Inspiring Star Wars Quotes for the New Year
You don’t have to travel far, far away to find a galaxy of motivation and inspiration. In Star Wars™, many beings suffer and are drawn to the darkness. But within that strife is always the pull toward the light side. There are always beacons of hope.
The Star Wars movies are full of scenes, heroes, and stories that uplift. And we could all use a bit of that positivity as we move further into the new year. Below, let’s break down 10 of the best Star Wars quotes to bring balance to 2022.
“You can’t stop the change any more than you can stop the suns from setting.”
—Shmi Skywalker™, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace™
One of the most heartbreaking Star Wars scenes is in The Phantom Menace when Anakin Skywalker™ must leave his mother to her fate on Tatooine™. She is still enslaved, but her son has been freed. He is joining the ranks of the Jedi™, to be mentored by Qui-Gon Jinn™. But he is afraid of this future and the massive shift in his life. With all the motherly wisdom and love she can muster, Shmi tells Anakin to embrace this change.
Everyone is scared of change. Whether it’s a small difference or a major alteration to our usual path, we still have to walk forward. Remember Shmi Skywalker when you take those steps.
“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, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones™
We all know the code: Jedi are forbidden from forming attachments. Yet they are meant to care about and for the beings around them. Anakin Skywalker, a character known for bending and outright breaking the rules, has a refreshing perspective about Jedi and their feelings. We can also look at this quote as a reminder to be compassionate towards others, encouraging ourselves to love and be loved in return this year.
“Another happy landing.”
—Obi-Wan Kenobi™, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith™
The Star Wars equivalent of the “This is fine” meme, this Revenge of the Sith quote occurs after Anakin and Obi-Wan Kenobi crash a massive spaceship. They have just plummeted out of the stars with only half the ship intact, accompanied by raging flames and screaming droids. But when they arrive safe and sound on the ground, Obi-Wan simply sweeps his hair back and smiles. It’s a great lesson from a master to not let the stress get to you. Plus, Obi-Wan’s quote encourages us to celebrate our victories, looking back at all the times we overcame adversity.
“Rebellions are built on hope.”
—Cassian Andor™, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story™
Not only does this line relate to all of Star Wars, but it’s a repeated motif throughout Rogue One itself. When Jyn Erso™ is pessimistic about her own future as well as the Rebels’, Cassian tells her that people still have hope. Later, as the leaders of the Rebellion question a risky maneuver to extract plans from an Imperial base on Scarif’s™ shore, Jyn quotes Cassian to convince them to give the go-ahead. It’s a beautiful sentiment for all people, not just Star Wars characters, to carry with them.
“I find your lack of faith disturbing.”
—Darth Vader™, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope™
Although this Darth Vader quote is a thinly veiled threat, we can still find merit in the Star Wars villain’s words. Here Darth Vader is discussing his belief in the Force, and his disappointment that an Imperial officer thinks Vader doesn’t hold any real power. To apply it to our more mundane, not necessarily sci-fi lives, we can view this quote as something to say to our enemies. Does someone not believe you’re strong or capable enough? Boom. Bring Vader’s energy into 2022 — maybe with more mercy, though.
“Do or do not. There is no try.”
—Yoda™, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back™
Perhaps one of the most famous Star Wars quotes, Yoda’s line here is the ultimate motivator. In context, he’s encouraging Luke to use the Force to lift an extremely heavy and sizable X-Wing™. Even without the swampy backdrop of Dagobah™, we can learn a valuable lesson from Master Yoda’s words. He is teaching his student to commit to his actions. Luke should believe in himself and his abilities, and also stop vacillating in his belief that he can accomplish this task. By doing so Luke is inviting weakness and doubt. So don’t just try to change things for the better in 2022. Just do.
“Never. I’ll never turn to the dark side. You’ve failed, your highness. I am a Jedi, like my father before me.”
—Luke Skywalker, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi™
Emperor Palpatine™ spends the entirety of the original trilogy attempting to lure Luke to the dark side of the Sith™. He endangers Luke’s family and friends, putting Luke and the others through extreme physical and emotional duress. The Sith Lord manipulates Vader, commands most of the destruction caused by the Death Star™, and consistently tries to break our hero.
Yet Luke remains strong. He raises his head high and tells the greatest evil in the galaxy that he’s lost. It’s an extremely inspiring moment, one that tells us we too can resist the call to power, selfishness, or overwhelming anger. We can hold onto the goodness even against the greatest odds just like Luke Skywalker. Additionally, we can find that goodness in others and the grace to forgive them, as Luke does here for his father.
“May the Force be with you.”
—Leia Organa™, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens™
“May the Force be with you” is repeated throughout the Star Wars films. It’s a farewell and a blessing. In this instance, Leia is bidding Rey™ a successful journey as she seeks Luke Skywalker. Leia’s words carry optimism and the faith of all the Jedi that came before her. Anytime a friend, family member, or even a stranger needs the love, light, and hope which this princess possesses, tell them the Force will be with them. Always.
“We are the spark that will light the fire that will burn the First Order down.”
—Poe Dameron™, Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi™
In this scene, the villain Kylo Ren™ has just opened fire on the supposed last Jedi, a Force projection of Luke Skywalker. Idealistic yet impulsive, Finn™ wants to jump in to save him. Poe Dameron, however, reminds him to be patient. The wisdom of this quote shows us the virtue of waiting. While the Resistance’s current counterattack may be small or nonexistent, they are preparing for a larger assault and Luke is giving them the time to do so. In our own lives, we can consider this line when we’re struggling with a problem or feel our efforts aren’t big enough. Given enough time, they always will be.
“And I … am all the Jedi.”
—Rey™, Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker™
We are the product of the people that came before us. Their power, wisdom, guidance, and commitment all live within us and the choices we make. Rey is no exception, and she’s also connected to the past through the Force, granting her access to all the Jedi who have chosen the light. In the moment that gives everyone chills, Rey defeats the ultimate evil with the support of the greatest warriors, including Kanan Jarrus™, Ahsoka Tano™, Mace Windu™, and many others. Whenever you face an overwhelming challenge, bring these characters, or the role models in your life, to offer their strength.
What are your favorite inspirational Star Wars quotes? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!