Tag: ewan macgregor

“The Dark Side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural.”

From: Star Wars, specifically Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Supreme Councilor/Emperor Palpatine

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the Star Wars series. More specifically, it comes from Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, the final chapter of the Star Wars prequel trilogy.

The quote comes near the end of the film. Anakin Skywalker (played by Hayden Christensen) is talking to Supreme Councilor Palpatine (played by Ian McDiarmin) and Palpatine tells the story of Darth Plagueis the Wise who managed to use the Force in ways like reviving the dead. When Anakin questions this ability, Palpatine delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: There are actually two pieces of Geek Wisdom we can pull from this quote. The first one is the Dark Side of the Force/evil may seem like it’s unnatural but it actually is. Everyone of us has this “dark side’ inside of us and the reason it seems unnatural is because we’re not supposed to acknowledge this side. We have to be aware that everyone is capable of evil.

The second piece of Geek Wisdom is about death and how it is a natural part of life. We have to accept that all life will eventually end.

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“Only a Sith deals in absolutes.”

From: Star Wars, specifically Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Obi-Wan Kenobi

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the Star Wars series. More specifically, it comes from Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, the final chapter of the Star Wars prequel trilogy.

The quote comes near the climax of the film. Anakin Skywalker (played by Hayden Christensen) is confronted by Padme Amidala (played by Natalie Portman). He sees Obi-Wan Kenobi (played by Ewan MacGregor) and thinks that Padme has betrayed him and starts Force choking her. As Anakin rants that, by conquering the galaxy, he has brought peace to it. Anakin then tells Obi-Wan that, if his former mentor isn’t for his side, then he must kill him. This is when Obi-Wan delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: We live in the world where most people actually do believe in absolutes and partisan views. A lot of people do think that the world is black and white. Their thoughts are the only good things now and any other point of view that differs from what they’re thinking is wrong and must then be evil. But we don’t live in a world of black and white. The Sith basically believe that anything else other than how they view the universe must be snuffed out as there is no room for negotiation.

While we’re on this, Obi-Wan’s statement may seem hypocritical but it really isn’t based on the circumstances. Obi-Wan is only fights back once he realizes that Anakin isn’t willing to negotiate or talk things through. He has no choice in the matter. On the other hand, Anakin does have a choice to discuss his point of view with Obi-Wan or to simply agree to disagree. But he cannot as he must destroy any opposition.

“Choose life.”

From: Trainspotting, T2: Trainspotting… and a T-Shirt

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Mark “Rent Boy” Renton

The story behind the quote: This quote actually comes from a litany of sources but it’s most popular coming from the the black comedy film from 1996 Trainspotting. The film is about a heroin addict named Mark “Rent Boy” Renton (played by Ewan MacGregor) and his friends and their generally drug fueled lifestyle. The film eventually spawned a sequel, T2: Trainspotting, which reunited pretty much the entire cast from the first film.

The quote is usually said at the very start, followed by a long monologue of other things you can “choose.” In Trainspotting, Mark Renton delivers it over a voiceover while running away from something.

In T2: Trainspotting, Mark Renton delivers an updated monologue to reflect the modern time period…

Oh, and Renton was upfront saying that the original meaning of this week’s quote was from an anti-drug campaign in the 1980’s anti-drug slogan. In fact, it was pretty big in some areas and it was even put on t-shirts. In fact, if you look at George Michael’s shirt in Wham’s! music video of Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, you can actually see it plastered on it.

Geek wisdom: There is so much in life that is good but you have to choose to live first. You have to choose life before you can actually start to enjoy what it can offer.