“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.

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“No way! Why should I change? He’s the one who sucks!”

From: Office Space

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Michael Bolton

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from Office Space, a film created by Mike Judge (the same guy who conceived Beavis and Butt-head). I’ve already given a summary of the movie since I did create an entry for it before (and it’s about a printer error) so I won’t summarize the plot. Suffice to say, if you want to watch a good comedy flick, you owe it to yourself to watch Office Space.

Anyway, the quote comes from the start of the film where we’re introduced to the main characters, including the tragically named Michael Bolton. When his friend, Samir Nagheenanajar, complains that everyone mispronounces his name, Michael rebuffs and says he’s lucky that he doesn’t have the same name as the famous singer. Samir suggests that he use Mike instead, Michael Bolton explains his reason as to why…

Geek wisdom: People will try to make you change to suit their own image of what they want you to be. They’ll reason out that it’s for your own good if you stop reading comics. Or they’ll say watching and enjoying video games and cartoons are only for children. They will give many more arguments as to why changing will be “for your own good.”

As long as you’re not hurting yourself or hurting others, there’s no reason for you to follow their advice. Most people just want others to conform to their version of “normality.” But the problem is not with you; it’s with them. If you’re happy with the way you are, then you can stay the way you are.

“PC Load Letter? What the fuck does that mean!?”

From: Office Space

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Michael Bolton

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.

In one particular scene, one of the disgruntled office workers, the tragically named Michael Bolton, is talking with his friends Peter Gibbons (they guy who eventually get promoted) and Samir Nagheenanajar (a guy with a name no one can pronounce) while printing a document. The printer delivers a PC Load Letter error, at which Michael exclaims that he has no idea what the error is supposed to mean.

Geek wisdom: A lot of times, people can speak and use words that are hard to understand, like the error message given by the printer. This can be either accidental or intentional. If you’ve ever read a EULA, licensing agreement or a legal document, you know how frustrating this can be. Life is already complicated as it is. Let’s not add to it.