Uncle Iroh is known for his words of wisdom as he freely advises most of the other characters throughout the series, including his nephew Prince Zuko. Although his musings of wisdom are given within the constraints of the animated fantasy, most of his quotes can be applied to the viewer's life as well and serve as a gentle and self-caring reminder.
Avatar is full of Iroh's wisdom and these words define most of his characterization of being a caring and wise confidant. He was always supportive of other kindred and kind spirits, seeing potential good in them, no matter what side a person was on.
It is important to draw wisdom from many places. If we take it from only one place, it becomes rigid and stale.
Uncle Iroh is teaching his nephew Zuko that it is important to understand and use information and learnings from each element instead of only focusing on his Fire Nation teachings.
He says this line as he tries to convince Zuko that understanding Earth bending is just as important when he's fire bending. And thankfully he pays attention as Iroh teaches him, and Zuko teaches Aang, how to redirect lightning.
Perfection and power are overrated. I think you are very wise to choose happiness and love.
Uncle Iroh gives this advice to Aang after Aang refused to let go of Katara to have control of the Avatar State. Aang doesn't give this background but says that he's worried that he couldn't give up one person to receive the power to potentially save the world.
Iroh gives his typical wisdom-filled response and says that Aang's decision to not forget those he loves is powerful in and of itself.
Sometimes life is like this dark tunnel, you can't always see the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you just keep moving you will come to a better place.
In the same scene as the last entry, Iroh gives this bit of wisdom to Aang as they continue to look for Katara and Zuko. He delivers the line right before Aang Earth bends the last few rocks to get to where Katara and Zuko are being held so the timing of the wisdom is perfect and emphasized even further.
Although the line is literally talking about a dark tunnel and finding the light at the end of the tunnel, it obviously has a deeper meaning and fits in with the rest of their conversation.
There is nothing wrong with a life of peace and prosperity. I suggest you think about what it is that you want from your life.
Uncle Iroh is always there for Zuko as he reckons with his own sense of honor and destiny and although Iroh gives good advice and begs him to go toward the good side of things, he never forces him because it has to be Zuko's decision.
Zuko is determined to fulfill his destiny, but Iroh brings up the question of is that actually his destiny or is it what his Firelord father wants.
In the darkest times, hope is something you give yourself. That is the meaning of inner strength.
Zuko is struggling with his inner turmoil as he decides whether to go back to his father and the Fire Nation or turn toward the good side and he's tempted to give in to his despair.
Iroh pleads with his nephew that he must never give in to despair and he must have hope in his life and all of his endeavors if he wants to be strong and happy.
Failure is only the opportunity to begin again.
Iroh isn't afraid to make mistakes, but he stresses that those should learn from their mistakes and approach them again more wisely after they fail.
It's a familiar quote already in the world's lexicon, usually being credited to Henry Ford, but the sentiment makes sense coming from Uncle Iroh.
While it is always best to believe in oneself, a little help from others can be a great blessing.
In "The Tales of Ba Sing Se" episode, Uncle Iroh travels around the city helping random people throughout his day. A man tries to rob him and instead of hurting him or fighting back, Iroh decides to give him a lesson in his stance and sit down with him to talk about his life.
He convinces the man to lean on his support system instead of trying to desperately fix things himself.
Remember your basics, they are your greatest weapon.
Zuko is preparing to battle General Zhao in an Agni Kai and his Uncle Iroh yells this before they begin and while it references fire bending specifically it has a larger meaning.
Learning the basics of any task or hobby or job is important and remembering those basics before you move on to more advanced techniques is crucial.
A moment of quiet is good for your mental well-being.
Again, Iroh gives this advice to Zuko who is typically always tense and working toward catching the Avatar which he believes is his destiny and will restore his honor.
This is a good reminder, that Zuko needs to hear in particular, that taking a quiet break from a hectic life is good for your mental well-being.
The best tea tastes delicious whether it comes in a porcelain pot or a tin cup.
Zuko is increasingly frustrated by their life as refugees that he robs a carriage and buys food and his uncle a golden tea set.
He asks how his tea tastes now and Iroh responds with this line making it clear that Iroh doesn't care about materialistic things and isn't very bothered by their new circumstances as long as he and his nephew are safe and he has his tea.