Some of Yoda’s Inspirational Sayings
Yoda’s inspirational sayings form a part of our collective, cultural, philosophical, and even emotional ideology. In fact, although this Grandmaster of the Jedi Order measures just over two feet tall, he’s had a place in the hearts of millions for decades. Originally conceived as Luke Skywalker’s mentor, Yoda has become a legend in his own right. Furthermore, he’s one of the most iconic characters in Star Wars.
Yoda is over 900 years old. In the spin-off series The Mandalorian, we learn of his origins. Creator, George Lucas, said he wanted to create the typical type of character you find in classical mythology or fairy tales who you immediately trust. Indeed, Yoda is the figure who guides the heroes. Furthermore, he inspires wisdom and balance from one generation to another.
Yoda’s sentences are unusual because he tends to place the verb at the end. His strange utterings have become legacies that make us smile as well as evoking unforgettable moments from the Star Wars films.
Yoda’s inspirational sayings
Yoda starts his career as the Padawan of the Jedi master, N’Kata Del Gormo. From then on, he becomes a teacher and guide himself to around 2,000 apprentices. In fact, his skills as counselor, coach, and teacher reach such great levels of wisdom, they name him Grandmaster of the Jedi order.
Yoda handles the lightsaber like no other. Furthermore, he uses techniques like telekinesis and is one of the creatures most sensitive to the power of the Force. Although no one really knows where his race originates, we know that he has a secondary brain. This allows him to have visions. His small size is irrelevant because the power of the Force makes him both unique and powerful. Bearing this in mind, you’d do well to reflect on some of Yoda’s inspirational sayings. In fact, they represent true legacies of wisdom.
Jedi philosophy
“Luminous beings are we”.
The Force is a metaphysical entity that’s present throughout the Universe. It’s an energy field that unites all living things. In fact, the Force empowers the Jedi. They’re enlightened beings, charged with the responsibility to do good deeds and maintain balance. Also, to protect the galaxy from the dark side.
A never-ending war
“Better things than fighting should a Jedi master be doing! Seeking wisdom. Finding balance”.
The great hyperspatial war, the Jedi breakaway, the galactic civil war, the Sith war, the Mandalorian wars … conflicts are a constant in Yoda’s life. Furthermore, although it shouldn’t really be his job, the responsibility of the fight for peace falls on him and the rest of the Jedi.
The right teaching
“You must unlearn what you have learned”.
Being in contact with the Force means the Jedi must set aside many things they’ve learned throughout their life. Only in this way can they learn what’s correct and important. In addition, every Jedi has to learn that emotions like rage, anger, and fear cause turbulence in the Force field.
The temptation of evil
“When you look at the dark side, careful you must be. For the dark side looks back”.
This is one of Yoda’s classic sayings. In a way, it reminds us of Nietzche’s quote “… when you gaze long into the abyss. The abyss gazes also into you.” In fact, it’s a way of remembering that sometimes there’s a really fine line between good and evil.
The determination of the Jedi
“No! Try not! Do or do not. There is no try”.
This saying provides a great lesson in personal growth and courage. It means if you want something, or if you want to do something, don’t be half-hearted about it. Don’t try once and then back down. If you start something, finish it.
The voice of experience
“You want to know the difference between a master and a beginner? The master has failed more times than the beginner has”.
Yoda is demanding and can be severe at times. After all, he has a century of experience behind him. For this reason, no apprentice will ever catch up with him.
A calm mind
“You will distinguish good from evil when you are calm, at peace. Passive. A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack”.
The goal of every Jedi is to train their mind to be free from fear, envy, and frustration. As a matter of fact, it’s only when body, mind, and heart are in harmony that the power of the Force is at its most intense.
Detachment, the way of the Force
“Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose”.
This is one of the most interesting of Yoda’s sayings. It speaks, in a way, of detachment, of the ability to allow yourself to go with the flow of your own reality, rather than fighting against it. This means putting aside the anxiety, stress, fear, and sadness of yesterday so you can live in harmony. It also implies you should stop wanting more and embrace the freedom of the present moment instead.
The true victory of the Jedi
“To defeat an enemy, you do not have to kill. Defeat the rage that burns in him, and he is your enemy no longer. Rage the true enemy is”.
This is one of Yoda’s most inspirational sayings. It means that beating someone doesn’t have to mean a physical attack or putting an end to life. In fact, real victory comes when you’re able to appease your enemy.
What’s to come
“Difficult to see. Always in motion is the future.”.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring? Indeed, there’s nothing as uncertain as the future. Therefore, it’s best to remember that tomorrow may be full of probabilities you won’t necessarily be able to control. Even if you’re a Grandmaster of the Force ….
Death is a part of life
“Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not. Miss them do not. Attachment leads to jealousy. The shadow of greed, that is”.
There are few things as difficult to come to terms with than death. Naturally, death is always a tragedy. However, every Jedi knight knows that whoever leaves ends up being a part of the Force…. And the Force is everything.
The dark side is powerful
“Is the dark side stronger?”
“No, no, no. Quicker, easier, more seductive”.
The Sith make up the dark side of the Force. However, as Yoda points out, you need to be careful, as that path is the most tempting to go down….
Trust yourself
“I don’t I don’t believe it”.
“That is why you fail”.
Belief is power. Nevertheless, sometimes you don’t always trust your own potential and capabilities. Maybe that’s why you occasionally fail.
The power of the mind
“Weapons don’t win battles. Your mind, powerful it is”
Beyond the lightsaber, beyond weapons and spaceships, you have at your disposal an entity capable of defeating any enemy: your mind.
What makes you great
“Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not. Because my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, it makes it grow. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter”.
As we mentioned earlier, Yoda is only just over two feet high. However, thanks to the Force, his powers and abilities transcend way beyond his diminutive size.
Identify your fears
“Named must be your fear before banish it you can”.
This is another of Yoda’s great sayings to keep in mind. You overcome your fears when you recognize them, name them, and acknowledge them.
The source of anger
“A challenge lifelong it is, not to bend fear into anger”.
Many of your fears, if not controlled, can turn into the spark that lights the fire of anger and hatred. Therefore, you should bear in mind the advice of the Grandmaster in this respect.
The importance of calm and patience
“When your path is unsure, better to wait it is”.
Calm and patience are your best advisors as you journey through life. In fact, these qualities will help you deal with all the twists and turns that destiny sometimes brings your way.
As you can see, Yoda’s inspirational sayings are legendary. For this reason, they’re well worth reflecting on.
