Victor de la Cruz

“It should’ve been me, not him! It’s not fair!”

From: Yu-Gi-Oh!

Genre: Cartoons, Television, Anime

Who said it?: Yami Yugi

The story behind the quote: Yu-Gi-Oh! is a popular anime series featuring a timid person named Yugi Mutoh. He solves an ancient puzzle, unwittingly becoming the host of a brash spirit. The spirit, now known as Yami Yugi, takes over during periods when Yugi and his friends are in peril. This also leads the pair to join several puzzle and gaming tournaments.

The quote comes from the 158 episode of the anime series. Yami Yugi has lost and, as a consequence, Yugi’s soul is taken. This leads him to wail the quote.

The quote comes from the English version of the anime, which you can see below.

The quote has become a meme when taken out of context. The meme is usually used as a punchline to certain situations, usually sexual, to express jealousy of the receiver.

Geek wisdom: There will be times when you might feel that life is unfair as others have better luck than you. However, you have to realize you can’t always get what you want.

“For a true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of their heart.”

From: Disney’s Hercules

Genre: Movies, Cartoons

Who said it?: Zeus

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes the animated Disney film, Hecules. The movie is a reimagining of Greek mythology’s Hercules. In the Disney version, Hercules is turned mortal by Hades and, in order to become a god and get his place back in Mount Olympus, he must become a hero.

The quote comes during the ending moments of the film. Hercules has regained his godhood by willing to give his life to save Megara/Meg. He is greeted by the gods of Mount Olympus. Zeus (voiced by the late Rip Torn). He recognizes that Hercules saved the day by not using brute strength and delivers the quote

Geek wisdom: You don’t have to be strong to become a hero. Being a hero is all about the willingness and having the courage to do the right thing when necessary.

“Ain’t no thing like me, ‘cept me.”

From: Guardians of the Galaxy

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Rocket

The story behind the quote: This quote comes from the first Guardians of the Galaxy film. The Guardians of the Galaxy wasn’t all that well-known outside the comic book community. However, thanks to this movie, their popularity and they’ve became some of the most beloved comic book heroes today.

The quote comes from the middle of the film. Each of the individual characters were captured and sent to a prison planet. Star-Lord (played by Chris Pratt) comments that he wouldn’t have been captured by “a tree and a raccoon” anyway. referring to Groot and Rocket. Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) is confused as, since he’s never been to Earth, doesn’t know what a raccoon is. Star-Lord then tells him he’s a raccoon and Rocket delivers the quote in reply.

Geek wisdom: Even identical twins, while they may look exactly alike, have little differences that makes them unique. No two people will ever be exactly alike because of their strengths and their weaknesses. We should celebrate both of these things as these are what makes each of us unique and special in our own little way.

“Every man dies. Not every man really lives.”

From: Braveheart

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: William Wallace

The story behind the quote: The quote Braveheart. The film is based on the life of William Wallace, one of the leaders during the Wars for Sottish Independence. The film shows how Wallace (played by Mel Gibson) managed to rally the embattled Sottish forces during one pivotal battle as well as his eventual capture and execution.

The quote near the end of the film. William Wallace is finally captured and is sentenced to be put to death. Princess Isabella (played by Sophie Marceau) goes to the freedom fighter and pleads with him to swear allegiance to the King of England in order to save his life. William says he cannot as it would be a betrayal to who he is. This is when he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: We only truly feel alive and free when we are allowed to do the things we want. While there is some wisdom to just survival, there’s also a point when you have to stand up for your right to live the life you want.

“Why are you trying to fit in… when you were born to stand out?”

From: What a Girl Wants

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Ian Wallace

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes the teen comedy, What a Girl Wants. The film is about Daphne Reynolds, a teen who goes off to London to meet her estranged father. It turns out her father is running for election into the House of Commons and she tries to connect with him after all this time.

The quote comes from the middle of the film. Daphne (played by Amanda Bynes) is practicing her walking and etiquette skills with Ian Wallace (played by Oliver James). As they practice on a boat, they both fall in the water. Ian then marvels at all of Daphne’s work because he knows there’s so much more to her than just trying to copy the standards of others.

Geek wisdom: While it’s okay to admire others, focus on what makes you the only you in the world. Be proud of what makes you different.

“We are men of action. Lies do not become us.”

From: The Princess Bride

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Westley/Dread Pirate Roberts

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the incredibly popular film adaption of the book, The Princess Bride. While the film was a modest success when it came out in 1987, it only really gained success when it came out in home video. Even so, it’s not hard to see why the film was so popular as it was a children’s adventure film with enough wit and whimsy for an adult to enjoy.

The quote comes from the middle of the film. Westley/Dread Pirate Roberts (played by Cary Elwes) and Buttercup (played by Robin Wright) have just escaped the Fire Swamp only to run into Humperdinck and his soldiers. Westley wants to fight but, knowing he will probably die, Buttercup surrenders in the condition Humperdinck doesn’t hurt her rescuer. Humperdinck agrees but he still orders Count Rugen, his lackey, to throw Westley into the Pit of Despair instead. Count Rugen tells Westley he’ll take him to his ship. But Westley knows it’s a lie.

Geek wisdom: Real men always try to tell the truth, even though it may get them in trouble. Because the only way to develop trust is to be truthful.

“Because Tony learns from his mistakes.”

From: YouTube and Marvel, kinda

Genre: Internet

Who said it?: Allan Tsai

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from Allan Tsai, a YouTuber who does a lot of videos looking at little known facts about various movies.

A lot of the time, Allan Tsai would focus on the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies. He has focused a lot of times on Tony Stark/Iron Man and usually comments on some of the upgrades he’s made to his suits based on what’s happened in previous films.

Geek wisdom: There’s nothing wrong with making mistakes. What’s not okay is actually not learning from them. So, be like Tony Stark and take note of your errors so you can either fix them or not let them happen again.

“Presents are the best way to show someone you care. It is like this tangible thing that you can point to and say, ‘Hey man, I love you this many dollars worth.'”

From: The Office

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Michael Scott

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from US version of The Office. Based on the BBC comedy, this version of show takes place in the offices of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, featuring a host of wacky characters with their own idiosyncrasies.

This week’s quote comes the episode entitled “Christmas Party.” The entire office holds a Secret Santa gift giving party. Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell) decides to give his Secret Santa a video iPod, which is worth much more than the $20 limit. Michael Scott, in a talking head, explains his decision.

Geek wisdom: While there is a saying that “it’s the thought that counts” and it does hold true, that also doesn’t mean you should not put any money into your gifts as well. Maybe the gift doesn’t have to be expensive… but it also doesn’t have to be worthless as well.

“It goes in the square hole.”

From: Tiktok/YouTube

Genre: Internet/Web Series

Who said it?: @brock1137 with @tired_actor

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes the world of TikTok and YouTube and it’s from a meme from 2021

In 2020, @brock1137 made a Tiktok video playing with a block shape sorter. However, instead of putting the blocks into the intended slots/holes, he just put everything through the square hole as everything could pass through it. The video because viral when @tired_actor made a Tiktok video of her reacting badly every time the block was dropped in the “wrong” hole, getting more and more distressed as the video goes on.

Geek wisdom: There will always be people who will think outside the box and not follow conventional wisdom. That’s not necessarily a bad thing because, as long as it gets the job done, then there shouldn’t be anything wrong with it, right?

“It’s alright to cry. Crying takes the sad out of you.”

From: Beavis and Butt-Head

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Butt-Head

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the animated series, Beavis and Butt-Head. Formerly on MTV, the show features two dimwitted teenagers known as Beavis and Butt-Head. The show was a huge hit thanks to it’s irreverent humor and pushing the boundaries on what could be put on television. The show has since spawned a couple of movies and has even been revived a couple of times, with the latest iteration of the show being aired on Paramount+.

The quote comes from the episode entitled, “Crying.” The episode starts with Beavis and Butt-Head (both voiced by creator Mike Judge) watching The Bachelor while eating chili dogs. Beavis sniffs a raw onion that was on his chili dog, causing him to shed a tear. Butt-Head, thinking he’s crying because of the show, starts making fun of him. Butt-Head then continues to make fun of him throughout the days, weeks and months. One day, during gym, Butt-Head starts making fun of Beavis again for crying, delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: While it does seem like the unmanly thing to do, crying is just an emotional response. So it’s actually okay to cry once in a while when the need arises.