The one thing I love about Star Wars is that it’s a universe that you can always come back to. Even if you disagree with some (or all) of the new movies, it still is a story full of fun and also wisdom. I tried to capture that wisdom in the following quotes – and also explain, why they do not only apply in a galaxy far far away…
I don’t believe it! – That is why you fail
Interestingly enough, most people always quote the first part of this: Yoda telling Luke to “Do or do not. There is no try” as he says he will try to get his X-Wing out of the swamp of Dagobah. But I think that the second part of that story is far more powerful: After Luke tries and fails to get the X-Wing out of the swamp, Yoda lifts it, using the force. Afterwards Luke says: “I don’t believe it.” To which Yoda answers: “That is why you fail”. How many times do we attempt something, already thinking about failure which then becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy? Because Yoda is right – either do it or don’t. But if you do, give it your all and don’t let the fear of failure distract you. Believe that you can do it.
If so powerful you are – why leave?
That one is actually from one of my least favorite Star Wars movies: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. Even the scene itself is very weak: After order 66 is issued and most of the Jedi are slaughtered, Master Yoda still makes it back to the Chancellery Secretariat and tries to confront chancellor Palpatine aka Darth Sidious aka the Emperor. The fight between the two of them is pretty weak, but what I really like is how Palpatine tries to flee once he realizes that he won’t be able to simply overpower Yoda. Yoda then steps into his path and says: “If so powerful you are – why leave?” It showcases how crippling fear can be, and how powerful believe. Because even though Yoda ultimately loses the duel, he doesn’t falter or despair. He simply moves on.
Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.
Yes, Yoda once again. Mainly because this quote from Episode I – The Phantom Menace, emphasizes the point I tried to make with the previous quote.
I love you. – I know
This quote, a conversation between Leia and Han, is one of the most famous quotes from Star Wars. Right before Han Solo gets carbon-frozen, Leia finally tells him: “I love you”. To which Han simply replies: “I know.” It is an interesting turn of events, since up until that moment, Leia tried her best to convince herself and Han, that she does in fact not have any deeper feelings for him. Even though she kissed him and is very clearly attracted to him. But when he faces death she doesn’t waste the moment pretending. I think that it is also a very powerful message: If you love someone, tell them. You might not get the chance again
And last but not least: Chewbacca
