Since his debut in the 1980 epic, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Yoda has become cemented in film history and has reached a level of iconic, almost mythological status. What began as a small green puppet animated by the talented Frank Oz quickly soared into the stratosphere in the eyes of the Star Wars fandom, taking on a life of his own.
Thanks to his profound wisdom and kindness, his powerful Force abilities, and his ability to stay grounded in the midst of chaos, he's become one of the most renowned characters amongst this vast, heavily-populated Star Wars universe. This Jedi's immense knowledge and wisdom has naturally set the stage for some of the most powerful and memorable quotes ever spoken in the Star Wars films.
Let's take a look at the best of the best and cover 10 of Yoda's most insightful, inspirational, and all-around greatest lines.
"Death Is A Natural Part Of Life. Rejoice For Those Around You Who Transform Into The Force."
If only Anakin had listened to Yoda, perhaps he wouldn't have spiraled down the path of darkness... But at least you can't say Yoda didn't try.
By the time Revenge of the Sith gets going, Anakin Skywalker is growing in power and influence - though the stage is also being set for his inevitable plummet into darkness. Not only has his mother passed on by this point, but he's also tormented by visions that his new wife, Padme, will die in childbirth. Searching for answers and brighter spirits, he comes to Yoda for guidance, and the Jedi Master recites this bit of knowledge and perspective.
While it ultimately falls on deaf ears, it's a great line that further showcases who Yoda is, as well as enlighten us more on the profound, mystical nature of the Force, which is intertwined to life itself.
"When Nine Hundred Years OId You Reach, Look As Good You Will Not."
It's both a heartfelt and saddening moment when Luke revisits Yoda during Return of the Jedi, and this seasoned Jedi Master is essentially on his deathbed, having lived an extremely long and rich life.
A weakening Yoda lightens the mood a bit by responding in jest from the sympathetic way that Luke looks upon him with this little zinger. It's a line meant to invoke a smile and provide a bit of light amidst a rather dark and glum atmosphere, and a way to remind us that Yoda has a lighthearted side, even when nearing his end. Moreover, it gives the audience just a tiny bit more of a glimpse into the characteristics of this mystical, largely unknown Jedi, by revealing his extensive age.
"Train Yourself To Let Go Of Everything You Fear To Lose."
During the same scene in which Yoda tries to aid Anakin in his time of mental torment, he also speaks this line, which somewhat reinforces the Jedi credo of being at peace. It's this quote that really encapsulates what both Yoda and the Jedi are all about - in addition to their understanding of how best to utilize the Force. It's quotes like these that remind us of the spiritual nature of this strange power, which requires a sort of calmness and inner-peace that rings similar to the likes of Zen Buddhism.
Unfortunately for both Yoda and Anakin, it's yet another bit of advice this troubled apprentice is unable to heed, as he cannot let go of his love Padme; well... at least until he turns against her and straight-up Force chokes her, anyway...
"Old Sins Cast Long Shadows."
This great line is actually passed along third party by a Padawan apprentice of Anakin in The Clone Wars, Ahsoka Tano. Anakin follows this up, decrypting this bit of typical Yoda wisdom by responding with "he means your past can ruin your future if you allow it."
It's not only true rhetoric which can provide some food for thought, it further solidifies the influence of Yoda, demonstrating that his advice and wisdom has a ripple effect that carries throughout the galaxy amongst many Jedi, even in his absence. It's also quite prophetic, given some of the dark events that transpire shortly after these Clone Wars.
"A Jedi Uses The Force For Knowledge And Defense, Never For Attack."
Yoda's character exists partly as a means to offer some calm, grounded advice and guidance amongst a constantly transforming, chaotic galaxy wrought with strife and conflict. Yet, he's also a useful tool used by George Lucas, Empire director Irvin Kershner, and others, to be a source of exposition and a deeper explanation into the workings of the Force, along with the Jedi.
There's perhaps no greater example of this function than this line of dialogue. It serves to flesh out Yoda's character - which is somewhat unknown at this point - while also giving Luke and the audience a firmer grasp on the ideals and workings of the Jedi Order. It terrifically illustrates the peaceful, defensive nature of the Jedi, which strives to avoid conflict unless provoked.
"Pass On What You Have Learned."
The Last Jedi has received a mixed reception, though it does contain a cool callback moment between Yoda (in the form of a Force ghost) that's both nostalgic and heartfelt. An old and downtrodden Luke seeks to break free from his past and rejects Rey's call for help, before Yoda reminds him to pass on what he has learned, just like he had in Return of the Jedi.
For ultimately, it's this crucial knowledge that is needed to keep the teachings and spirit of the Jedi alive, along with other Force users who would tap into this power and wield it for good, rather than evil. This is largely the purpose Yoda serves; acting as an ongoing, stable presence in the Force that holds some posterity.
"Wars Not Make One Great."
Yoda's initial meeting with Luke begets one of his strongest lines of dialogue, which serves as both a clever zinger in addition to giving us a glimpse into the wise, nonviolent ways of this mysterious Jedi and creature of Dagobah.
After Luke informs this small, unknown stranger that he seeks a great warrior, Yoda amusingly offers this response, which proves to be timeless and relevant; both in the Star Wars universe and largely in real life. It also further establishes the Jedi, Yoda, and the "light" side of the force as the philosophical, ideological realm of peace.
"That Is Why You Fail."
You certainly need to the context of this magical scene during The Empire Strikes Back to feel the full emotional impact and relevance of this one - and boy, is it ever impactful. After Luke strains and struggles to lift his massive ship, which has submerged under a misty swamp of Dagobah, our protagonist is frustrated and defeated.
After watching in bewilderment as Yoda seems to effortlessly elevate the object, Luke exclaims "I don't believe it!" after which Yoda gives him this clever and harsh bit of truth.
"Size Matters Not. Look At Me. Judge Me By My Size, Do You?"
For a relatively brief line consisting merely of a few short sentences, there sure is quite a bit of substance and relevancy to be taken from this memorable quote from Yoda.
Luke is somewhat taken aback by hearing about the grand tales of this legendary Jedi warrior, only to come upon this seemingly weak, small green creature. Yet, Yoda quickly emphasizes, both with this line, and his very existence, that the Force is about mental strength and spirituality rather than physical stature or power. Lucas and Kershner do a terrific job of conveying this profound, crucial characteristic of the Force in this simple, yet effective manner, as Luke attempts to lift his ship.
"Do Or Do Not. There Is No Try."
Ultimately, when it comes to the rich, vast pool of epic Yoda quotes, this tends to be the one most people fall back to and remember most vividly and fondly. There's a good reason for this. Despite its brevity, it's tremendously powerful and inspirational; and it's these qualities that give this line such a broad appeal to so many people, even decades after its debut in 1980.
It demonstrates the ideology and the drive that embodies Yoda, and the unwavering, almost calm sense of confidence that must be exuded to use this power effectively.