“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.

“He’s just standing there… menacingly!”

From: Spongebob Squarepants

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Patrick Star

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from a certain creature who lives in a pineapple under the sea, Spongebob Squarepants. One of Nickelodeon’s most popular cartoons, Spongebob Squarepants features the titular character who gets into different crazy adventures in Bikini Bottom (and sometimes outside the town).

The quote comes from the episode entitled “Hall Monitor” where Spongebob, due to his zeal of being assigned as the school’s hall monitor, accidentally causes various mishaps across Bikini Bottom and, as a result, deemed as a “maniac” by the public. Spongebob doesn’t realize this and vows to capture the “maniac” with the help of his friend, Patrick Star. At night, Patrick recognizes Spongebob as the “maniac” in the darkness and calls Spongebob on the radio, saying he’s close to where the “maniac” is. When Spongebob can’t see the “maniac” (because he is the “maniac” in question), he asks Patrick what the “maniac” is doing. This is when he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Our perceptions and reality on people can differ. We can have some preconceived notions about certain people and we can jump to conclusions based on them. It’s a good idea to give people a chance before forming your own judgement on them.

“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.”

From: The Help

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: Aibileen Clark

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from 2011 film, The Help. Based on the book by Kathryn Stockett, The Help is set in the 1950’s and tells the story of an aspiring journalist who decides to focus on writing a book about the abuses of “colored” domestic workers during the time.

The quote actually comes from different parts of the movie but is always delivered by Aibileen Clark (played by Viola Davis). She would tell the young girl under her charge to make sure she felt loved and to tell her how special she is.

Geek wisdom: We all are special in our own way. However, it’s always nice to hear someone tells us that. So, once in a while, remember to tell the ones close to you just that.

“They asked me how well I understood theoretical physics. I said I had a theoretical degree in physics. They said welcome aboard.”

From: Fallout: New Vegas

Genre: Video games

Who said it?: Fantastic

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.

The quote comes a character known as Fantastic. A scientist working for the New California Republic, he was hired as the people in charge thought he was very knowledgeable with how nuclear power plants works and what theoretical physics is. However, when you do question his credentials, it turns out Fantastic may not be the most qualified man for the job.

Geek wisdom: People will lie to get whatever they want. Sometimes, it may hard to catch them in a lie because of how they portray themselves. So, you may have to listen closely to see if they’re misleading you.

“Sweetie, you are weird. Everyone knows you’re weird. But they’re all still here because they care about you so much.”

From: The Big Bang Theory

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Penny

The story behind the quote: The quote comes the very successful sitcom, The Big Bang Theory. The story revolves around a group of four nerds/geeks who love nerdy/geeky things. Among the four, Sheldon Cooper (played by Jim Parsons) proved to be the show’s breakout star due to all of his quirky mannerisms and obsessive-compulsive behavior.

The quote comes from the episode entitled “The Celebration Experimentation”, which is the 17th episode of the 9th season. Sheldon Cooper is hiding out in the bathroom as he doesn’t like celebrating his birthday with a party. He reveals to Penny (played by Kaley Cuoco) about how his sister would make fun of him during his birthday parties, which is why he hates them. Penny says it’s okay if he hides out in the bathroom then. Sheldon then says people will think he’s weird if he does. This is when Penny delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Being yourself can be hard when you don’t conform to “normal” society standards. However, that doesn’t mean you should change the way you are. Be yourself and, eventually, you will find people who will care for you because of who you really are.

“Mutant and proud.”

From: X-Men: First Class

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Mystique

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2011 action superhero movie, X-Men: First Class. A prequel to the previous films, this shows the origin of the first mutant team Charles Xavier assembled.

The quote comes in the middle of the film. Beast (played by Nicolas Hoult) has developed a serum that would inhibit all mutant genes. Mystique (played by Jennifer Lawrence) tells Beast not to take the serum as they shouldn’t aspire to be like regular people. This is when she delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: We should celebrate what makes us unique and different rather than shun them. We should be proud of who we are and what makes us individuals. Rather than hide who we really are because of others, it is the others who should be more accepting of what makes people who or what they are.

“Go confront the problem! Fight! Win!”

From: The Incredibles

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Edna Mode

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from Disney/Pixar CG animated movie The Incredibles. The film is about a family of retired superheroes headed by Mr. Incredible. He is hired by a mysterious company to take out a rogue robot. Once he does, he starts to use his powers more openly, not knowing the company he’s working for has nefarious motives.

The quote comes in the middle of the problem. Helen Parr/Elastigirl (voiced by Holly Hunter) goes and visits former superhero costume designer Edna Mode (voiced by The Incredibles director Brad Bird) and she laments that her husband, Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible, may be having an affair. Edna Mode cannot believe that Elasigirl is just crying about it and tells her to go after her husband and confront him while delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: Whining and crying about a problem won’t help solve it. Take action in solving the problem to get rid of it.

“The saddest thing in life is wasted talent.'”

From: A Bronx Tale

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Lorenzon

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 1993 crime drama, A Bronx Tale. Originally a stage play by Chazz Palminteri (who also played the mobster “Sonny” in the movie), it is a coming-of-age story of a young boy named Calogero, who is torn by his desire to follow in his father’s footsteps of being a hardworking and honest person and the allure of the Mafia lifestyle.

The quote happens very early in the film. Lorenzo (played by Robert De Niro) is talking to his son 9-year old son Calogero (played here by Francis Capra). The two talk about Joe DiMaggio and why he was such a great baseball player. Lorenzo tells his son it’s because the baseball player had a lot of talent. Calogero then asks his father if he also has any talent. Lorenzo then encourages him to be whatever he wants and delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: If you have a gift, never hide it away. Make use of whatever you have and share it with the world.

“Just keep swimming.”

From: Finding Nemo

Genre: Movies, Cartoons

Who said it?: Dory

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the Disney/Pixar animated film, Finding Nemo. Released in 2003, the film follows a clownfish named Marlin and a forgetful regal blue tang named Dory as they search for Marlin’s son, Nemo.

The quote comes in the middle of the film. Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) and Dory (played by Ellen DeGeneres) managed to escape from certain death but, in the process, lose the diver’s mask, which they believe will lead them to Nemo. Marlin is in despair as he believe he’ll never find his son after this incident. However, Dory tries to encourage him to move forward by delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: You might feel the urge to give up during the low points in life. But life is all about peaks and valleys. If you give up and do nothing then you’ll never pick yourself up and see that the bad times are just temporary.