Victor de la Cruz

“Now imagine she’s white.”

From: A Time To Kill

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: Jake Brigance

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the film A Time to Kill, which is based on the John Grisham book of the same name. The film and the book is the tale of Jake Brigance, a white attorney who was hired to defend Carl Lee Hailey, a black man who shot and killed two men who raped his daughter.

The quote comes from the very end of the film. Jake Brigance (played by Matthew McConaughey) tells the jury to close their eyes while he narrates the horrors Carl Lee Hailey’s daughter had to endure during her rape. He describes every thing in brutal detail and he asks the jury if they can see the little girl in their minds. This is when the lawyer delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: We tend to have a bias on how similar things are to what we are. This is generally normal but this is also the root of many prejudices around the world. However, when we really get down to things, we are all the same because we are all human beings and should be treated as equals.

Any form of persecution, prejudice and discrimination is wrong.

“There are simply too many notes.”

From: Amadeus

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Emperor Joseph II

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes the Academy Award nominated picture Amadeus. The film is about the life and times of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is told from the point of view of another composer Antonio Salieri (played by F. Murray Abraham), who after attempting to commit suicide, talks to a priest to “confess” his involvement in Mozart’s death.

The quote comes after Mozart (played by Tom Hulce) plays one of his pieces for Emperor Joseph II (played by Jeffrey Jones), a ruler that prides himself on being a great musician when he really isn’t. While the Emperor is pleased with Mozart’s work, he does have one issue with his composition…

Geek wisdom: There are always going to be people critical of what you do and the results you’ve achieved. However, just because they feel the need to criticize, that doesn’t necessarily mean they know what is actually good and what is bad. There are going to always be people that think they are the authority on a subject when they actually know nothing about it. It can be hard to spot these people but, when you do, you shouldn’t listen to them.

We should be open to criticism. However, he have to make sure we listen to the right kind of criticism (the ones that helps us to improve) and the ones coming from the right kind of people (the ones that actually know what they’re talking about).

“The Dude abides.”

From: The Big Lebowski

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the cult classic comedy film, The Big Lebowski. The film was written by the Coen Brothers and stars Jeff Bridges as slacker Jeffrey Lebowski, more commonly known as “The Dude.” In the movie, The Dude and his friends get into several misadventures that lead to some rather hilarious scenes. Despite being a flop at the box office, the film had a major resurgence of popularity once it hit home video as The Dude’s personality and surreal story struck a chord with people.

The quote comes from the very end of the film. The Dude is participating in the semi-finals of a bowling tournament when he encounters the film’s narrator (played by Sam Elliot). The Dude chats with the guy. The narrator tells The Dude to “take it easy” but he already knows The Dude will because of his personality. That’s when The Dude turns around and delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Life has a way to throwing us curve balls from time to time. These are usually the times when it becomes easy to get frustrated with the world. We have to realize that we cannot control everything and we just have to relax and go with the flow. We have to let things go and just move forward.

“It’s after six. What am I? A farmer?”

From: 30 Rock

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Jack Donaghy

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the critically acclaimed sitcom 30 Rock. The show is about a fictional sketch show originally called “The Girlie Show,” which is produced by Liz Lemon (played by show creator Tina Fey). However, under the behest of network executive Jack Donaghy, the show is retooled so that top comedian Tracy Jordan (played by Tracey Morgan) would topbill the show. The show is mostly a spoof about the backstage happenings and insanity of producing a show.

The quote comes from the seventh episode of the first season of 30 Rock. Jack Donaghy is all dressed in a tuxedo and Liz assumes he is going to a big gala. However, it turns out the event is nowhere near happening. Liz then irritatedly asks why he’s wearing a tux, which is when Jack delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Everyone has things that make them feel good. We all have certain rituals that makes sense in out heads, even though it may seem absurd to others. We can’t really judge them because we all have these little quirks. We have to accept all of these little idiosyncrasies as these are all part of what makes us who we are.

“We create our own purpose in life. Now go create yours.”

From: Justice League Unlimited

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Lex Luthor

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the DC Comics animated series, Justice League Unlimited. This was the last series to be produced for Bruce Timm’s shared DC Animated Universe (DCAU for short).

The quote comes from the end of Justice League Unlimited episode entitled, “The Return.” The episode revolves around the android Amazo, after being in deep space for years, has evolved and become incredibly powerful. The android is on a quest to return to Earth and take his vengeance on the one who took advantage of him, Lex Luthor. The Justice League attempt to stop Amazo but to no avail. In a last ditch effort to hide Amazo’s target, The Atom shrinks himself and Luthor into subatomic size. But Amazo, having nearly God-like powers, easily find them.

Surprisingly, Amazo doesn’t attack his target but, instead, asks him why he keeps going on. Luthor then surmises that Amazo is indirectly asking what the android’s purpose in life. After a conversation talking about philosophical theories, Luthor delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Mankind has always asked others what is the meaning of life. What is the purpose of being alive. The question is actually moot as one’s life shouldn’t be determined by others. One’s worth or what one will become should not be dictated by another. Rather, it is up to each and every individual to find that out for yourself.

In fact, the question “What is the meaning of life” is the wrong question to be asking. The correct question is should be “what is my meaning of life.” We all have to look deep inside ourselves to seek the answer to that question.

“Oh yes, the past can hurt. But, you can either run from it or learn from it.”

From: The Lion King

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Rafiki

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the Disney classic, The Lion King. The film focuses on Simba, a young lion who, after being tricked by his uncle into believing he is the cause of his father’s death, exiles himself. He then realizes the deception and returns to reclaim his kingdom. The movie has become one of Disney’s most beloved movies and has been re-released in theaters and has become the basis of several sequels, cartoon series and even a Broadway musical.

The quote comes near the end of The Lion King. Simba (voiced by Matthew Broderick) is now an adult but is wary of going back because he still believes he is the reason why his father is dead. The shaman monkey, Rafiki (voiced by Robert Guillaume) then conks Simba on the head. Simba asks why Rafiki did it because it hurts. That’s when the wise monkey delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: We all have something that we’ve done that we have regretted. We’ve all committed these mistakes and that’s totally fine. However, if we keep on doing these mistakes, that’s when it becomes bad. We can either learn from the past or be doomed to repeat our mistakes.

“I don’t want to survive. I want to live.”

From: 12 Years a Slave

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Solomon Northup

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the Academy Award winning film and 2014 Best Picture awardee, 12 Years A Slave. The film is based on the memoirs of Solomon Northup, a free African-American carpenter, skilled violinist and family man, who is living in New York, is kidnapped and sold into slavery. The film details the hardships Solomon Northup had to endure before his freedom was secured after 12 years.

The quote comes fairly early in the film. A group of slaves are contemplating to fight their way to freedom but others have reservations as it would probably mean their deaths if they did decide to push through with it. Solomon (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor), in despair, recalls his life as a free man just a few days ago. It is at this moment he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: There is a difference between being alive and actual living life. Being alive is going through life without passion and happiness and just gritting your teeth no matter how bad things are. Living life is to actually make an effort to make things better for yourself. We should all strive for the latter.

“Chewie, we’re home!”

From: Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Han Solo

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from Episode VII of the Star Wars film series, The Force Awakens. This film heralded the return of the franchise to the big screen and was met with acclaim from fans and casual audiences alike. Of course, it didn’t hurt that The Force Awakens saw the return of some characters from the original Star Wars trilogy, namely Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess/General Leio Organa and Luke Skywalker.

Speaking of Han Solo (played once again by an aging Harrison Ford), it was he who actually delivered the quote. After Ray, Finn and BB-8 escape from Jakku on the Millennium Falcon, the ship that made the Kessel Run in under 12 parsecs, the legendary ships breaks down and it sucked into a large ship. As Ray, Finn and BB-8 hide in the bowels of the ship, Han Solo and Chewbacca, who have been tracking their long lost ship, board the Millennium Falcon which is when Han says the line.

Geek wisdom: There’s no place like home. No matter where you are in the world, home is usually a place where you can feel safe and secure. It’s a place where you can just be yourself. Once in a while, it’s always a good idea to return home just for you to remember that feeling of security.

“All fathers care for their sons.”

From: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Master Splinter

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 1990 live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film. While most children who watched this film went to go see it because of the 80’s cartoon, the film has a much darker tone than the lighthearted adventures the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had in the animated series, making this more akin to the original Eastman and Laird comic series.

The quote comes from the middle of the film. Shredder and the Foot Clan has managed to kidnap (ratnap?) Master Splinter, the Turtles sensei and surrogate father. A runaway and fledging Foot Clan member named Danny encounters Master Splinter and the boy tells the rat that his father doesn’t care for him, which is why he ran away. Master Splinter disagrees with Danny’s assessment and delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: It’s Father’s Day tomorrow. Don’t forget to call your dad up and greet him on this special day of his… because all fathers do care for their sons… and daughters as well.

“You have died of dysentery.”

From: The Oregon Trail

Genre: Video games

Who said it?: Narrator of the game

The story behind the quote: This popular quote comes from the classic video game The Oregon Trail. The game was originally released in 1974 but has been remade several times with updated graphics and the like. It was probably one of the first educational video games and taught kids about 19th century pioneer life. The goal of the game is to successfully make the trek from Missouri to Oregon by going along the fabled Oregon Trail.

The game is fret with perils and numerous ways to die. One of the most common ways for your party of settlers to meet their end is by dysentery. This can come from out of nowhere and there isn’t any real way to prevent this. Since kids have probably never encountered the word before, the phrase has become etched in their minds as well as popular culture.

Geek wisdom: Death is something that can come for us at any time. It can come in the most unexpected of times as well. We can try to prepare for it as much as we want but, ultimately, when it is your time, it is your time. As we have no idea when our bell will be rung, it’s best to make the most of our time while we are still on the planet.