“Maybe that’s the real punk rock.”

From: Superman (2025)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Superman

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the DC 2025 superhero movie, Superman (2025). Written and directed by James Gunn, the film features the titular hero in turmoil after a message from his Kryptonian parents are translated and it turns out they may not have had the best intentions when sending him to Earth. This turns the public’s opinion against him and also leads to Superman questioning his purpose.

The quote comes in the middle of the film. Superman (played by David Corenswet) is talking to Lois Lane (played by Rachel Brosnahan) and how Superman is going to turn himself in to save Krypto. Lois says how they are diametrically different and how she was a punk rocker teen who would question authority every chance she gets. Superman tells Lois he also liked punk rock and she can’t seem to believe that someone as straight and narrow as he is would like that kind of music. Lois then says that she doesn’t really trust people and that people are, deep inside, bad while he always seems to see the good in people. This is when Superman delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: In a world where cynicism is the norm, maybe it’s time to rebel against that. When the entire world is closed off and filled with hate, maybe it’s a good idea to show the world that it doesn’t have to be that way.

“That boy ain’t right.”

From: King of the Hill

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Hank Hill

The story behind the quote: 

The quote comes from the animated sitcom King of the Hill, which recently got a revival which you can watch on Hulu in the United States. Created my Mike Judge, the show generally follows the Hill family, particularly the Hill patriarch, Hank Hill, as well as his friends and next door neighbors, as they deal with the someone exaggerated eccentricities of mundane, everyday life of midwestern America.

The quote is actually kind of a catchphrase spouted by Hank Hill (who is also voiced by Mike Judge) but not all the time as Hank’s wife, Peggy (voiced by Kathy Najimy), has also delivered a version of the quote. Either way, the quote will always be given whenever Bobby Hill (voiced by Pamela Adlon) does something seemingly strange that the adults don’t seem to understand.

Note: This is actually kind of a duplicate post from here. I made a mistake when I made that old post but it was not searchable for some reason. So, I thought I didn’t use this quote yet and I made a new post, which is this one!

Geek wisdom: Different generations will always have trouble understanding each other and, at times, the things the younger generation will do will feel strange and dumb. But they just might be just trying to do something different the older generation never thought of doing. What was “not right” in the past might become pretty normal in the future.

“Now boys and girls, what do you think that feels like?”

From: The Addams Family (1991)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Morticia Addams

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 1991 black comedy The Addams Family. The Addams Family originated as a single panel comic strip created by Charles Addams and spawned a 1964 live-action television series as well as an animated cartoon in 1973. Like the previous iterations, the film focuses on the titular family who are creepy and kooky, mysterious and ooky.

The quote comes during the third act of the movie. After the entire Addams Family are booted out of their house and don’t have access to their fortune, the entire family try to find ways to earn money. Morticia Addams (played by Anjelica Houston) finds employment as a nursery school teacher. However, while telling the story of Hansel and Gretel, Morticia embellishes the story a little bit, telling how the kids pushed the “poor defenseless witch” into the oven and burning her alive. The children under her care start crying after she delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: A person can be shown to be good or bad depending on one’s perspective. As such, there are going to be times when events truly cannot be seen as black or white until all points of view are taken into consideration.

“In the end, my girlfriend became my archenemy, my archenemy became my best friend, and my best friend became my girlfriend. But hey, that’s high school!”

From: Sky High

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Will Stronghold

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2005 teen superhero movie, Sky High. One of Disney‘s lesser known superhero movies (way before they acquired Marvel), Sky High revolves around a teenager named Will Stronghold (played by Michael Angararo). Will isn’t your ordinary teen, however, as he is the son of the greatest superheroes of the world, The Commander/Steve Stronghold and Jetstream/Josie Stronghold. Unfortunately for Will, despite him coming of age, he still hasn’t developed any powers yet. As such, he is sent to the “sidekick” section of Sky High. While at Sky High, Will must navigate through regular high school life such as falling in love, making new friends, making the right friends, facing off against bullies as well as fighting off supervillains. Okay, maybe not that last one but you get the idea.

The quote comes from the very end of the film. After Will Stronghold and the “sidekicks” managed to save the day, he goes on to reminisce how the rest of his first year of high school was like. He then summarizes his current relationships with the people he ran into by delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: Your relationships with people will change over time. You may change. They may change. Whatever the reason, the people from your past you didn’t like before may turn out more appealing to you now. So, maybe it’s a good idea to give these people a second chance.

“It’s an imperfect world but it’s the only one we’ve got.”

From: Iron Man

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Tony Stark

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the very first Iron Man movie from 2008. Based on the Marvel character and starring Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man, this was the film that launched the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe and made it so superhero movies could be more than just silly films about comic book characters. The movie also reinvigorated Robert Downey Jr’s career after his life spiraled out of control in the 90’s.

The quote comes very early in the film. Tony Stark is called out to do an impromptu interview. Assuming the reporter will just ask him questions about a fluff piece, Tony takes the interview. However, it was actually an ambush as the reporter asks him about how he can manufacture weapons. This is when Tony Stark delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Although Tony Stark may have been somewhat insincere at that time when he delivered the quote, that doesn’t make his statement any less correct. We all live in this planet and it’s definitely not perfect. But until we find another world, this is the only one we have. So, we have to take care of it and try to get along with each other.

“It’s never as bad as it seems. You’re much stronger than you think you are. Trust me.”

From: All-Star Superman

Genre: Comics

Who said it?: Superman

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from DC’s All-Star Superman, specifically the 10th issue of this limited series. Written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely, the series follows Superman, knowing his death is near, tries to do as many good deeds as possible as well as trying to ensure the Earth’s safety after his passing.

As mentioned, the quote happens in Issue #10. A desperate teen named Regan is about to throw herself off a building. Superman’s super-hearing catches Regan’s doctor trying desperately to reach her over the phone but is unable to. Superman then uses his super speed to fly to Regan and, in order to stop her from jumping and that he believes in her, delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Even in our most desperate times, things can get better. We just have to power through and use our own strength and will to get through it. It may take a long time and it may take a lot of effort. But as long as we persist in trying to make things better, things will get better eventually.

“You need to believe in things that aren’t true. How else can they become?”

From: Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: Death

The story behind the quote: The quote from the television adaption of Terry Pratchett‘s Hogfather book. Set in the Discworld universe, the book/TV miniseries is all about the mysterious disappearance of The Hogfather, which is the Discworld’s equivalent of Santa Claus/Father Christmas. The story can be broken up into two parts. The first follows Death as he tries to take over the role of The Hogfather while he’s missing. The second has Death’s granddaughter, Susan Sto Helit, who Death has assigned to finding The Hogfather as The Hogfather is also linked to the sun rising each day.

The quote comes from the very end of the series. Susan Sto Helit has managed to find and revive The Hogfather and The Hogfather resumes his duties. She then talks to Death about what would’ve happened to the sun and Death replies that, instead of sun, a ball of gas and heat would’ve taken its place. Susan then clarifies then if it was just all a fantasy about the sun not rising. Death replies that people need fantasy as things like justice, mercy and duty do not really exist as the universe is essentially not just, merciful and orderly. Susan retorts that people need to believe in those things. This is when Death delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: People can will things into existence in the metaphorical sense. If we want things to happen, we have to make it happen. If we really want the world to live in peace, despite history telling us it’s impossible, we have to first believe it’s possible and strive to make it work. That’s the only way things that seem impossible can become the possible.

“I’m going on an adventure!”

From: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: Bilbo Baggins

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the fantasy-adventure film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Based on the book of the same name which was written by JRR Tolkien, the film has Peter Jackson returning from the successful Lord of the Rings Trilogy of films to direct this prequel. 

The quote comes very early in the film. Bilbo Baggins (played by Martin Freeman) was tricked by Gandalf the Grey into hosting a party of rowdy dwarves before they go on a quest to reclaim their homeland. Gandalf does this as he wants to recruit Bilbo as the party’s burglar/thief. After the party leaves, Bilbo feels some relief from all the ruckus the dwarves had caused to his house. However, after he spots the contract that he didn’t sign making him the party’s burglar, Bilbo gives chase and tries to catch up with them. As one of the neighbors ask him where he’s going, Bilbo yells out the quote in reply.

Geek wisdom: Sometimes, it’s good to get out of your comfort zone and do something adventurous. After all, one of the best things about life is, well, actually living life. Take the time to do something that gets you excited once in a while.

“You’ll realize that someone loved you. And that means that someone can love you again! And that’ll make you smile.”

From: The Simpsons

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Homer Simpson

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the longest running animated series in the United States, The Simpsons. Making it’s first debut way back in 1989, The Simpsons has been, as of this writing, on broadcast television for 36 seasons.

The quote comes from the episode entitled “Eeny Teeny Maya Moe,” which is the 16th episode of the 20th season. In the episode, we see Moe Szyslak, the owner of Moe’s Tavern, meet a woman named Maya online. When they meet face-to-face, it turns out the woman is a little person. The two eventually hit it off but Moe is unable to stop making jokes about Maya’s height. The two eventually break up because of Moe’s general insecurity.

The quote comes from the end of the episode. Homer Simpson stops by Moe’s Tavern. Moe is still depressed regarding Maya. This is when Homer tells this is a good thing as at least he starting to get back out there again. He closes out this pep talk by delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: It is better to have love and lost than to never love at all. While that saying doesn’t mean that much to the brokenhearted, Homer’s words do ring more true. Just because you have lost your love, that doesn’t mean you’ll never find love ever again. If you’ve found it once, there’s a good chance you can find it again.

“I’m going to Yemen!”

From: Friends

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Chandler Bing

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the incredibly popular ’90s sitcom, Friends. The show is about six eclectic friends who live in New York and go about living their lives. The show was a smash hit and is still very popular, airing on reruns all around the world.

The quote comes from the 4th season episode entitled The One With All The Rugby. In one of the storylines of the episode, Chandler Bing (played by the late Matthew Perry) runs into an old girlfriend, Janice (played by Maggie Wheeler). While Janice would like to rekindle their romance, Chandler doesn’t and tries to come up with an excuse to not get back together without outright rejecting her. The excuse he comes up with is he’s being transferred to Yemen for work. However, the lie works too well and Janice, wanting to spend as much time as possible before Chandler leaves, accompanies him to the airport.

Instead of just coming clean, Chandler actually buys a ticket to Yemen and, when he realizes Janice won’t leave until she sees him actually flies off, he does board the plane and, with a mixture of disbelief and despair, he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Some people would rather continue with a lie than commit to the truth. There are times when their reasons for doing so may be noble or distasteful. Whatever the case, the truth is usually better.