In this installment of the StarWars.com 10, we’re picking the top 10 Yoda quotes, from the Council on Coruscant to his days on Dagobah.n n...
In this installment of the StarWars.com 10, we’re picking the top 10 Yoda quotes, from the Council on Coruscant to his days on Dagobah.n nFor this list, we’re focusing on quotes from the Star Wars films only, ranking them on memorability, significance, and impact.nn10. “When 900 years old you reach, look as good you will not.”nHe’s powerful. He’s wise. And he still has a sense of humor -- even when facing his own mortality. Kicking off our list is this playful joke -- Yoda’s own wry acknowledgment that time has caught up with him. It’s tinged with sadness, but also show’s his greatness as a teacher: Yoda doesn’t want his student to feel burdened with the fact that he’s dying.n n9. “Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is.”nYoda’s wisdom comes from hundreds of years of study, journeys to mystical worlds, and far-ranging experiences. But he doesn’t think he knows everything. Here, the Jedi Master recognizes the value of innocence and learns a lesson from a Jedi-to-be -- along with an insightful answer to a troubling question.n n8. “That is why you fail.”nHarsh, Yoda, but true. This is the Jedi Master being brutally honest with Luke, who continues to struggle with control, patience, and faith. Raising an X-wing from Dagobah’s swamp, Yoda shows his apprentice that incredible feats are possible if Luke would only believe in the Force and, more importantly, himself.n n7. “A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense. Never attack.”nOne of Yoda’s key teachings to Luke and one that would change the galaxy forever. It’s almost difficult to understand on its own -- after all, Jedi wield pretty cool weapons and were generals in the Clone Wars. But when Luke later has the chance to destroy Darth Vader, and instead shows compassion, it all becomes clear.n n6. “Judge me by my size, do you?”nNot us! When Luke fails to levitate his ship from Dagobah’s swamp, he complains that it’s too big, which frustrates Yoda -- size does not matter. When Yoda says this, it’s not funny. Instead, it rings true. In the Force -- and in life -- all things are equal, no matter how big or how small.nn5. “Adventure. Excitement. A Jedi craves not these things."nWhile Jedi get to do awesome stuff like battle Sith, fight bounty hunters, and visit strange worlds, that’s not what it’s all about. In this exchange, Yoda is making sure that Luke wants to become a Jedi for the right reasons. It’s especially important considering the fate that befell Luke’s father and, as he would soon find out, the high stakes involved in the life of a Jedi.nn4. “Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate…leads to suffering."nA basic truth that would become sadly prophetic. Despite Anakin Skywalker’s amazing gifts, the Jedi Council is wary of accepting him into the Order. The main reason: his fear of loss. Yoda explains the hazards of fear to Anakin plainly and honestly, but it’s a lesson that the Chosen One never truly learns.nn3. "Wars not make one great."nThis seemingly off-the-cuff remark is a strong reinforcement of one of Yoda’s core teachings: violence, conflict, and aggression do not a Jedi make. He comes to this understanding through experience, watching as a war ravages the galaxy. And while few can match him battle, his humbleness only adds to his standing as a great Jedi Master.n n2. “Luminous beings are we. Not this crude matter."nPoetic. Mystical. Beautiful. In one of Yoda’s most critical lessons, he teaches Luke not to focus on physical realities. The true strength of a Jedi comes from selflessness, believing in the connection between everything, and letting go. It’s the opposite of the Sith way, and an essential Jedi tenet.nn1. “Do. Or do not. There is no try."nA simple statement, yet endlessly profound. When Luke offers a half-hearted “I’ll try” before attempting to raise his starfighter, Yoda admonishes him. The message is not that failure is unacceptable; rather, it’s a reminder to focus on the present and commit oneself, win or lose. As a life lesson, it’s powerful, it’s wise, and it’s quintessential Yoda. That’s why rank it #1, we do.nnSo what do you think? Did we overlook something? Did we nail it? Are we out of our minds? Comment and let us know!nnVisit Star Wars at http://www.starwars.comnSubscribe to Star Wars on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/starwarsnLike Star Wars on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/starwarsnFollow Star Wars on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/starwarsnFollow Star Wars on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/starwarsnFollow Star Wars on Tumblr at http://starwars.tumblr.com/ Less
