captain america – My Geek Wisdom

“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.

“I can do this all day.”

From: Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: Civil War

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Captain America/Steve Rogers

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote actually comes from two movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe but it does come from the same person, Captain America. Portrayed by Chris Evans in the film, Captain America is actually Steve Rogers, a scrawny kid from Brooklyn who was chose to be the first person to get the Super Soldier serum because of his good nature.

The quote comes a couple of times from the first film, Captain America: The First Avenger. It comes up first before Steve Rogers is injected with the Super Serum formula when he’s being beat up by a unruly movie patron. The second time it comes up in the First Avenger is when Red Skull captures Steve Rogers, now as Captain America.

The next time the quote comes up is during Captain America: Civil War. During the climax of the film, Iron Man is trying to kill Bucky/Winter Soldier for murdering his family. Captain America steps in and intervenes as he’s Bucky’s friend. Even though Iron Man has the upper hand and asks Cap to stand down, Steve Rogers still stands up and delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: There is something to be said about being tenacious. Even though you are beaten down in life, you should never give up and always try to get up. The only time you’ll actually be beaten is when you give up.

“People just might need ‘a little old fashioned.'”

From: Marvel’s The Avengers

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Phil Coulson

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the first Avengers movie. This film was a geek’s dream come true as it assembled Marvel’s and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in one film. After seeing the likes of Iron Man, Thor and Captain America in their own standalone films, it was almost unimaginable that we would get an Avengers film before. But this movie made those dreams come true.

The quote comes near the start of the movie. Steve Rogers AKA Captain America (played by Chris Evans) is being brought to a SHIELD Helicarrier with Agent Phil Coulson. Phil gushes over Captain America and even mentions that he helped redesign the uniform. Steve remarks that the trademark American flag motif seems a little outdated. Phil replies that things are about to go bad before delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: It’s so easy to fall into dismay these days as life has become complicated. Sometimes we have to be reminded of a simpler time when we did things, not for our benefit, but for when it was the right thing to do.

“The truth is a matter of circumstances. It’s not all things to all people all the time.”

From: Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from Captain America: The Winter Soldier. It is the sequel to Captain America: The First Avenger and the ninth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the film, Captain America and Black Widow (played by Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson, respectively) have to uncover a conspiracy involving SHIELD while facing off against Captain America’s old friend, Bucky, who is now the assassin known as The Winter Soldier.

The quote comes from the middle of the film. After fleeing from SHIELD, Captain America and Black Widow head to New Jersey. They get to talking as they had to kiss in order to disguise themselves. The two banter about relationships and Cap admits that it’s difficult for him to find someone to relate with. Natasha suggests that he just lie, which Cap exclaims that he just can’t to that. This is when Black Widow delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: One person’s truth is another person’s fiction. This is because we are all different people and we all have different beliefs. In fact, it is possible for a person to actually change his mind about something after some time has passed. Nothing stays the same and everything does change.

“I’m loyal to nothing, General… except the Dream.”

From: Captain America (but specifically from Daredevil #233)

Genre: Comics

Who said it?: Captain America

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from a very old comic but the saying still rings true, especially during these troubled times.

This week’s quote comes from Captain America, who made a guest appearance in Daredevil Issue #233. In the issue, Daredevil is in the middle of a battle against the supervillain known as Nuke. Daredevil manages to take out Nuke but the Avengers, who were busy helping civilians during the fight, arrest Nuke afterwards. Later, Captain America meets up with Daredevil and the patriotic hero asks The Man Without Fear who Nuke is. Daredevil retorts and tells Captain America to ask his “superiors” (the US government) who Nuke is, as Nuke has the United States flag tattooed on his face.

Captain America does just that and asks one of the generals who Nuke really is. The general hints that the information is classified and that, as a patriot and a good soldier, Captain America should stop looking into to. This is when Captain America delivers the quote while holding on the flag of the USA.

Geek wisdom: People nowadays seem to be taking sides. It may be about political ideals on how people have become too conservative/liberal. Or it could be how one’s lifestyle is corrupting the world we live in and we denounce the “other side.” We are currently dividing ourselves needlessly because we all want the best for ourselves and everyone. The worst thing is that we become loyal to one “side” just because of our race, religion or party alignment without even taking a step back to think for ourselves if the “side” we’re on actually falls on what we believe in.

“Avengers assemble!”

From: The Avengers

Genre: Comics

Who said it?: Virtually every member of the Avengers at one time or another

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the super hero team known as the Avengers. The Avengers are “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” and are composed of a myriad of Marvel’s comic book heroes. The first issue of The Avengers tells the team’s original origin tale:

In a bid to defeat his half-brother Thor, Loki tricks The Hulk to go on a rampage. As The Hulk’s sidekick, Rick Jones, send a distress radio call to the Fantastic Four, Loki diverts it but is intercepted by Iron Man, Wasp and Ant-Man. The trio, as well as Thor and The Hulk manage to defeat Loki. Wasp then decides they five of them should join forces. And the Avengers were formed.

The roster has added and lost members as the years passed. Usually, the team is led into battle by Captain America. However, that doesn’t mean that he’s the only one that can summon the Avengers. In fact, any Avengers team member can summon the rest of the group using the quote.

Geek wisdom: There is no shame in asking for assistance when you need help. It’s a common misconception for a lot of individuals to even refuse help as they feel it makes them look weak. Actually, it’s the opposite; it is actually a sign of strength and maturity to know your shortcomings and request for the support of others.

Don’t be ashamed to request for the aid of others.

“Hail Hydra”

From: The Marvel Cinematic Universe (but popularized in Captain America: The Winter Soldier)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Various Characters

The story behind the quote: The quote is actually what all Hydra agents say, even in the comics. It was even yelled out a lot during the first Captain America film. However, the quote rose to popularity during one particular scene in the film’s sequel, Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

In the scene in question, SHIELD Agent Jasper Sitwell meets with Senator Stern. As Stern leans over and gives a friendly hug to Agent Sitwell, the senator whispers the quote, revealing that both agents are working for the underground terrorist group.

Geek wisdom: Even the people you trust the most may have ulterior motives. They may seem friendly and nice people but you don’t really know what they are thinking or what they’re like behind closed doors.

In this day of age, it’s a good idea to remain skeptical regarding people.

“That’s my secret, Captain. I’m always angry.”

From: Marvel’s The Avengers

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Bruce Banner

The story behind the quote: The Avengers is a movie released in 2012. It is the culmination of Marvel’s long string of movies, starting with the first Iron Man film (released in 2008). The basic premise is that Loki, Thor’s brother, has allied with a race of aliens who plan to take over the Earth. Earth’s mightiest superheroes, which include Iron Man and Captain America, have to team up to prevent this from happening.

The quote comes from Bruce Banner, the scientist who becomes the Hulk when angered. Iron Man has managed to lead a giant monster towards the rest of the heroes. Captain America suggests to Bruce Banner that he needs to get angry immediately to take the monster down. Bruce Banner calmly turns to the Captain, delivers the quote and instantly turns into the Hulk to take the beast down.

Geek wisdom: Emotions are actually powerful tools. Being angry can help motivate people to do things immediately. It can help you get results. But, since anger is an emotion, and emotions are tools, we have to be able to control it. The problem is we usually let our emotions control us.

While Bruce Banner may always be angry, he manages to control the monster within himself by controlling the emotion. He only lets it out when it is necessary. We should also be that way.