The first one is on TV right now, and Return of the Jedi will be on later tonight. My partner watches them almost every time they are on, which seems like every week!
Star Wars
- Thread starter celtic
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wodasi
Jedi Master
8 Great Obi-Wan Kenobi Quotes
1. “Luke, you’re going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.” / “The truth is often what we make of it; you heard what you wanted to hear, believed what you wanted to believe.”
Philosophical and moral principles are not laws of nature. Like John Locke (the philosopher, not the LOST character) said, we're born tabula rasas -- blank slates that, in time, will form a perspective all our own. And that perspective will determine our truths and our beliefs, just like Obi-Wan said. After all, if Anakin could go down a path that led him to think Palpatine was the good guy, any perspective is possible. So be careful what you believe.
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2. “Be mindful of your thoughts, Anakin, they betray you.”
Focus. It's a core tenet of the Jedi training. But this statement is more than Obi-Wan waxing all yogi “be here now,” because there's something to be said, also, of stripping yourself of preconceived notions. Experience a situation for what it is, Obi-Wan would caution; not for what you expect it to be.
******************
3. “So uncivilized.”
Life throws us a lot of curveballs, and sometimes we find ourselves having to defeat a four-armed alien cyborg with nothing but our wits and a blaster. That doesn't mean we have to totally reduce ourselves to a level beneath us. Sure, Obi-Wan had to fire a rifle into Grievous's heart to finally take him down, but he took no pleasure in doing so. Like everything Obi-Wan did, he did it with class.
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4. “Only a Sith deals in absolutes.”
Yes, this statement draws a lot of heat because it is, in itself, an absolute. But let's think about the distinction between what Obi-Wan said and Anakin saying, “If you're not with me, then you're my enemy.” Now, that is an absolute; it's a statement that slices all the complexities out of relationships and principles, leaving nothing but a binary choice. All or nothing. And only someone who respects nuance and thoughtful consideration of, well, anything would never throw down such a dangerous gauntlet.
**************
5. “If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.”
Obi-Wan was no fool, and there's something to be said about believing in the power of ceding your own existence so the next generation can thrive. Obi-Wan knew his time had passed -- something Anakin never could grasp -- and that his true power was in helping Luke achieve his destiny. That time comes for us all, where we have to step aside and allow others to claim the world. As usual with Obi-Wan, he did it with unparalleled grace.
******************
6. “I have the high ground.”
Bombshell time. This quote? It's a metaphor. Yes, when Obi-Wan warned Anakin not to attack him because he had the strategic advantage, he was on higher ground. But Obi-Wan also owned the moral higher ground, having stuck to his code as a Jedi and a defender of peace and liberty throughout the galaxy, where Anakin lost all those things in his lust for power and need to quell his own fears. Point being: Strategic high grounds are good, but moral ones are just as important.
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7. “Use the Force, Luke.”
One of the most iconic quotes in all of Star Wars history. The world calls to all of us: Trust in yourself; believe in yourself.
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8. “If you define yourself by the power to take life, the desire to dominate, to possess...then you have nothing.”
In a sense, this encapsulates everything Obi-Wan stood for: He was selfless and kind, and though it looked like he had nothing -- from Maul's twisted perspective, Obi-Wan was just a rat in the desert -- Obi-Wan had more than any of his enemies could ever hope for: a noble purpose. He wasn't fueled by revenge like Maul or driven by rage like Vader. There were a number of opportunities were Obi-Wan could have succumbed to such temptations, but he, as he tells Maul, rose above that darkness. His dignity, his principles, his focus, all those qualities made Obi-Wan not only one of the greatest characters of the Star Wars story, but also one of the greatest heroes.
*******************
1. “Luke, you’re going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.” / “The truth is often what we make of it; you heard what you wanted to hear, believed what you wanted to believe.”
Philosophical and moral principles are not laws of nature. Like John Locke (the philosopher, not the LOST character) said, we're born tabula rasas -- blank slates that, in time, will form a perspective all our own. And that perspective will determine our truths and our beliefs, just like Obi-Wan said. After all, if Anakin could go down a path that led him to think Palpatine was the good guy, any perspective is possible. So be careful what you believe.
**************
2. “Be mindful of your thoughts, Anakin, they betray you.”
Focus. It's a core tenet of the Jedi training. But this statement is more than Obi-Wan waxing all yogi “be here now,” because there's something to be said, also, of stripping yourself of preconceived notions. Experience a situation for what it is, Obi-Wan would caution; not for what you expect it to be.
******************
3. “So uncivilized.”
Life throws us a lot of curveballs, and sometimes we find ourselves having to defeat a four-armed alien cyborg with nothing but our wits and a blaster. That doesn't mean we have to totally reduce ourselves to a level beneath us. Sure, Obi-Wan had to fire a rifle into Grievous's heart to finally take him down, but he took no pleasure in doing so. Like everything Obi-Wan did, he did it with class.
*************
4. “Only a Sith deals in absolutes.”
Yes, this statement draws a lot of heat because it is, in itself, an absolute. But let's think about the distinction between what Obi-Wan said and Anakin saying, “If you're not with me, then you're my enemy.” Now, that is an absolute; it's a statement that slices all the complexities out of relationships and principles, leaving nothing but a binary choice. All or nothing. And only someone who respects nuance and thoughtful consideration of, well, anything would never throw down such a dangerous gauntlet.
**************
5. “If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.”
Obi-Wan was no fool, and there's something to be said about believing in the power of ceding your own existence so the next generation can thrive. Obi-Wan knew his time had passed -- something Anakin never could grasp -- and that his true power was in helping Luke achieve his destiny. That time comes for us all, where we have to step aside and allow others to claim the world. As usual with Obi-Wan, he did it with unparalleled grace.
******************
6. “I have the high ground.”
Bombshell time. This quote? It's a metaphor. Yes, when Obi-Wan warned Anakin not to attack him because he had the strategic advantage, he was on higher ground. But Obi-Wan also owned the moral higher ground, having stuck to his code as a Jedi and a defender of peace and liberty throughout the galaxy, where Anakin lost all those things in his lust for power and need to quell his own fears. Point being: Strategic high grounds are good, but moral ones are just as important.
*****************
7. “Use the Force, Luke.”
One of the most iconic quotes in all of Star Wars history. The world calls to all of us: Trust in yourself; believe in yourself.
*******************
8. “If you define yourself by the power to take life, the desire to dominate, to possess...then you have nothing.”
In a sense, this encapsulates everything Obi-Wan stood for: He was selfless and kind, and though it looked like he had nothing -- from Maul's twisted perspective, Obi-Wan was just a rat in the desert -- Obi-Wan had more than any of his enemies could ever hope for: a noble purpose. He wasn't fueled by revenge like Maul or driven by rage like Vader. There were a number of opportunities were Obi-Wan could have succumbed to such temptations, but he, as he tells Maul, rose above that darkness. His dignity, his principles, his focus, all those qualities made Obi-Wan not only one of the greatest characters of the Star Wars story, but also one of the greatest heroes.
*******************
Wandering Star
The Living Force
This has been great wodasi.
I posted this elsewhere, but I also think it fits in this tread, because it's George Lucas talking about Anakin.
I think the fact that these elements were present in the original stories, even if poorly delivered, is the reason why these stories are so special to people, the principles being delivered were far greater than the story itself.
I think the fact that these elements were present in the original stories, even if poorly delivered, is the reason why these stories are so special to people, the principles being delivered were far greater than the story itself.
The recent session or the one previous to that had mentioned sci-fi depictions like the Emperor being inspired. I decided then to pick up a book called Darth Plageuis, which I'm now over halfway through. I have no objections to it, and there is some ruminative Sith philosophy that is to my taste. Not to say that I agree with it, but the philosophy makes the book more fun than I expected it to be. I haven't kept up with any of the movies, shows, or books after Revenge of the Sith's release two decades ago.
In this novel, Plagueis is basically seeking to realize his version of the monogamy theorem, by ruling the galaxy as an equal partner with one other Sith. He's also trying to extend his life and manipulate the Force. Fear and political savvy are his weapons, and killing without cause is considered pointless. Background is given to Palpatine, the Trade Federation, and the clone army. Hopefully that spoils as little as possible.
After that I might give the novelization of Revenge of the Sith a go, which I heard was particularly good.
In this novel, Plagueis is basically seeking to realize his version of the monogamy theorem, by ruling the galaxy as an equal partner with one other Sith. He's also trying to extend his life and manipulate the Force. Fear and political savvy are his weapons, and killing without cause is considered pointless. Background is given to Palpatine, the Trade Federation, and the clone army. Hopefully that spoils as little as possible.
After that I might give the novelization of Revenge of the Sith a go, which I heard was particularly good.
Nice, thanks for letting me know about that book.
If you do get curious, I would recommend the Clone Wars animated series, it was rather enjoyable.
Ah, I've heard it was a good show. I had given up television, to see if that does anything for me.
If there's a novel with a character having a path similar to Anakin's, or anything that seems relevant, I'd be sure to get to it. As it is, The Forest Passage seemed to be a good philosophical reminder to keep to our inner light, and these Star Wars books are kind of a warning or just a thrilling portrayal of the other side.
So far I might continue to feed this sci-fi fix with Hyperion or Revelation Space, unless there are other Star Wars books worth looking into, I guess.
Well, I can't remember the last Star Wars series I watched, probably never have seen one, so I don't really consider myself an SW fan. But The Acolyte is sure providing great critic content on YouTube.
The reviews out there are fascinating as Disney is really pushing the woke agenda this time, as blatantly as possible. The show is at a whooping 14% on Rotten Tomatoes and has galvanized critics and fans alike. You have to give Disney credit for this, I really thought it was impossible for people to agree around culture wars topics, but here we are!
Again why, oh why are they doing this? SW was the goose that laid the golden eggs and now are accelerating its demise. Well, think that is because The Message > The Profits. Disney and others have what I think is a mandate to push the woke agenda to the extreme no matter the cost, even if that means destroying big brands and companies.
The reviews out there are fascinating as Disney is really pushing the woke agenda this time, as blatantly as possible. The show is at a whooping 14% on Rotten Tomatoes and has galvanized critics and fans alike. You have to give Disney credit for this, I really thought it was impossible for people to agree around culture wars topics, but here we are!
Again why, oh why are they doing this? SW was the goose that laid the golden eggs and now are accelerating its demise. Well, think that is because The Message > The Profits. Disney and others have what I think is a mandate to push the woke agenda to the extreme no matter the cost, even if that means destroying big brands and companies.
A lot of people are following this saga with Disney. And it is not just star wars, but also the Marvel universe, Pixar, Indiana Jones and other franchises that they have acquired. Same story for all, and it's not just woke, but also terrible story telling.
I think that with all the DEI, or ESG hiring they have done, they have pretty much pushed out all the talented writers, producers, directors etc. So, even if they wanted to, it's going to be pretty hard to go back. They are pretty much stuck, even if they wanted to change course.
Even though it doesn't make any sense, it does seem that at some level, they want to destroy Disney, or at least the old Disney. The train is headed for a cliff, it just hasn't reached it yet...
Btw, I also heard the theme parks in the US aren't doing well either, and that is the cash cow historically.
axj
The Living Force
I was actually surprised that the Mandalorian series was pretty close to the original spirit of Star Wars. Most of the other Star Wars series and new movies are indeed uninspired or downright disgusting with their agenda.
As to Disney itself, the ones backing the woke agenda know that Disney can always be bailed out by the Fed money printer guys in one way or another. It's all a part of the globalist operation. And the destruction of American cultural icons (many now owned by Disney) may be a goal in itself.
Just a note to say the "Darth Vader" aka James Earl Jones passed away on 9th Sept. He was 93 and cause of death is listed as unknown.
www.nytimes.com
James Earl Jones, Whose Powerful Acting Resonated Onstage and Onscreen, Dies at 93
He gave life to characters like Darth Vader in “Star Wars” and Mufasa in “The Lion King,” and went on to collect Tonys, Golden Globes, Emmys and an honorary Oscar.
BHelmet
The Living Force
https://babylonbee.com/news/god-announces-he-will-now-be-voiced-by-james-earl-jones
babylonbee.com
God Announces He Will Now Be Voiced By James Earl Jones
HEAVEN — Though many have claimed to have heard the voice of God throughout human history, the Lord will now have a voice that is highly identifiable by all people, as a representative from Heaven confirmed that the deceased James Earl Jones has been contracted to play God's Voice for all eternity.
babylonbee.com
