“Part of the journey is the end.”

From: Avengers: Endgame

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Tony Stark

The story behind the quote: This quote comes from the 22nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Avengers: Endgame. The film has received both critical and financial success and has surpassed Avatar as the highest grossing films of all time.

The quote comes near the end of the film. Iron Man/Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey, Jr.) has recorded his own eulogy in case of his untimely demise, which does happen. He does realize the riskiness of his plan and there’s a chance it will not go well. He does rationalize it by deliver the quote before, somewhat jokingly, reassures everyone it’s all going to work out.

Geek wisdom: Everything in the world and in this universe is finite. That is why we have to appreciate everything we have right now, both the good and the bad.

“If I can change and you can change, everybody can change. “

From: Rocky IV

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Rocky Balboa

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from Rocky IV, the fourth film in the Rocky film series. Written, directed and starring Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa. The film has Rocky travelling to the Soviet Union to face off against Ivan Drago, a monstrous boxer who killed Apollo Creed during an exhibition bout.

The quote comes after the conclusion of the fight. Rocky is interviewed and he mentions how, at the start of the bout, the live crowd were against him but, as the fight drew on, they started cheering for him as they respected his abilities despite being not from their country. He noticed the change in how people thought of him. This is when he delivers the quote.

In the recently released director’s cut, Rocky vs. Drago, the speech changes a little bit. This time, Rocky starts the speech by saying that his deceased friend, Apollo Creed, didn’t believe in change and that might have been a contributing factor to why he died. He still ends it with the quote, though.

Geek wisdom: The only constant in the world is change. That’s why, as much as possible, we have to be adaptable to these changes when they come.

“Witchers watch for answers.”

From: The Witcher

Genre: Video Games

Who said it?: Geralt of Rivia

The story behind the quote: This week comes from The Witcher television series. Originally a book series by Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher has become a franchise of its own, spawning a hit video game series by CD Projekt Red as well as a television series on Netflix.

The quote comes from the Netflix television series. In the second episode of the second season, entitled Kaer Morhen (which also is the name of the fortress all the Witchers stay), Geralt of Rivia (played by Henry Cavill) talks to his mentor Vesemir (played by Kim Bodnia) and he explains that he brought Ciri to Kaer Morhen to keep her safe. Geralt acknowledges Ciri lied to him when she was asked how she escaped her entire kingdom’s razing. When Vesemir asks Geralt why he didn’t demand for the truth, Geralt delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Always look for the truth yourself and never simply accept whatever “truth” is given to you.

“Whatever you do in this life, it’s not legendary unless your friends are there to see it.”

From: How I Met Your Mother

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Barney Stinson

The story behind the quote: This week’s episode comes from one of the most popular sitcoms in recent history, How I Met Your Mother. More specifically, it comes from the mouth of the most awesome characters in television history, Barney Stinson. True story.

The quote comes from “Sunrise,” the 17th episode of the 9th and final season of the show. A drunk Barney (played by Neil Patrick Harris) befriends two young men and proceeds to teach them all about how to life an awesome life. After a night of numerous lessons, Barney gives his ultimate and final bit of wisdom, delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: Life can be good by yourself. But, like everything else, the best experiences are always the ones you share with others.

“Cobra… retreat!”

From: G. I. Joe

Genre: Television, Cartoons

Who said it?: Cobra leaders (usually Cobra Commander)

The story behind the quote: GI Joe is a classic cartoon series in the 80’s. The basic idea is a special forces group codenamed GI Joe has been assembled for the specific task of taking out Cobra, a ruthless terrorist organization determined to rule the world.

Each episode usually has Cobra, led by Cobra Commander (voiced perfectly by Chris Latta), coming up with a scheme for world domination. This leads them in direct conflict with GI Joe and the Joes rally in a big battle to defeat Cobra. This is usually when Cobra Commander delivers the quote to his troops.

Geek wisdom: You have to know when to cut your losses and leave. Even though it may seem cowardly to not stay and fight, the right thing to do might be to regroup, lick your wounds and get ready for the next time.

“How do you do, fellow kids?”

From: 30 Rock

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Lenny Wosniak

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 (played by Alec Baldwin), the show is retooled so that top comedian Tracy Jordanwould topbill the show. The show is mostly a spoof about the backstage happenings and insanity of producing a show.

The quote comes from the 8th episode of the 7th season. Entitled “The Tuxuedo Begins,” it has Jack attempting to enlist private investigator Lenny Wosniak (played by Steve Buscemi) after he was mugged. When asked about his time with the police, Lenny describes his time working as an undercover officer infiltrating high schools while dressed as teens. The scene then flashbacks to the operation where an obviously looking middle-aged Lenny trying to connect with the kids delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: You cannot force a connection by faking your own personality. You also have to get over the fact that there will always be a disconnect between people. But attempting to change yourself in order to get into a group just isn’t the way.

“You have no one else to call.”

From: Catch Me If You Can

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Carl Hanratty

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2002 crime film Catch Me If You Can. The film was produced and directed by Steven Spielberg and is based on the autobiography of con artist Frank Abagnale, who had managed to elude the police for years due to his quick thinking and charm.

The quote comes from the middle of the film. Frank Abagnale (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) calls the lead of the task force created to catch him, Carl Hanratty (played by Tom Hanks). Frank calls Carl on Christmas Eve to gloat as he managed to trick him into letting him go. Carl then realizes why Frank is even calling him up and delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: All the success and money in the world is worthless unless you have people to share it with.

“Once you do the hard stuff, it becomes not that hard..”

From: Regular Show

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Rigby

The story behind the quote: Once again, I have to show thanks to DJ Miller as he managed to find another wonderful quote for the site. We really appreciate the assistance.

This week’s quote comes from the Cartoon Network original cartoon, Regular Show. The cartoon generally revolves around two best friends, a blue jay named Mordecai and a raccoon named Rigby. Both of them work as groundskeepers for a local park and they, along with their friends, go on various misadventures.

The quote comes from the final episode of the seventh season, Rigby’s Graduation Day Special. Rigby, finally graduating from high school, is tasked to give a speech on the day that will be broadcast all over the world. This does make Rigby nervous as he doesn’t know what to say. After Mordecai admits he always felt good about himself as he was always better than Rigby and he was jealous his friend was doing something that makes him better, Rigby hits an epiphany and realizes what his speech is going to be about. Rigby says it’s easy to not study and not graduate from school and he basically only did it to impress a girl. He then states all the things he had to accomplish to graduate. This is when he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: We’ve all had to go through hard times and struggles. Once we get through them, however, things do become easier as all the hardship is past us. As long as we have people we love and care about with us, anything is possible.

“I was perfect.”

From: Black Swan

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Nina Sayers

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from Darren Aronofsky’s psychological horror film, Black Swan. The movie focuses on Nina Sayers who gets the prima ballerina role as the Odette/The White Swan due to her grace. However, she fails to get the other half of the role of Odile/The Black Swan as she does not have the unbridled fury and power in her dancing and the role goes to the relative newcomer, Lily. Despite getting the role of a lifetime as the White Swan, Nina Sayers becomes obsessed with the Black Swan role and is paranoid that Lily is sabotaging her chances.

The quote comes from the very end of the film. Nina (played by Natalie Portman) has claimed both the White and Black Swan roles and performs both roles flawlessly, despite having stabbed herself during a hallucination in the middle of the show. At the climax, she falls off the edge of the stage to simulate Odette committing suicide and everyone rushes to congratulate her for a brilliant performance. The director notices the blood gushing from Nina’s side and tries to ask what happened. This is when Nina, finally achieving her goal, delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Is the cost of perfection worth losing everything, including yourself? An unhealthy obsession with anything is ultimately just that: unhealthy. Sometimes it’s always a good idea to take a step back to see if something is worth all the trouble.

“I’m not going there to die. I’m going to find out if I’m really alive.”

From: Cowboy Bebop

Genre: Cartoons, Television, Anime

Who said it?: Spike Spiegel

The story behind the quote: Cowboy Bebop is a landmark anime released in 1998. The show focuses around the crew of the Bebop, who are a group of intergalactic bounty hunters each with a storied past. Cowboy Bebop has been lauded as one of the best anime series ever created.

The quote comes from the first part of the conclusion of the series, The Real Folk’s Blues. Spike Spiegel (voiced by Steve Blum in the English dub) plans to leave the Bebop to reunite with his former love, Julia. Faye Valentine (voiced by Wendee Lee in the English dub) tries to stop Spike as it’s obviously a trap and it’s practically suicide. Spike then delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Is a mundane life really worth living? Sometimes, you do have to take risks to really enjoy and appreciate the life you have.