the big bang theory – My Geek Wisdom

“Sweetie, you are weird. Everyone knows you’re weird. But they’re all still here because they care about you so much.”

From: The Big Bang Theory

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Penny

The story behind the quote: The quote comes the very successful sitcom, The Big Bang Theory. The story revolves around a group of four nerds/geeks who love nerdy/geeky things. Among the four, Sheldon Cooper (played by Jim Parsons) proved to be the show’s breakout star due to all of his quirky mannerisms and obsessive-compulsive behavior.

The quote comes from the episode entitled “The Celebration Experimentation”, which is the 17th episode of the 9th season. Sheldon Cooper is hiding out in the bathroom as he doesn’t like celebrating his birthday with a party. He reveals to Penny (played by Kaley Cuoco) about how his sister would make fun of him during his birthday parties, which is why he hates them. Penny says it’s okay if he hides out in the bathroom then. Sheldon then says people will think he’s weird if he does. This is when Penny delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Being yourself can be hard when you don’t conform to “normal” society standards. However, that doesn’t mean you should change the way you are. Be yourself and, eventually, you will find people who will care for you because of who you really are.

“You’re in my spot.”

From: The Big Bang Theory

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Sheldon Cooper

One of results of this obsessive-compulsive behavior is the need to sit on a certain part of the sofa. While he does have valid reasons for liking this spot (it’s never too cold/hot, great viewing angle of the television, etc.), Sheldon made it a rule that no one else is allowed to sit on it and he will chastise anyone if they do attempt to take his appointed seat. In fact, he says the quote so many times it’s become one of his more popular catchphrases.

Geek wisdom: We all have our own routines and we do get settled in our own ways. Sometimes, these little consistencies help us go through the turbulent and ever-changing world.

Yes, change may be a good thing. But there is something to be said about being able to return to something familiar as well.

“Sing Soft Kitty.”

From: The Big Bang Theory

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Sheldon Cooper and Penny

The story behind the quote: The Big Bang Theory is a sitcom that tells the story of a couple of guys (who just happen to be kinda nerdy) notice that a cute blonde girl moves in to the apartment across the hall. One of them, Leonard Hofstader (played by Johnny Galecki), instantly falls in love with the girl, Penny (Kaley Cuoco). While the premise make it seem that only nerds and geeks will love the show, the characteristics of each person in the show made it into one of the most popular shows in recent history. Jim Parsons has actually won three Emmy awards because of his portrayal of Sheldon Cooper, Leonard’s roommate.

The quote is actually a running gag of the show. Soft Kitty was the song Sheldon’s mother sang to him when he was ill. Even though he is already an adult, he still feels the need for people to sing it to him. It appears that, now that he has taught the song to Penny, she has to bear the responsibility of singing it to him… most of the time.

Geek wisdom: Everyone has fond memories of their childhood. While we can outgrow some of the things we did as children, we still hold on to some of those practices and memories. Even though some of these things may be silly (much like Sheldon needing to hear Soft Kitty when he’s sick), if they do work in making you happy, you should keep doing them.

Adult life is so full of seriousness. There’s no harm in trying to relive your childhood joys when you feel the need to cheer yourself up. A good dose of nostalgia is always good if it keeps your spirits up.