Victor de la Cruz

“It’s an imperfect world but it’s the only one we’ve got.”

From: Iron Man

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Tony Stark

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the very first Iron Man movie from 2008. Based on the Marvel character and starring Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man, this was the film that launched the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe and made it so superhero movies could be more than just silly films about comic book characters. The movie also reinvigorated Robert Downey Jr’s career after his life spiraled out of control in the 90’s.

The quote comes very early in the film. Tony Stark is called out to do an impromptu interview. Assuming the reporter will just ask him questions about a fluff piece, Tony takes the interview. However, it was actually an ambush as the reporter asks him about how he can manufacture weapons. This is when Tony Stark delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Although Tony Stark may have been somewhat insincere at that time when he delivered the quote, that doesn’t make his statement any less correct. We all live in this planet and it’s definitely not perfect. But until we find another world, this is the only one we have. So, we have to take care of it and try to get along with each other.

“It’s never as bad as it seems. You’re much stronger than you think you are. Trust me.”

From: All-Star Superman

Genre: Comics

Who said it?: Superman

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from DC’s All-Star Superman, specifically the 10th issue of this limited series. Written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely, the series follows Superman, knowing his death is near, tries to do as many good deeds as possible as well as trying to ensure the Earth’s safety after his passing.

As mentioned, the quote happens in Issue #10. A desperate teen named Regan is about to throw herself off a building. Superman’s super-hearing catches Regan’s doctor trying desperately to reach her over the phone but is unable to. Superman then uses his super speed to fly to Regan and, in order to stop her from jumping and that he believes in her, delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Even in our most desperate times, things can get better. We just have to power through and use our own strength and will to get through it. It may take a long time and it may take a lot of effort. But as long as we persist in trying to make things better, things will get better eventually.

“You need to believe in things that aren’t true. How else can they become?”

From: Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: Death

The story behind the quote: The quote from the television adaption of Terry Pratchett‘s Hogfather book. Set in the Discworld universe, the book/TV miniseries is all about the mysterious disappearance of The Hogfather, which is the Discworld’s equivalent of Santa Claus/Father Christmas. The story can be broken up into two parts. The first follows Death as he tries to take over the role of The Hogfather while he’s missing. The second has Death’s granddaughter, Susan Sto Helit, who Death has assigned to finding The Hogfather as The Hogfather is also linked to the sun rising each day.

The quote comes from the very end of the series. Susan Sto Helit has managed to find and revive The Hogfather and The Hogfather resumes his duties. She then talks to Death about what would’ve happened to the sun and Death replies that, instead of sun, a ball of gas and heat would’ve taken its place. Susan then clarifies then if it was just all a fantasy about the sun not rising. Death replies that people need fantasy as things like justice, mercy and duty do not really exist as the universe is essentially not just, merciful and orderly. Susan retorts that people need to believe in those things. This is when Death delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: People can will things into existence in the metaphorical sense. If we want things to happen, we have to make it happen. If we really want the world to live in peace, despite history telling us it’s impossible, we have to first believe it’s possible and strive to make it work. That’s the only way things that seem impossible can become the possible.

“I’m going on an adventure!”

From: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: Bilbo Baggins

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the fantasy-adventure film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Based on the book of the same name which was written by JRR Tolkien, the film has Peter Jackson returning from the successful Lord of the Rings Trilogy of films to direct this prequel.

The quote comes very early in the film. Bilbo Baggins (played by Martin Freeman) was tricked by Gandalf the Grey into hosting a party of rowdy dwarves before they go on a quest to reclaim their homeland. Gandalf does this as he wants to recruit Bilbo as the party’s burglar/thief. After the party leaves, Bilbo feels some relief from all the ruckus the dwarves had caused to his house. However, after he spots the contract that he didn’t sign making him the party’s burglar, Bilbo gives chase and tries to catch up with them. As one of the neighbors ask him where he’s going, Bilbo yells out the quote in reply.

Geek wisdom: Sometimes, it’s good to get out of your comfort zone and do something adventurous. After all, one of the best things about life is, well, actually living life. Take the time to do something that gets you excited once in a while.

“You’ll realize that someone loved you. And that means that someone can love you again! And that’ll make you smile.”

From: The Simpsons

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Homer Simpson

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the longest running animated series in the United States, The Simpsons. Making it’s first debut way back in 1989, The Simpsons has been, as of this writing, on broadcast television for 36 seasons.

The quote comes from the episode entitled “Eeny Teeny Maya Moe,” which is the 16th episode of the 20th season. In the episode, we see Moe Szyslak, the owner of Moe’s Tavern, meet a woman named Maya online. When they meet face-to-face, it turns out the woman is a little person. The two eventually hit it off but Moe is unable to stop making jokes about Maya’s height. The two eventually break up because of Moe’s general insecurity.

The quote comes from the end of the episode. Homer Simpson stops by Moe’s Tavern. Moe is still depressed regarding Maya. This is when Homer tells this is a good thing as at least he starting to get back out there again. He closes out this pep talk by delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: It is better to have love and lost than to never love at all. While that saying doesn’t mean that much to the brokenhearted, Homer’s words do ring more true. Just because you have lost your love, that doesn’t mean you’ll never find love ever again. If you’ve found it once, there’s a good chance you can find it again.

“I’m going to Yemen!”

From: Friends

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Chandler Bing

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the incredibly popular ’90s sitcom, Friends. The show is about six eclectic friends who live in New York and go about living their lives. The show was a smash hit and is still very popular, airing on reruns all around the world.

The quote comes from the 4th season episode entitled The One With All The Rugby. In one of the storylines of the episode, Chandler Bing (played by the late Matthew Perry) runs into an old girlfriend, Janice (played by Maggie Wheeler). While Janice would like to rekindle their romance, Chandler doesn’t and tries to come up with an excuse to not get back together without outright rejecting her. The excuse he comes up with is he’s being transferred to Yemen for work. However, the lie works too well and Janice, wanting to spend as much time as possible before Chandler leaves, accompanies him to the airport.

Instead of just coming clean, Chandler actually buys a ticket to Yemen and, when he realizes Janice won’t leave until she sees him actually flies off, he does board the plane and, with a mixture of disbelief and despair, he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Some people would rather continue with a lie than commit to the truth. There are times when their reasons for doing so may be noble or distasteful. Whatever the case, the truth is usually better.

“But with love comes loss, son. It’s part of the deal. Sometimes it hurts, but in the end, it’s all worth it. There’s no greater gift than love.”

From: How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Stoick

The story behind the quote: As it is nearly Father’s Day, it only seems appropriate to get a quote from a father. This week’s quote comes from the DreamWorks Animation movie, How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. This was the third movie in the How To Train Your Dragon franchise. In the film, Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) goes on a quest to find a haven for dragons, the fabled “Hidden World” to make sure that there is a safe place for dragons such as Toothless.

The quote comes in a flashback scene where Hiccup remembers talking to his father, Stoick (voiced by Gerard Butler), coming to see his father after his mother’s passing. Hiccup asks Stoick if his father will ever remarry. Stoick replies that he isn’t by delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: Losing someone you love can be painful but it is a part of this great journey of life. You have to remember and cherish the little time we all have with each other. It may not ease the pain you feel after the loss at the time but, in time, you will also start to remember the good times you’ve had with this person.

“So, how do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.”

From: Evan Almighty

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: God and Evan Baxter

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2007 fantasy comedy, Evan Almighty. A sequel to Bruce Almighty, this movie focuses on Evan Baxter, a former news reporter now Congressman, moves to a new town. Evan prays to God that he changes the world. God then goes to Evan and tasks him to build an ark as in the story of Noah in the Bible, despite the fact the town is landlocked.

The quote is actually foreshadowed early on in the film. God (played by Morgan Freeman) manages to convince Evan (played by Steve Carell) he is God. Evan complains that he has no idea on how to even begin to build an ark. God replies this is like how some people want to change the world but don’t know how to begin. God then states the way to change the world is through “one act of random kindness“.

At the end of the film, the ark does prove its worth when the local dam bursts and manages to save the residents of the town. Evan then meets up with God and he relates how he resisted throughout the entire process but, because everyone was saved, he is relieved he followed God’s instructions. God then says Evan did change the world in other ways, such as spending time with his family and saving a dog. Evan dismisses this as these were very tiny things. This is when God delivers the first part of the quote and Evan replies with the second part.

Geek wisdom: We do not have to make big moves to make an impact. Even the smallest actions, despite feeling miniscule, can affect the world at large. Never minimize the things that you do as what you do does matter.

“If you’re going to let one stupid prick ruin your life, you’re not the girl I thought you were.”

From: Legally Blonde

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Professor Elspeth Stromwell

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes the 2001 comedy movie, Legally Blonde. The film stars Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods, a generally ditzy blonde who, during the first film, initially pursues a law degree at Harvard to prove to her former boyfriend she can be taken seriously in an attempt to win him back. In the process, however, she does find out she actually has what it takes to become a lawyer and starts to take her current path seriously.

The quote comes from the the middle of the film. The supervising teacher and highly respected lawyer had just made a pass at Elle Woods thinking she’s just a dumb blonde. This devastates Elle as she thought she has proven her worth as both a student and an intern by this point. She thinks about dropping out as no one takes her seriously despite all of her efforts to the contrary. This is when her former teacher, Professor Elspeth Stromwell (played by Holland Taylor), the same teacher who kicked her out of her class for being unprepared, confronts Elle. She delivers the quote in a way to encourage her to keep on track.

Geek wisdom: Never let anyone tell you what you can do and what you’re worth. That is all up to you. You are the one who controls who you are and what you are worth. Besides, you will not be able to please everyone so there will always be someone who will be critical of the person you are right now and who you will become. While it is fine to get some feedback from others, you should be able to live with yourself and be okay with the person you have become.

“Disappointed!”

From: Hercules: The Legendary Journeys

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Sovereign/Hercules II

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 90’s action-fantasy series, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. The show, starring Kevin Sorbo as the titular demigod, has Hercules going on all kinds of fantastical adventures as he tries to defend the innocent from evil.

The quote comes from the episode titled “Stranger in a Strange World.” This is the first appearance of Sovereign, an evil version of Hercules from a different dimension. He eventually is transported off his dimension and, when he realizes he’s not in the world where he rules, he yells out the quote in question.

While most people believe Kevin Sorbo mistakenly read the script and said what was supposed to be a note on how to deliver the line, he has since explained that he adlibbed this as he was copying a scene from A Fish Called Wanda wherein one of the characters opens up a safe and seeing it’s empty, delivers the same quote. While some do believe this was a gaffe on Kevin Sorbo’s part and he is making this up, there is really no way to know.

Geek wisdom: It’s okay to express your emotions from time to time. However, at the same time, we cannot simply let them control ourselves. Take the time to let out your feelings but it may not be a good idea to let your emotions control what you do next. Process your emotions and take some time before you evaluate your next actions.