A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, George Lucas created a franchise that would change the sci-fi genre forever. Since the release of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope in May 1977, the classic good-versus-evil story set amid a dazzling intergalactic backdrop has enticed generations of fans of all ages and all over the world.
The settings are gorgeous, the characters are endearing, and the action sequences are breathtaking, but behind all of that, there’s a lot of wisdom to be gleaned from the Star Wars universe — and not just from the obvious sages such as Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Countless characters throughout the cosmic tale have invaluable lessons to impart.
And now that Star Wars has expanded to include several TV shows, too, there’s endless inspiration to be found in George Lucas’ creation. Here are 17 quotes that go beyond the lightsaber duels and blaster shootouts to offer indispensable insights on life in our galaxy.
I burn my life to make a sunrise that I know I’ll never see.Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) in “Andor”
We have hope. Rebellions are built on hope!Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”
Pass on what you have learned. Strength. Mastery. But weakness, folly, failure also. Yes, failure most of all. The greatest teacher, failure is. Luke, we are what they grow beyond. That is the true burden of all masters.Yoda (Frank Oz) in “Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi”
Anger and frustration are quick to give power, but they also unbalance you.Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) in “Ahsoka”
Remember: Your focus determines your reality.Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) in “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace”
Compassion, which I would define as unconditional love, is essential to a Jedi's life. So you might say that we are encouraged to love.Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) in “Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones”
There are many ways to lead. You just have to find yours.Senator Bail Organa (Jimmy Smits) in “Obi-Wan Kenobi”
You can’t stop change any more than you can stop the suns from setting.Shmi Skywalker (Pernilla August) in “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace”
We’ve passed on all we know. A thousand generations live in you now. But this is your fight.Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in “Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker”
The pace of repression outstrips our ability to understand it.Karis Nemik (Alex Lawther) in “Andor”
If you live long enough, you see the same eyes in different people.Maz Kanata (Lupita Nyong’o) in “Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens”
Who’s the more foolish; the fool, or the fool who follows him?Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) in “Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope”
Sometimes even the right reasons have the wrong consequences.Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) in “Ahsoka”
The ability to speak does not make you intelligent.Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) in “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace”
So this is how liberty dies, with thunderous applause.Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman) in “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith”
I’m not leaving my fate up to chance.The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) in “The Mandalorian”
Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter.Yoda (Frank Oz) in “Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back”
Featured image credit: Sunset Boulevard/ Corbis Historical via Getty Images
