Tag: the princess bride

“We are men of action. Lies do not become us.”

From: The Princess Bride

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Westley/Dread Pirate Roberts

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the incredibly popular film adaption of the book, The Princess Bride. While the film was a modest success when it came out in 1987, it only really gained success when it came out in home video. Even so, it’s not hard to see why the film was so popular as it was a children’s adventure film with enough wit and whimsy for an adult to enjoy.

The quote comes from the middle of the film. Westley/Dread Pirate Roberts (played by Cary Elwes) and Buttercup (played by Robin Wright) have just escaped the Fire Swamp only to run into Humperdinck and his soldiers. Westley wants to fight but, knowing he will probably die, Buttercup surrenders in the condition Humperdinck doesn’t hurt her rescuer. Humperdinck agrees but he still orders Count Rugen, his lackey, to throw Westley into the Pit of Despair instead. Count Rugen tells Westley he’ll take him to his ship. But Westley knows it’s a lie.

Geek wisdom: Real men always try to tell the truth, even though it may get them in trouble. Because the only way to develop trust is to be truthful.

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“As you wish.”

From: The Princess Bride

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Carl Denham

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote is, once again, from Vida! Two in a row! Many thanks, Vida! Keep them coming!

The quote comes from the incredibly popular film adaption of the book, The Princess Bride. While the film was a modest success when it came out in 1987, it only really gained success when it came out in home video. Even so, it’s not hard to see why the film was so popular as it was a children’s adventure film with enough wit and whimsy for an adult to enjoy.

The quote is actually kind of a catchphrase for Westley, played by Cary Elwes. In the film, Westley starts out as a simple farm boy in love with Buttercup, played by Robin Wright. Whatever Buttercup orders Westley to do, he does it and only says the quote. This does become important in the middle of the story after Westley’s ship is attacked by the Dread Pirate Roberts and is lost at sea, leaving Buttercup to think Westley has perished. However, she realizes her mistake when she herself comes face to face with the Dread Pirate Roberts.

Fun fact: In the book, Buttercut actually doesn’t figure out what Westley means by “as you wish” as she’s a little bit dim in the original work.

Geek wisdom: Now, let me quote Vida regarding the specific geek wisdom from this beautiful quote…

“Westley is expressing his unconditional love for Buttercup, showing that whatever hardships or obstacles, True Love always endures and triumphs. The geek wisdom here is having faith in the power of love, and that love is eternal whether the person is here or across the seas on a pirate ship or in the afterlife. “As you wish” is the absence of ego and the need to be first in a relationship, and says the other personʻs happiness is as important as your own. “