quote – My Geek Wisdom

“When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead. True story.”

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 specifically from the first episode of the second season of the show. Marshall had just broken up with Lily and the rest of the gang are discussing the issue. Barney (played awesomely by Neil Patrick Harris) is his usual self and rather insensitive to the plight of his friends. He explains that Marshall should just stop being sad and then he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Whenever life gets you down, you have the ability to change how you feel. If you’re down on your luck, do something to change your luck. Don’t mope around. Be the master of your own fate.

“Take your stinking paws off me, you damn dirty ape!”

From: Planet of the Apes (1968)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: George Taylor

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the sci-fi classic, Planet of the Apes. The film was successful enough to spawn several sequels and the film has been remade in 2001. The series was also rebooted into a new franchise of films starting with 2011’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Essentially, all the films feature intelligent apes overtaking the humans as the superior race of the planet.

The quote comes from the middle of the film. After astronaut George Taylor (played by Charlton Heston) crash lands on the Planet, he is captured by the apes. Upon learning that Taylor possesses higher intelligence than the rest of the humans, Dr. Zaius orders the astronaut to be castrated. Taylor then makes an unsuccessful attempt at escape. As the apes grab Taylor, the human delivers the quote, surprising everyone.

Geek wisdom: It can be scary to fight against oppression, especially if the one doing the abusing is stronger and more powerful than you. But, there has to be a time when we all must fight back. We can’t always cower and take it. We will have to stand up against them if we want to stop being under the thumb of someone else. It will take courage to do so and it may be frightening but it’s much better to fight back than to live in constant fear.

“You complete me.” AND “You had me at ‘hello.'”

From: Jerry Maguire

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Dorothy Boyd

The story behind the quote: As Valentines Day is just a few hours away, we’re doing something special. We’re presenting two quotes today instead of one! This week’s quotes comes from the critically acclaimed and box office hit Jerry Maguire. The film follows the titular character as he decides to quit his current company in order to open his own sports agency that will be more dedicated and focused on their clients and not just care for the money the athletes pay them. At the start of the film, Jerry Maguire (played by Tom Cruise) tries to rally the other employees to join him but only Dorothy Boyd (played by Renee Zellweger), a single mom, joins him.

The quote comes near the end of the film. Dorothy had broken up with Jerry as she feels he doesn’t feel the same way. After seeing his only client Rod Tidwell (played by Cuba Gooding, Jr.) call his family and say how much he loves them, Jerry gets an epiphany and flies back home to try to get Dorothy back…

Geek wisdom: Let’s first tackle the first quote, “You complete me.” This is how Jerry Maguire ended his speech, expressing how much he missed being with Dorothy. And this is true not just for your significant other but for anyone who’s ever been in any kind of relationship. Life just doesn’t feel complete unless we can share it with others. We need to be with other people at sometimes to get the most out of life and the world around us. Each and everyone you’re grown to love is, somehow, a part of you. They’ve influenced you in one way or another and now will be with you forever.

Now, for the second quote, “You had me at ‘hello.'” At times, we can try to string together a lot of words in an attempt to express our feelings. However, there are going to be times when this isn’t necessary. You don’t need too many words to express your love for someone or let them know you care.

“I will not bow to any sponsor.”

From: Wayne’s World

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Wayne Campbell

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the first Wayne’s World film. The movie was based on a very successful Saturday Night Live skit of the same name. Wayne Campbell (Mike Myers) and Garth Algar (Dana Carvey) are the hosts of Wayne’s World, an off-beat public access cable show shot in Wayne’s basement where they make fun of locals and talk about music and “babes”. Despite running on a shoestring budget, the show proves to be incredibly popular with teenagers and young adults because of the duo’s offbeat humor. In the film, a television producer decided that the show would be perfect way to advertise a chain of arcades and buys the show from Wayne and Garth.

The quote comes from the middle of the film during the “advertising” scene. Wayne and Garth are told that they need to give the arcade some airtime on Wayne’s World as they are the primary sponsor of the show. However, the two see things a bit differently… while hawking various products to the audience.

Geek wisdom: People can be hypocrites. We all think we can act with dignity and poise when confronted with obstacles. However, that attitude can only be tested when you actually come across something that will test your will. When you’re tempted, that’s when you know your principles.

“You mean you have to use your hands?” “That’s like a baby’s toy!”

From: Back To The Future: Part II

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Two kids from the future

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the second installment of the Back To The Future trilogy of films. In this film, Marty McFly goes to the future (2015 at the time) because Doc Brown says that one of his future children is in trouble. However, while saving his son, Biff Tannen steals the DeLorean and changes the past by giving his 1955 self a Sports Almanac that allows 1955 Biff to make a fortune by placing bets on the winners, creating a horrible alternate future. Mary and Doc then race to the past to prevent this from happening.

The quote comes from when Marty arrives in the future. Two kids from the future manage to get an old Wild Gunman arcade machine working again. Unable to figure out how the game works, Marty steps in and shows the kids his prowess in the game. However, the kids are unimpressed by how to actually control Wild Gunman…

Geek wisdom: Technology will always keep on improving by leaps and bounds. Before you know it, the latest gadget that you believed was incredibly advanced will seem incredibly dated in a span of a few years. With that being said, we keep on getting the latest tech, such as the newest phones or tablets, knowing full well they will be obsolete in a couple of months.

Sometimes, it’s a good idea to take into perspective if it’s actually worth getting the newest gadgets knowing someone is trying to innovate something radically better than the thing we have right now.

“Have you ever tried shawarma?”

From: Marvel’s The Avengers

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Tony Stark/Iron Man

The story behind the quote: This quote comes from the first Avengers film. The film was a huge blockbuster and a dream of comic book enthusiasts. It also proved that comic books and superheroes were not just for kids, but for people of all ages.

The quote comes from the tail end of the movie. After Tony Stark/Iron Man saved New York from a nuclear missile and an alien invasion, the hero lies flat on his back, exhausted from the ordeal. He then quips to Captain America and the other heroes that they try shawarma, a new dish that he hadn’t tried. And, during the after credits clip, it does show all of the Avengers eating the mid-eastern delicacy… to various degrees of satisfaction.

Geek wisdom: Always be open to try out new things. Whether it be a certain kind of food and what not, you’ll only discover new things and broaden your horizons by being adventurous. At worst, you can just say you didn’t like the experience. But, you never know, that thing you think is disgusting may be the best thing in the world for you.

“The first rule of Fight Club is: You do not talk about Fight Club. “

From: Fight Club

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Tyler Durden

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the cult film Fight Club. The story is all about an unnamed narrator (played by Edward Norton) meets charismatic soap maker Tyler Durden (played by Brad Pitt). As they get to know each other, they decide to open up the titular Fight Club as their fights always seem to attract a lot of attention from onlookers.

The quote is actually the first (and probably the most important) rule of Fight Club. The narrator states that, before every session, Tyler Durden details the rules of Fight Club for the benefit of those who have just joined.

Geek wisdom: People tend to be more open with their secrets in this day of age for various reasons. Whether it be to become popular in social media or to just get ahead, privacy isn’t at a premium anymore. In fact, it seems like the more secrets you spill these days, the better.

There are times when you need to keep a secret, especially if you know if it’ll get you into trouble.

“The ‘hammer’ is my penis.”

From: Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog

Genre: Internet/Web Series

Who said it?: Captain Hammer

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the Web Series called Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog. It’s a three episode series regaling the tale of the misunderstood “villain” Dr. Horrible (played by Neil Patrick Harris), his “superhero” archenemy, Captain Hammer (played by Nathan Fillion) and their shared love interest, Penny (played by Felicia Day). It is, of all things, a musical comedy, focusing on Dr. Horrible’s attempt to join the Evil League of Evil but is torn because of his unrequited love for Penny.

The quote comes from the second episode of the series. Dr. Horrible, in his “civilian” disguise, has befriended Penny and has gotten close to her. During one of their casual encounters in a laundromat, Penny introduces Dr. Horrible to his boyfriend, Captain Hammer. While Penny leaves to check on her wash, Captain Hammer taunts Dr. Horrible that he is going to show her his “hammer” later tonight.

Geek wisdom: We live in an extremely confusing world where things have hidden meanings and double entendre. Some phrases can have life lesson buried beneath the surface, a fact which is the basis for My Geek Wisdom!

Sometimes, it’s best to clear up the smoke and mirrors and just be frank about what you are trying to convey. Hiding it behind confusing words can distort its meaning. If you want to be clear about something, say it bluntly.

“You blew it up! Ah, damn you! God damn you all to hell!”

From: Planet of the Apes (1968)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: George Taylor

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the original Planet of the Apes film that was released way back in 1968. The film stars Charlton Heston as astronaut George Taylor who, crash lands on an unknown planet way in the future. The dominant species on this planet are intelligent apes who use the subjugated human being (who cannot speak) as pets and cheap labor. Thinking that Taylor is just another “ordinary” human, the apes capture him. The story revolves around Taylor’s attempts to flee the planet.

WARNING: There are SPOILERS for the ending of this (extremely old and well-known) film!

The quote comes from the very end of the film. Taylor and his new female companion, Nova, escape to the Forbidden Zone, as apes are not permitted there. The earth astronaut, sees the ruins of the Statue of Liberty. Realizing he actually is on Earth after it has been razed by nuclear war, Taylor laments the fate of the human race and delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: We sometimes take the future for granted. We hastily destroy our environment and lay waste to the planet’s natural resources without even giving a second thought to the long term repercussions they may have. We can be shortsighted and believe that the world will always be there for us and nothing we do can harm it.

We only have one world. We have to take care of it while we still can.

“Help me help you!”

From: Jerry Maguire

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Jerry Maguire

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from Jerry Maguire. The film itself has become a sort of cultural icon as there are a lot of memorable quotes from the film and this may be the first one I’m using. Anyway, the movie is about Jerry Maguire, a popular sports agent. He is fired from his agency after writing a letter noting how dishonest other sports agents are. He then focuses all his strengths on his sole client, Rod Tidwell, a wide receiver who believes he’s better than he really is.

The quote comes from the middle of the film. A frustrated Jerry (played by Tom Cruise) pleads with Rod (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) to try to ease up with his demands. Jerry tells the football star that he has been working really hard to meet his demands but he’s at his breaking point.

Geek wisdom: We can be too proud to ask for assistance at times. We can feel foolish or we don’t want to come off as weak. So, instead of asking for help, we instead needlessly trudge on with the problem.

This is totally incorrect. In fact, it’s actually a sign of strength to ask for help when you realize you require it. Nobody’s perfect. We can be great at everything but there is always someone out there that will be willing to help you work on those weaknesses.