Mine is
“You are what you do when it counts.”
— John Steakley, Armo
What’s yours?
“Someone once told me that time was a predator that stalked us all our lives. I rather believe that time is a companion who goes with us on the journey and reminds us to cherish every moment — because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we’ve lived.” ~ Jean-Luc Picard, Star Trek: Generations
Captain Picard has countless quotable lines over the course of the franchise, of course, but this one sticks out for me personally. Especially the last line. I’ve struggled over the last few years with the fact that having kids simply isn’t in the cards for me, and Picard’s struggle with the idea of his legacy hit home for me on a recent run through of the TNG era and into Picard.
“Stand amongst the ashes of a trillion dead souls, and ask the ghosts if honor matters. The silence is your answer.”
-Javik, Mass Effect 3
“…
I aim to misbehave.”
-Captain Malcolm Reynolds
I’ve watched too much sci-fi. So the things that stick with me are almost all the memetic ones
“Be excellent to each other!” - Bill & Ted
This is one of the best philosophies out there. It’s simple, it’s understandable, and it’s mostly unambiguous.
“I have one job on this damn ship, it may be stupid, but I’m gonna do it!” - Galaxy Quest
Having been the person with the “stupid but essential” job, at work and socially, it’s important to stand up for yourself. Whatever you do, it’s your job, and you should do it, regardless of what others think.
“I! WANT! ROOM SERVICE!” - Johnny Mnemonic
This is from a man at the end of his rope, who’s been put through the grinder and all he wants is his life back. But for me, it’s also that he breaks down, loses his temper, and then - most importantly - picks himself up with the help of Jane/Molly.
“A STRANGE GAME. THE ONLY WAY TO WIN IS NOT TO PLAY.” - WarGames
The realization of the potential for a no-win situation is kind of crushing. But over time, learning what might not be possible helps you to grow into a stronger person.
Yes, two of them are Keanu. Oh well.
I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe… Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion… I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain… Time… to die.
Roy Batty (as played by Rutger Hauer) in Blade Runner (1982)