Victor de la Cruz

“I can do this all day.”

From: Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: Civil War

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Captain America/Steve Rogers

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote actually comes from two movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe but it does come from the same person, Captain America. Portrayed by Chris Evans in the film, Captain America is actually Steve Rogers, a scrawny kid from Brooklyn who was chose to be the first person to get the Super Soldier serum because of his good nature.

The quote comes a couple of times from the first film, Captain America: The First Avenger. It comes up first before Steve Rogers is injected with the Super Serum formula when he’s being beat up by a unruly movie patron. The second time it comes up in the First Avenger is when Red Skull captures Steve Rogers, now as Captain America.

The next time the quote comes up is during Captain America: Civil War. During the climax of the film, Iron Man is trying to kill Bucky/Winter Soldier for murdering his family. Captain America steps in and intervenes as he’s Bucky’s friend. Even though Iron Man has the upper hand and asks Cap to stand down, Steve Rogers still stands up and delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: There is something to be said about being tenacious. Even though you are beaten down in life, you should never give up and always try to get up. The only time you’ll actually be beaten is when you give up.

“You can’t live your life according to ‘maybes’.”

From: Orange is the New Black

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Poussey Washington

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the Netflix series, Orange is the New Black. The show is based on the book of the same name and focuses on a women’s prison and the lives of its inmates.

The quote comes from the middle of the 4th season. Poussey Washington (played by Samira Wiley) develops feelings for new inmate Brook Soso (played by Kimiko Glenn). While Poussey is fine as she has been comfortable with her sexuality for a long time, Soso isn’t. Soso explains that’s she afraid of what will happen in the future. Poussey agrees that the future is uncertain but it’s not excuse to not try, which is when she delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: The future can be scary as we don’t know what it holds for us. This is why we may have so many dreams but are too afraid to try to do anything to achieve them. But not to try is admitting defeat even before you’ve started to do anything.

The point is to try your best, despite the possibility of failing. Because, who knows? Trying at something may help you achieve whatever your goal is.

“My friends, you bow to no one.”

From: Aragorn

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: The Lord of The Rings: The Return of the King

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the final chapter in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Return of the King. The Lord of the Rings trilogy was written by JRR Tolkien and was successfully adapted to the big screen by Peter Jackson.

The quote comes near the end of both the film and the book. The party had completed their quest to destroy the One Ring. Aragorn (played by Viggo Mortensen), the rightful heir of Isildur and is crowned the first High King of the Reunited Kingdom. After his coronation ceremony, Aragorn walks over to the hobbits Frodo, Samwise, Merry and Pippin, who all were more than instrumental in the group’s quest. The four hobbits bow to Aragorn. This is when the new High King delivers the quote before bowing to the four.

Geek wisdom: Even if you’ve elevated to a higher place, never forget your friends. They are the ones who helped you get to where you are and you would not be in your position if it weren’t for them. Always acknowledge them.

“Just so you know, Jeff, you are now creating six different timelines.”

From: Community

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Abed Nadir

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the geek cult comedy Community. Created by Dan Harmon, the show focuses on the Greendale Community College and a specific study group of six eccentric personalities. The show has become a geeky cult classic and fans may have gotten their six seasons… but we’re still screaming for six seasons and a movie.

The quote comes from one of Community’s most popular episodes, Remedial Chaos Theory. Best friends Abed Nadir (played by Danny Pudi) and Troy Barnes (played by Donald Glover) invite the study group over to their new apartment. When the pizza they order arrives, the sly Jeff Winger (played by Joel McHale) devises a system wherein he throws a dice to see who gets the pizza. This is when Abed, knowing that there are six sides to a die, delivers the quote.

By the way, this quote is repeated numerous times as the episode shows us what happens when each person is picked to get the pizza. Also, go watch this episode as this is one of the most brilliantly written episodes on TV ever.

Geek wisdom: Even when we think we’re in control of everything, we aren’t actually. This is because life is full of randomness that are beyond our control. This randomness can result in good, bad or nothing happening to us. That’s just how life is.

“You can’t cling to the past. Because no matter how tightly you hold on, it’s already gone.”

From: How I Met Your Mother

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Ted Mosby

The story behind the quote: I have posted several quotes from the hit CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother in the past. But, in a freak coincidence, all of these quotes have come from the breakout star, Barney Stinson (played by Neil Patrick Harris). This week, I decided to post a quote from the main character of the show, Ted Mosby.

The quote comes from the episode “Something Old.” In this episode, Marshall and Lily are packing for their move to Italy but are unsure of what to pack. Ted (played by Josh Radnor) advises them to pack mostly bulky and useless stuff, including an old beanbag. The couple decide to throw it out instead but Ted insists that they keep it as it has a lot of sentimental value and he’s afraid that he’ll be forgotten when they move. Ted does realize it’s irrational and reluctantly decides to leave the bean bag. This is when Future Ted delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: It can be difficult to accept but the past is just that: the past. It’s already happened and time will move on, even if you’re still stuck in the past. You will have to let go eventually as time only moves forward.

“‘Tis but a scratch!” and “Just a flesh wound!”

From: Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: The Black Knight

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 1975 comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The film takes, shall we say, “liberties” with the legend of King Arthur but the story is fairly the same: King Arthur travels the entire country of Britain to recruit knights to his kingdom and eventually sets upon his quest to find the Holy Grail.

The quote comes fairly early in the film. As King Arthur (played by Graham Chapman) is in search for knights, he runs across the Black Knight (played by John Cleese). Arthur tries to recruit the Black Knight and, when he refuses, tries to cross the (really short) bridge. The Black Knight does not allow passage and the two fight. Arthur does get the better of the Black Knight by cutting off his limbs. However, despite losing his arms and legs slowly, the Black Knight refuses to yield and this is when he delivers the quotes.

Geek wisdom: Some people don’t know when to give up. Sometimes, it’s pride that keeps them going but they simply don’t look at the facts and stubbornly refuse to give up even when it will be their downfall.

It’s always better to know when to give before something even worse than failure happens.

“But I like having low self-esteem. It makes me feel special.”

From: Daria

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Jane Lane

The story behind the quote: This week, we’re getting another quote from the MTV animated television show, Daria. But instead of getting the quote from Daria herself, we’re getting a quote from her best friend, Jane Lane.

The quote comes from the very first episodes, entitled “Esteemers.” In the episode, Daria and her family had just moved to the town of Lawndale and, thanks to a psychological test she had to take, Daria is ordered to take Self-Esteem class. Here, she meets a kindred spirit in Jane Lane, another student who has the same cynical attitude as her.

While walking home from school, Jane mentions to Daria that she has actually taken the psych test several times and knows all the answers. When pressed as to why she still fails it intentionally, she delivers the quote.

By the way, this is the first video that I actually uploaded on the site and not linking a clip from YouTube. If you have trouble with the video, please let me know.

Geek wisdom: We always focus on what makes us different as a negative. But we forget that it’s what makes us different that makes us unique. All the little flaws we have is actually what makes you the person who you are. Try not to think of our differences as something bad. Instead, think of them as what makes “you” you.

“Only a Sith deals in absolutes.”

From: Star Wars, specifically Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Obi-Wan Kenobi

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the Star Wars series. More specifically, it comes from Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, the final chapter of the Star Wars prequel trilogy.

The quote comes near the climax of the film. Anakin Skywalker (played by Hayden Christensen) is confronted by Padme Amidala (played by Natalie Portman). He sees Obi-Wan Kenobi (played by Ewan MacGregor) and thinks that Padme has betrayed him and starts Force choking her. As Anakin rants that, by conquering the galaxy, he has brought peace to it. Anakin then tells Obi-Wan that, if his former mentor isn’t for his side, then he must kill him. This is when Obi-Wan delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: We live in the world where most people actually do believe in absolutes and partisan views. A lot of people do think that the world is black and white. Their thoughts are the only good things now and any other point of view that differs from what they’re thinking is wrong and must then be evil. But we don’t live in a world of black and white. The Sith basically believe that anything else other than how they view the universe must be snuffed out as there is no room for negotiation.

While we’re on this, Obi-Wan’s statement may seem hypocritical but it really isn’t based on the circumstances. Obi-Wan is only fights back once he realizes that Anakin isn’t willing to negotiate or talk things through. He has no choice in the matter. On the other hand, Anakin does have a choice to discuss his point of view with Obi-Wan or to simply agree to disagree. But he cannot as he must destroy any opposition.

“It’s just an empty cup.”

From: Lightning McQueen

Genre: Movies, Cartoons

Who said it?: Cars

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the Disney/Pixar film from 2006, Cars. This was a huge hit for the company and launched a franchise.

The quote comes near the end of the movie. Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) is about to win the Piston Cup, which was his long-time dream. One of his rivals, Chick Hicks is about to take third place, coming behind McQueen and veteran racer Strip “The King” Weathers. Not wanting to lose, Hicks rams into Weathers, causing the grizzled veteran to crash. McQueen, just a few lengths from the finish line, sees the crash and remembers Doc Hudson (voiced by the late Paul Newman), who he befriended during his stay at Radiator Springs. Not wanting Weathers’ career to end as tragically as Doc’s, stops and goes to help Weathers.

Weathers questions McQueen’s decision as he was about to win the Piston Cup. Recalling Doc’s disdain for the Cups he’d won, McQueen delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: We live in a world where we crave material things as well as fame and glory. In the grand scheme of things, these are just superficial wants and there is more to life than just those goals. Life is much bigger than that but the problem is we can be clouded into thinking that those are the only reason to life as those are just fleeting. Try to get more meaningful goals in life and you’ll end up feeling more fulfilled in the long run.

“It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you.”

From: The Fault in Our Stars

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: Augustus Waters

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from The Fault in Our Stars. The book was written by John Green and it was adapted into a feature film in 2014. The film is about Hazel Grace Lancaster (played by Shailene Woodley), a terminally ill cancer patient who falls in love with Augustus Waters (played by Ansel Elgort), a bone cancer survivor and amputee.

The quote comes fairly early in the film. Hazel is attracted to Agustus and the feeling is mutual. However, as she knows she’s going to die because of the cancer, she tries to keep him at arms distance because she doesn’t want him to feel depressed when she eventually passes. This is when Augustus delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Falling in love and being with that person is taking risk since there is no guarantee the love you feel now will last forever. But the feeling of being with the person you love, even if it’s just for a little while, is worth it.