting more adult thoughts and issues recently.

The quote actually comes from the song, I’m Just Ken. Sung by Ken (played by Ryan Gosling) and the other Kens of Barbieland after the Barbies try to get the Kens to fight among themselves. The song is a ballad about how much he still loves Barbie but how she doesn’t return his feelings.

The song itself won Best Song during the 29th Critics Choice Awards and nominated for Best Song Written for Visual Media during the Oscars.

Geek wisdom: Being yourself should always be enough. You can try to improve yourself but always be proud of who you are.

“…And in real life, you can’t always win.”

From: Hey Arnold! The Movie

Genre: Movies, Cartoons

Who said it?: Gerald Johanssen

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2002 animated film, Hey Arnold! The Movie (also known as Arnold Saves the Neighborhood in some territories). Based on the Nickelodeon cartoon, the film has the titular character trying to save his home and the entire neighborhood from being torn down to give way for a new shopping mall.

The quote comes in the middle of the film. After trying to find a document that will cement the neighborhood as a historical landmark that will save the neighborhood from demolition and failing, Arnold and his best friend Gerald go to the arcade to lament on their loss. Arnold wishes there was something he could do and this is when Gerald gives the quote.

Geek wisdom: Life isn’t always fair and, sometimes, you can’t get everything you want. You just have to try your best and be okay with the knowledge you did give it your all.

“He’s just standing there… menacingly!”

From: Spongebob Squarepants

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Patrick Star

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from a certain creature who lives in a pineapple under the sea, Spongebob Squarepants. One of Nickelodeon’s most popular cartoons, Spongebob Squarepants features the titular character who gets into different crazy adventures in Bikini Bottom (and sometimes outside the town).

The quote comes from the episode entitled “Hall Monitor” where Spongebob, due to his zeal of being assigned as the school’s hall monitor, accidentally causes various mishaps across Bikini Bottom and, as a result, deemed as a “maniac” by the public. Spongebob doesn’t realize this and vows to capture the “maniac” with the help of his friend, Patrick Star. At night, Patrick recognizes Spongebob as the “maniac” in the darkness and calls Spongebob on the radio, saying he’s close to where the “maniac” is. When Spongebob can’t see the “maniac” (because he is the “maniac” in question), he asks Patrick what the “maniac” is doing. This is when he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Our perceptions and reality on people can differ. We can have some preconceived notions about certain people and we can jump to conclusions based on them. It’s a good idea to give people a chance before forming your own judgement on them.

“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.”

From: The Help

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: Aibileen Clark

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from 2011 film, The Help. Based on the book by Kathryn Stockett, The Help is set in the 1950’s and tells the story of an aspiring journalist who decides to focus on writing a book about the abuses of “colored” domestic workers during the time.

The quote actually comes from different parts of the movie but is always delivered by Aibileen Clark (played by Viola Davis). She would tell the young girl under her charge to make sure she felt loved and to tell her how special she is.

Geek wisdom: We all are special in our own way. However, it’s always nice to hear someone tells us that. So, once in a while, remember to tell the ones close to you just that.

“They asked me how well I understood theoretical physics. I said I had a theoretical degree in physics. They said welcome aboard.”

From: Fallout: New Vegas

Genre: Video games

Who said it?: Fantastic

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the Bethesda action RPG, Fallout: New Vegas. The game follows the player-character known as The Courier who gets wrapped up in a war between multiple factions all trying to take control of New Vegas.

The quote comes a character known as Fantastic. A scientist working for the New California Republic, he was hired as the people in charge thought he was very knowledgeable with how nuclear power plants works and what theoretical physics is. However, when you do question his credentials, it turns out Fantastic may not be the most qualified man for the job.

Geek wisdom: People will lie to get whatever they want. Sometimes, it may hard to catch them in a lie because of how they portray themselves. So, you may have to listen closely to see if they’re misleading you.

“Sweetie, you are weird. Everyone knows you’re weird. But they’re all still here because they care about you so much.”

From: The Big Bang Theory

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Penny

The story behind the quote: The quote comes the very successful sitcom, The Big Bang Theory. The story revolves around a group of four nerds/geeks who love nerdy/geeky things. Among the four, Sheldon Cooper (played by Jim Parsons) proved to be the show’s breakout star due to all of his quirky mannerisms and obsessive-compulsive behavior.

The quote comes from the episode entitled “The Celebration Experimentation”, which is the 17th episode of the 9th season. Sheldon Cooper is hiding out in the bathroom as he doesn’t like celebrating his birthday with a party. He reveals to Penny (played by Kaley Cuoco) about how his sister would make fun of him during his birthday parties, which is why he hates them. Penny says it’s okay if he hides out in the bathroom then. Sheldon then says people will think he’s weird if he does. This is when Penny delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Being yourself can be hard when you don’t conform to “normal” society standards. However, that doesn’t mean you should change the way you are. Be yourself and, eventually, you will find people who will care for you because of who you really are.