“What we do in life echoes in eternity.”

From: Gladiator

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Maximus Decimus Meridius

The story behind the quote: The quote comes Ridley Scott’s Gladiator starring Russell Crowe as Maximus, the titular “Gladiator” of the film. The movie is about a former Roman general who, because he didn’t give his fealty to Commodus (played by Joaquin Pheonix) and after some heartbreaking events, became a gladiator in the Roman colosseum.

The quote comes very early in the film. During a speech for his troops before they go to battle, he tells them to visualize where they will be after the war and, if they will it hard enough, it will become true. After this, he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Every thing we do, good and bad, right or wrong, grand and mundane, will have an affect in the world. It may not make a huge impact but everything we do will make even the slightest change to the future. This is why we should think before we take action.

“If a lot of people love each other, the world would be a better place to live.”

From: The Room (2003)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Johnny

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from “the Citizen Kane of bad movies,” The Room. Written, directed and produced by the enigmatic Tommy Wiseau, the movie is about a love triangle between Johnny (played by Tommy Wiseau himself), his fiancee Lisa and his best friend, Mark. At least, that’s what I’ve been able to piece together as The Room is generally a mess of unrelated stories and plot points, some of which are never addressed or discussed in the film.

The quote comes sometime in the middle of the film. Denny (played by Philip Haldiman) tells Johnny that he may be in love with Lisa. Johnny, with all his wisdom, says that okay and, in fact, that it’s great. That’s when the wise sage delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: While this may be very obvious, it’s still on point. If more people did love each other, the world would indeed be a better place.

“I survived because the fire inside me burned brighter than the fire around me.”

From: Fallout: New Vegas

Genre: Video games

Who said it?: Joshua Graham

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.

Specifically, the quote comes from the Honest Hearts DLC and comes from Joshua Graham, a man supposedly executed by Caesar’s Legion for failing to take Hoover Dam. You can talk to him and ask how he managed to survive being burned alive. He replies with the quote.

 
Geek wisdom: When you have a goal you want to achieve, nothing should get in the way of getting it. It all depends on your willpower.

“The question is, will you still want the same things when you’ve become a different animal altogether?”

From: Fallout (Amazon television series)

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: Dr. Siggi Wilzig

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the Amazon Prime Video television series, Fallout. Based on the Bethesda video game franchise of the same name, the series takes place in an alternate timeline where a nuclear war has ravaged the world and people scrouge to survive mutated nightmares as well as each other in the Wasteland. Like with the games, the show focuses on a Vault Dweller, who leaves the comfort and safety of the Vault to explore the Wasteland on a mission.

The quote actually doesn’t come from Lucy (played by Ella Purnell), the aforementioned Vault Dweller in the series. Rather it comes from Dr. Siggi Wilzig (played by Michael Emerson), an Enclave scientist who carries with him a big secret. Lucy comes across him in Episode 2: The Target. Wilzig pleads with Lucy to return to the safety of the Vault but Lucy is defiant, stating she’s only returning once she rescues her father. Wilzig then tells her that she needs to adapt quickly to her new surroundings but then delivers the quote, wondering if she’ll have the same goals once she does conform.

Geek wisdom: People do change over time and, when they do, their wants and needs also change. It’s always okay to change your goals to fit your current needs.

“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.