Tag: steve carell

“Whenever I’m about to do something, I think ‘would and idiot do that?’ And if they would, I do not do that thing.”

From: The Office (US)

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Andy Bernard

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the US version of The Office, which ran from 2005 to 2013. It was adapted from the BBC comedy show of the same name. The Office is essentially a mockumentary that takes place in the Scranton branch of the fictional company called Dunder Mifflin, a paper supply company.

The quote comes the episode “Business School.” During the opening minutes of the episode, Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell) asks the “assistant to the regional manager” Dwight Schrute (played by Rainn Wilson) asks him what is the best advice he’s ever given him. Dwight responds that the answer would be “don’t be an idiot.” He then expounds in a talking heads portion how he has demonstrated this in his life, delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom:  It’s always best to think before we act. Sometimes, even just a slight pause to contemplate how our actions will impact or affect others may be enough to conclude if something would be a good idea or a bad idea.

“So, how do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.”

From: Evan Almighty

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: God and Evan Baxter

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 2007 fantasy comedy, Evan Almighty. A sequel to Bruce Almighty, this movie focuses on Evan Baxter, a former news reporter now Congressman, moves to a new town. Evan prays to God that he changes the world. God then goes to Evan and tasks him to build an ark as in the story of Noah in the Bible, despite the fact the town is landlocked.

The quote is actually foreshadowed early on in the film. God (played by Morgan Freeman) manages to convince Evan (played by Steve Carell) he is God. Evan complains that he has no idea on how to even begin to build an ark. God replies this is like how some people want to change the world but don’t know how to begin. God then states the way to change the world is through “one act of random kindness“.

At the end of the film, the ark does prove its worth when the local dam bursts and manages to save the residents of the town. Evan then meets up with God and he relates how he resisted throughout the entire process but, because everyone was saved, he is relieved he followed God’s instructions. God then says Evan did change the world in other ways, such as spending time with his family and saving a dog. Evan dismisses this as these were very tiny things. This is when God delivers the first part of the quote and Evan replies with the second part.

Geek wisdom: We do not have to make big moves to make an impact. Even the smallest actions, despite feeling miniscule, can affect the world at large. Never minimize the things that you do as what you do does matter.

“Presents are the best way to show someone you care. It is like this tangible thing that you can point to and say, ‘Hey man, I love you this many dollars worth.'”

From: The Office

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Michael Scott

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from US version of The Office. Based on the BBC comedy, this version of show takes place in the offices of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, featuring a host of wacky characters with their own idiosyncrasies.

This week’s quote comes the episode entitled “Christmas Party.” The entire office holds a Secret Santa gift giving party. Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell) decides to give his Secret Santa a video iPod, which is worth much more than the $20 limit. Michael Scott, in a talking head, explains his decision.

Geek wisdom:  While there is a saying that “it’s the thought that counts” and it does hold true, that also doesn’t mean you should not put any money into your gifts as well. Maybe the gift doesn’t have to be expensive… but it also doesn’t have to be worthless as well.

“Let’s hug it out, bitch!”

From: Entourage and The Office

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Ari Gold and Michael Scott

The story behind the quote: It may seem odd that there are two sources for the same quote but there are some people who do think the original quote comes from one of them and may not be familiar of the actual source of the quote. So, I’m putting both entries here.

The first time the quote is mentioned is from the HBO comedy, Entourage. It comes from the second episode, entitled The Review. In the episode, a negative review is given to Vincent Chase and Ari Gold (played by Jeremy Piven) calls him and Eric, one of Vincent’s friends and his manager, for a meeting. After Vincent leaves, Ari Gold tells Eric to distract Vincent from the review. Seeing that he’s upset, Ari delivers the quote to Eric to show that they’re okay.

The second time the quote is used, and where some people thing the quote first showed up, is from The Office, specifically the third season episode titled The Coup. Dwight Schrute talks to one of the higher ups and say he can be a better boss than Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell). Word does get back to Michael Scott and he eventually confronts Dwight after making him think he was made the boss. Dwight then pleads for forgiveness (in a hilariously over dramatic manner) and this is when Michael delivers the quote.

It’s important to note that Entourage’s The Review was aired on July 2014 while The Office’s The Coup was aired on October 2006. This does mean that the original quote, at least in TV, came from Entourage.

Geek wisdom:  You may run into disagreements with your friends and family and that’s normal. The terrible thing is to be stubborn and not try to resolve your differences. Always try to find common ground and make up with your friends and family.