May the 4th be with you: 15 Star Wars quotes to help you live your best life

Yoda may be famed for his wise words, but there's also plenty of good life advice to be gleaned from other characters in that galaxy far, far away this Star Wars Day

15 December 2017 - 00:00 By Pearl Boshomane
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Members of the 501st Legion, a costume group, take part in a Star Wars Parade in Milan.
Members of the 501st Legion, a costume group, take part in a Star Wars Parade in Milan.
Image: 123RF/tixti

1. “There’s always a bigger fish.” — Qui-Gon Jinn

No point in competing; there are always people who will be better than you in some way. You won’t always be the big fish in life – and that’s perfectly fine.

2. “You can’t stop the change any more than you can stop the suns from setting.” — Shmi Skywalker

They say in life, death and taxes are certain. So is change. It will happen, with or without your permission. Embrace it.

3. “If you define yourself by your power to take life, your desire to dominate, to possess, then you have nothing.” — Obi-Wan Kenobi

That’s pretty clear, isn’t it?

4. “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” — Yoda

This is one of the most famous Star Wars quotes for a reason. It’s either you do things properly, or you don’t do them at all.

5. “Every time I walked away from something I wanted to forget, I told myself it was for a cause that I believed in. A cause that was worth it. Without that, we’re lost.” — Cassian Andor

It’s not enough to know the endgame – you need to know why you’re doing it, too. What it’s all for.

6. “Your focus determines your reality.” – Qui-Gon Jinn

This might sound like an out-of-touch motivational Twitter statement, but mindset can change a lot of things. Not everything, but a lot.

7. “Be careful not to choke on your aspirations.” – Darth Vader

Ambition is great but don’t let it consume you, or you’ll end up like Macbeth.

8. “In my experience there is no such thing as luck.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi

We’ll add a little philosophy to this: Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.

9. “Fear is the path to the dark side.” — Yoda

Not all fear is bad (it can often be your survival instincts kicking in), but sometimes it holds you back. Do what scares you or what makes you anxious. Conquering a fear is empowering.

10. “Be mindful of your thoughts ... They’ll betray you.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi

Don’t believe everything you think.

11. “We’ll take the next chance. And the next. On and on until we win … or the chances are spent.” – Jyn Erso

If at first you don’t succeed …

12. “Stay on target.” – Gold Five

Don’t lose sight of the goal.

13. “Laugh it up, Fuzzball.” – Han Solo

Even though Han was saying this sarcastically to Chewbacca, it’s important to keep your sense of humour. Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying.

14. “An object cannot make you good or evil. The temptation of power, forbidden knowledge, even the desire to do good can lead some down that path. But only you can change yourself.” — Bendu

Nothing and no one should determine your character but you.

15. “The Force will be with you. Always.” — Obi-Wan Kenobi

And don’t discount a little magic to nudge you along *wink*.


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