EireneDay — Whiskers on Kittens

What do Margaret Thatcher and Star Wars have in common? Well, believe it or not, in 1979 (two years after the first Star Wars hit theaters, now known as A New Hope), on May 4th, Margaret Thatcher took office as the new British Prime Minister. In celebration of her election, Britain’s Conservative Party took out a full newspaper add with the message:

“May the Fourth be with you, Maggie. Congratulations.”

That’s the first time the phrase May the Fourth was used. Although it wasn’t until Disney acquired Lucasfilm and started branding to beat the band, however, that the first official May the Fourth event took place. Since then, the internet has been alive with hashtags and all sorts of other tributes to one of the greatest film series ever.

I always remember May the Fourth as Star Wars Day because one of my dearest friend’s fiancee- who happens to be a die-hard Star Wars fan and who is still trying to figure out how to construct his own lightsaber- was born on May the 4th. Really, God does have a wonderful sense of humor.

I, too, am a Star Wars fan. Although I am not that familiar with the newer films that have come out over the last several years- I still haven’t seen the last offering- I am very familiar with the original three films- A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi.

These films are absolutely chock full of truths. Sometimes they are pithy. Sometimes they are profound. Sometimes they’re poignant. And, if Han is delivering one of them, they are definitely hilarious.

Not only are the lines memorable- honestly, Darth Vadar’s "No. I am your father." is one of the most iconic lines in cinema history- but the characters have become a part of our history as well. Yoda may have been a figment of George Lucas’ very fertile imagination once, but now he IS the Jedi Master who has trained many of us to be better human beings with the truths he spouts in only the way he can.

Today I’m sharing with you a few of my favorite lines from the Star Wars series.

Let’s start with Yoda. This one is rather famous. In fact, I see it quoted quite a lot.

“Do. Or do not. There is no try.”

The greatness of this line is pretty self-explanatory. I have reminded myself of this truth on many, many, MANY occasions. It’s something we all need to hear. In fact, I’ve always thought that Nike should change their Just Do It to this Yoda quote- at least on May the 4th. It reminds me of Tuesday’s blog post, too (see post here). It also reminds me of my post No Back-Up Plans Allowed (see post here). This theme of mind over matter comes up a lot in my thought process and in my writing as well. Our mind, powerful it is (Yoda didn’t say that, but if he did say it, he would say it just like that.) Once you make up your mind not to accept defeat, to strive in the face of defeat, to get back up again when you get knocked down, you’re unstoppable. But it begins here: Decide to do or decide to do not. Don’t mess around with mister in between.

“Your eyes can deceive you. Don’t trust them. ”

— Obi Wan Kenobi

What does Clouseau call this? Ah, yes, Instinct. We’ve heard this truth trotted out in many different ways. Don’t judge a book by its cover. All that glisters is not gold. Point being, most of what is worth seeing in life cannot be seen with the eyes. (All right. All right. I’ll quote Keller: The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched- they must be felt with the heart.) While that’s not exactly what Obi Wan is saying, it applies nonetheless.

“Never give me the odds.”

Who doesn’t love Han? It’s impossible not to adore his maverick nature. However, we can all benefit from his devil-may-care attitude from time to time. Particularly where this quote is concerned. How many times do we talk ourselves out of embracing something a little crazy, a little dangerous, or a little frightening because we give ourselves the odds of success? Let’s take Han’s advice. Ignore the odds.

“I find your lack of faith disturbing.”

When Darth Vader said this, and then subsequently choked the dude out, I found myself wondering why anyone- ANYONE- would ever question Darth Vader or the power of the Force. I mean, it’s Darth Vader. And it’s the Force.

“When gone I am, the last of the Jedi will you be. The Force runs strong in your family. Pass on what you have learned.”

The import of Yoda’s dying words are heavy in the film. When Oscar Wilde said something similar, it was decidedly less serious. However, the truth of the matter is, when you have learned something worthwhile, pay it forward.

“Why, you stuck up, half witted, scruffy looking, nerf herder.”

I still think this is the best insult ever, particularly how Princess Leia delivered it. Exemplary.

“Stay on Target.”

— Gold Five

Another self-explanatory one, but still a goody. It reminds me of Tuesday’s post again. And the Never, Never, Never Settle post, too (see post here).

This one’s for you, Katie.

“I’m out of it for a little while and everyone gets delusions of grandeur.”

Poor Han. At this point, he’s been betrayed, kidnapped, frozen in carbonite. He’s really been through the ringer. So, when he’s unfrozen and subsequently throwing into Jabba the Hutt’s dungeon, with no one but Chewie to explain everything that’s happening, it’s no wonder he’s thrown for a loop. I have to admit, this phrase has crossed through my mind from time to time. I’m sure you can relate, too.

And, this next one is a necessity. It is profound. It is definitely something every one of us has probably said once in our lives. And, it’s Chewbacca.

“Uuuuuuuuur Ahhhhrrrrrr Uhrrrr Ahhhhrrrrrr Aaaarg.”

Come on. Be honest. You’ve said this. I know I’ve said it. AND when I’ve said this, it’s really the most pertinent and fitting thing that can be said in the situation. If that’s not wisdom, then I don’t know what is.

And if you happen to be by someone who must resort to Chewie’s wisdom, then there’s only one response.

“Laugh it up, Fuzzball.”

— Han Solo

Honestly, I could have gone on and on with this post. However, as there are so many Star Wars quotes- especially from the newer movies which I’m not that familiar with- I’d love it if you'd shared your favorite Star Wars quotes.

Have a wonderful day. Oh, and May the Fourth Be With You!

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