Tag: wisdom

G’Kar:

It was the end of the Earth year 2260, and the war had paused—suddenly and unexpectedly. All around us, it was as if the universe were holding its breath, waiting.

All of life can be broken down into moments of transition or moments of revelation. This had the feeling of both. G’Quon wrote:

There is a greater darkness than the one we fight. It is the darkness of the soul that has lost its way. The war we fight is not against powers and principalities. It is against chaos and despair.

Greater than the death of flesh is the death of hope, the death of dreams. Against this peril we can never surrender.

The future is all around us waiting in moments of transition to be born in moments of revelation. No one knows the shape of that future, or where it will take us. We know only that it is always born in pain.

— “Z’ha’dum” – Babylon 5, Season 3 (1996)

Dr. Elizabeth Dehner:

Before long, we’ll be where it would have taken Mankind millions of years of learning to reach.

Captain James T. Kirk:

And what will Mitchell learn in getting there?! Will he know what to do with his power?! Will he acquire the wisdom?!

Dr. Elizabeth Dehner:

Please, go back while you still can.

Captain James T. Kirk:

Did you hear him joke about compassion? Above all else, a god needs compassion!

— “Where No Man Has Gone Before” – Star Trek, Season 1 (1966)

Abbot:

I see your talents have gone beyond the mere physical level. Your skills are now at the point of spiritual insight. I have several questions. What is the highest technique you hope to achieve?

Lee:

To have no technique.

Abbot:

Very good. What are your thoughts when facing an opponent?

Lee:

There is no opponent.

Abbot:

And why is that?

Lee:

Because the word “I” does not exist.

Abbot:

So. Continue.

Lee:

A good fight should be like a small play, but played seriously. A good martial artist does not become tense but ready. Not thinking yet not dreaming. Ready for whatever may come. When the opponent expands, I contract. When he contracts, I expand. And when there is an opportunity, I do not hit. It hits all by itself.

Abbot:

Now, you must remember: the enemy has only images and illusions behind which he hides his true motives. Destroy the image and you will break the enemy. The “it” that you refer to is a powerful weapon easily misused by the martial artist who deserts his vows. For centuries now, the code of the Shaolin Temple has been preserved. Remember, the honor of our brotherhood has been held true. Tell me now the Shaolin Commandment Number Thirteen.

Lee:

A martial artist has to take responsibility for himself and accept the consequences of his own doing.

— “Enter the Dragon” (1973)

Dr. Ilene Chen:

Slaying dragons is a Western concept. In the East, they are sacred; divine creatures who brought wisdom, strength, even redemption.

— “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” (2019)