Since its start with Iron Man in 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has become a sense of comfort for fans all around the world. It’s given audiences jokes and funny Marvel moments to laugh at as well as emotional heart-breaking moments to cry to.
Throughout it’s 27 movies and five Disney+ series, the MCU has also snuck in bits of advice for viewers to apply in their day-to-day lives too, with each character getting the time to shine and give out some words of wisdom.
Tony Stark In Avengers: Endgame
“No Amount Of Money Ever Bought A Second Of Time.”
As the Avengers are completing their “time heist” in Avengers: Endgame, Tony finds himself face to face with his father Howard. The two are, funnily enough, discussing parenting when Tony drops this line, but it can be applied to more than just familial relationships. It serves as a reminder that time is truly invaluable and to spend it wisely. While money may be essential, it means significantly less without any loved ones near. Finding the time for friends and family is super important in living life to the fullest.
Peggy Carter In Captain America: The Winter Soldier
“All We Can Do Is Our Best, And Sometimes The Best We Can Do Is To Start Over.”
In Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Steve visits an elderly Peggy in the hospital and they talk about the world and how much it’s changed since Steve went into the ice during Captain America: The First Avenger. Everyone makes mistakes, it is a part of life, and it’s extremely beneficial to learn from those mistakes. As Peggy said, all anyone can do is their best, but if the circumstances don’t improve or yield the desired results, it is more than okay to start over. People tend to try and rush success, but backtracking and giving it one’s all can lead to greatness.
Aunt May In Spider-Man: No Way Home
“With Great Power, There Must Also Come Great Responsibility.”
This is a line Spider-Man enthusiasts have loved for decades, and Spider-Man: No Way Home finally delivered it on screen as part of the MCU. May tells Peter this bit of advice before she unfortunately passes away and it sticks with him and the audience as time goes by.
Whatever power one may possess, whether it be super or not, how that power is used is crucial. Abusing any power will never end well, while helping those in need is a much better and more fulfilling way to utilize it.
Carol Danvers In Captain Marvel
“I Have Nothing To Prove To You.”
Towards the end of Captain Marvel, Carol says this quote to her old leader Yon-Rogg after he attempts to get her to fight without her powers in order to prove she’s on par with him. Carol realizing she doesn’t need to convince him of anything is a powerful moment that may resonate with those watching. It demonstrates that as long as someone is aware of their own strength and worth then no one can take that away from them. This is an excellent self-confidence lesson that can be applied in everyone’s life.
Ta Lo Villager In Shang Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings
“If You Aim At Nothing, You Hit Nothing.”
Katy finds herself learning archery from some of Ta Lo villagers just before the final fight in Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. One of these villagers says this quote to her as Katy was a bit unsure in archery training, and it certainly contains a deeper meaning behind it that can be applied in the lives of the audience as well. It is important to have dreams and aspirations to chase in life because with them, life feels stagnant. In order to move forward, there has to be some sort of goal in mind to pursue and it is safe to assume fans will see Katy pursing a new ambitions of hers in the confirmed Shang-Chi sequel film.
Vision In Avengers: Age Of Ultron
“A Thing Isn’t Beautiful Because It Lasts.”
In the aftermath of the battle on Sokovia in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Vision recites these words to the very last of the Ultron bots before ultimately destroying it, and therefore destroying the last trace of the villainous AI. What Vision says reigns very true, as beauty can’t be appreciated in duration or length. As Tony said in Avengers: Endgame, “part of the journey is the end,” but that end doesn’t take any value away from the journey itself. It’s best to accept the fact that not everything lasts forever and while it’s no good to dwell on the past, things can always be remembered and admired for what they were.
Steve Rogers In Captain America: Civil War
“I Know You Were Only Doing What You Believe In And That’s All Any Of Us Can Do, It’s All Any Of Us Should."
At the end of Captain America: Civil War, Steve writes these words in a letter to Tony as part of reminder that he would still be there for Tony when he needs him, despite the differences they had throughout the film. Though they may be seen as rivals in the MCU now, Steve still respects Tony for standing strong in his beliefs and it shows fans that they should always do the same. Not everyone is going to share the same opinion or viewpoint, but that doesn’t mean one should sacrifice or compromise to please those around them.
The Ancient One In Doctor Strange
“We Never Lose Our Demons Mordo, We Only Learn To Live Above Them.”
The Ancient One says these words to Mordo after he said she is the reason he had been able to overcome his fears and fight off his demons. The Sorcerer Supreme’s insight in Doctor Strange serves as a great reminder to viewers that there is a bit of darkness inside of everyone and that is completely normal.
People undergo all types of experiences that may cause grief or trauma that lingers for longer than they may like and it is okay to carry that weight as long as it doesn’t bring anyone down permanently.
T’Challa In Black Panther
“We Must Find A Way To Look After One Another As If We Were One Single Tribe.”
The post-credit scene of Black Panther shows T’Challa giving a speech to the United Nations that includes this quote. He tells the leaders of the world these words because it is important for people to unite and support one another, especially in times of need. On a smaller scale, fans watching this scene are reminded of the fact that those in their own towns or communities are no different from themselves. They are all skin and bone at the end of the day, so it is best to keep that in mind and treat those around them with kindness.
Sam Wilson In The Falcon And The Winter Soldier
“You Gotta Stop Looking At Other People To Tell You Who You Are.”
In episode five of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier entitled “Truth,” Sam and Bucky are having a serious conversation about the history of the Captain America shield outside of Sam’s home. Sam tells Bucky these words because Bucky holds on to what Steve thought about him, but he needs to learn to find himself and embrace who Bucky is his own. It is key for both Bucky and audiences to know that the world cannot define a person, they are the only one with the power to do that.