“Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you gonna get.”

From: Forrest Gump

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Forrest Gump

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote, once again, comes from DJ Miller. We thank you for your submission again.

The quote from the very quotable film from 1994 film, Forrest Gump. Based on the book of the same name, Forrest Gump is a person of low IQ but, despite his apparent handicap, he proceeds to go on different new adventures and meet people who would go on to make history, making his life one of the most fulfilling ones ever.

The quote comes from the very first scene of the film. While waiting for a bus, Forrest Gump (played by Tom Hanks) offers a piece of chocolate from a box. He then remembers one of his mother’s sayings, which just so happens to be the quote in question.

Fun Fact: Most people think the quote goes “Life is like a box of chocolates” but he actually says “was” at this point. Forrest’s mother (played by Sally Field) does say a version of the quote but she says, “Life is a box of chocolates” without the word “like” in it.

I guess people misremember the quote because the way we remember it is grammatically correct.

Geek wisdom: Life is full of surprises and you never really know what will happen next. Sometimes good things will happen. Sometimes bad things will happen. But that’s just how life goes.

“If they take my stapler, I’ll have to, I’ll set the building on fire.”

From: Office Space

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Milton Waddams

The story behind the quote: Office Space is a cult classic movie from Mike Judge, the creator of Beavis and Butt-head. The story generally focuses of a group of frustrated office workers who work for Initech, a software company, with their manager, Bill Lumberg. One of them gets accidentally hypnotized to enter a state of complete relaxation. So much so that he openly displays his lack of motivation while in the office. Oddly enough, this gets him promoted to a managerial position while his friends, despite trying their best to keep their jobs, are set to be downsized. This is a very rough summary and I know I’m not doing justice to this film describing it. Suffice to say, it deserves its cult classic status. There are a lot of scenes in this movie that are hilarious and memorable.

The quote happens near the start of the film. Milton (played by Stephen Root) is talking to his co-league Peter Gibbons and complaining about how management has been moving the location of his desk. He also mentions that, even though the company has switched staplers, he managed to keep his  red Swingline stapler and, while delivering the quote, exclaims how important it is to him.

It is worth mentioning that, while Milton didn’t push through with what he said when his prized Swingline stapler was absconded, he did eventually burn down the office building because of all the abuse he was getting.

Geek wisdom: People will reach a breaking point. Even the meekest of people will suddenly snap when the pressure is too much. So it may be wise to never abuse others as this actually might be the last straw for them… and it always pays to be nice to people, by the way.

“Mankind knew they cannot change society. So instead of reflecting on themselves, they blamed the Beasts.”

From: Guilty Gear Strive

Genre: Video Games

Who said it?: Announcer before every match… and Daisuke Ishiwatari who sang “Smell of the Game”

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the latest entry of Arc System Work’s long-running fighting game franchise, Guilty Gear Strive. Guilty Gear is known for its very frantic action, hard rock/metal soundtrack and anime styled aesthetic. Created by Daisuke Ishiwatari, the man also composes most of the songs of the games.

The quote actually comes up a couple of times in Guilty Gear Strive. It was first revealed during the interlude portion of Strive’s main theme song, Smell of the Game.

The other time the quote is mentioned is during the fight intros before each match. As the fighters enter the area, the announcer delivers the quote each and every time, provided you don’t choose to skip it.

Geek wisdom: For some people, it can be so much easier to not see our own faults but rather put the blame of our imperfections on others. What they don’t realize is that they lose the chance to actually improve themselves. Focus on your weaknesses and try to find ways to better yourself rather than trying to fault others for your limits.

“Hatred and prejudice will never be eradicated. And witch hunts will never be about witches.”

From: The Witcher, specifically, The Witcher III: Wild Hunt

Genre: Video Games

Who said it?: Geralt of Rivia

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the video game The Witcher III: Wild Hunt. The games, developed by CD Projekt Red, are based on the books written by Andrzej Sapkowski. You control Geralt of Rivia, a witcher who is one of the few people who have the necessary skills to defeat the magical beasts and evils of the land.

You can only hear the quote by helping Geralt’s old flame, Triss Merigold, and her quest to help the remaining mages of Novigrad to escape the land. If he is successful, the mages do escape but the kingdom then turn their attention to the lesser races and start hunting them down.

Geek wisdom: People fear others who are different than what they are. Whether it be race, color, religion, political alignment or even gender, this fear can be twisted to simply blaming all our woes on who’s not on our side. If we focus on our similarities and not our differences, maybe the world would be a better place.

“A banana without its peel is still a banana.”

From: Arthur

Genre: Television, Cartoons

Who said it?: Mrs. MacGrady

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote was submitted by DJ Miller. I would like to thank him for the help with this quote as well as how to source the video where the quote appears.

This week’s quote comes from the animated series, Arthur. The cartoon focuses on the growing up pains of one Arthur Read, an anthropomorphic aardvark. Each episode basically has Arthur learning an important lesson about life.

The quote itself is from the episode entitled “Arthur’s Underwear”, which is in the fifth episode of the second season. Arthur has dreams about being in his underwear after he sees his friend, Binky Barns, ripped his pants and he started laughing. Arthur’s best friend Buster Buster admits that he told a few people, hoping he could find a way for Arthur to get over his dream. In his panic, Arthur’s pants get caught on the tray rack and he accidentally rips them open, partially revealing his underwear. Everyone in the cafeteria starts laughing at Arthur, much to his embarrassment. Binky comes to the rescue by using two lunch trays to cover him up and leads him to the kitchen.

There, Mrs. MacGrady sews them back up for Arthur. After Mrs MacGrady fixes Arthur’s pants, Arthur laments he can’t show his face to his classmates anymore. In response, she tells him the quote.

Geek wisdom: Everybody gets embarrassed in life, no matter what or who they are. Don’t let embarrassing moments stop you from being who you are and living your life.

“I know my value. Anyone else’s opinion doesn’t really matter.”

From: Agent Carter

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Peggy Carter

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the short-lived ABC series Agent Carter. The show followed Peggy Carter who was introduced in  the first Captain America movie and follows her adventures after World War II.

The quote comes from the final episode of the first season. Peggy Carter (played again by Hayley Atwell) managed to solve the conspiracy to frame Howard Stark. However, as she is a woman, she doesn’t get any credit and, in fact, it leads to Agent Jack Thompson getting all of the honors. Agent Daniel Sousa wants to clear this up but Peggy says there’s really no need as she delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: You shouldn’t take too much stock on how others think of you. What’s more important is how you think of yourself.

“Your identity is your most valuable possession. Protect it.”

From: The Incredibles

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Elastigirl/Helen Parr

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 film. After arriving on the island where Mr. Incredible is being held, Helen Parr AKA Elastigirl (voiced by Holly Hunter) tells her children she’s going to explore the island to rescue her husband and their father. She tells them to put on the mask to disguise themselves, delivering the quote in the process.

Geek wisdom: You are who you are and you should always be proud of who you are. Your very being is what makes you special and unique, after all.

“I’m only brave when I have to be.”

From: The Lion King

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: King Mufasa

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, a Broadway musical and even a CGI “live-action” remake.

The quote comes near the middle of the film. A young Simba (voiced by Jonathan Taylor Thomas) is in trouble as he was nearly killed visiting the elephant’s graveyard, a place he was told he shouldn’t go to. King Mufasa (voiced by James Earl Jones) begins to scold his son and Simba tries to explain that he was just trying to show he had courage like his father. This is when King Mufasa delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Being brave doesn’t mean you should be looking for trouble. Being brave is doing the right thing at the right time.

“You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”

From: Batman, specifically, The Dark Knight

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Harvey Dent

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the second film in Christopher Nolan’s Batman movies, The Dark Knight. The Dark Knight has Batman taking on a mysterious villain known as The Joker, who apparently is more concerned with sowing the seeds of chaos rather than his own gain.

The quote comes some time in the middle of the film. Bruce Wayne (played by Christian Bale) and he meets up with Gotham’s fresh new District Attorney, Harvey Dent (played by Aaron Eckhart). The group gets into a discussion if Gotham actually needs a vigilante like Batman. Harvey tells them a story about how the Romans would suspend democracy during times of war. Rachel Dawes (played this time by Maggie Gyllenhaal) points out the last person appointed to this post never relinquished his position. This is when Harvey delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Sometimes, the best of intentions can steer you in the wrong direction. You may see your goals to be honorable and even be in the service of mankind but there is also the chance these very same decisions will cause more destruction.

“Hey, this is me. I am woman. And I like me.”

From: Freaked 

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: The Bearded Lady

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the little known black comedy Freaked. Released in 1993, the film was written and directed by Alex Winter of Bill and Ted fame. He plays a former child star named Ricky Coogin who is captured and turned into a freak by a mad scientist played by Randy Quaid. Here, he and the other humans the scientist had experimented on try to escape from the circus they’re all imprisoned in.

The quote is while the other sideshow attractions are introducing themselves and how they wound up there. The Bearded Lady (played by Mr. T) explains he was a manly trucker but he never felt comfortable with it. The mad scientist changes him into a full-fledged woman (but he does keep the beard). After telling his tale, the Bearded Lady says she’s happy with who she is now and delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Never let social convention dictate who you are. Be who you always wanted to be and, despite people questioning your choices, you will ultimately be happier and more satisfied with your life.