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Sephiroth: Tell me what you cherish most. Give me the pleasure of taking it away.
Cloud: I pity you. You just don't get it all. There's not a thing I don't cherish!
Cloud: I pity you. You just don't get it all. There's not a thing I don't cherish!
"Are you a moron? Some nice, flowery words and feigned empathy?! You make me sick to my stomach! Are you humans always such pathetic worms?! Why can't you just listen to your gut and do what you want to? Colonel Mustang, have you forgotten? Your pal, Scar, here was going to kill you!... And as for you, have you completely forgotten your hatred for they did to your Ishvalan countrymen? ...You'll never get another chance! This is the perfect time! The ultimate opportunity! Hate them and weep! Kill or be killed! Fight each other! Grovel in the dirt! How could you four hope to team up? You're way beyond the point of kissing and making up! Right?! There's no way. No. No, you can't! Never! NEVER! It's impossible! How could you? How could you do it? HOW!?"
— Envy, Fullmetal Alchemist
"Kohaku killed his father and his fellow villagers. He massacred an entire town. Yet his sister says she cannot kill him. She loves her brother more dearly than she loves her own life. How can this be? I do not understand."
— Naraku, Inuyasha
Tao En: Impossible. Why are you getting up? Don't you fear me? Why do you fight so hard for one another?!
Tao Ren: I can't answer that. But I know that if I were in their place... I'd do the same for them.
Tao Ren: I can't answer that. But I know that if I were in their place... I'd do the same for them.
Luchist Lasso: Only one of us is getting up after this attack, and I assure you it's not going to be you!
Tao Ren: This is the part of the fight where I show you how to really finish someone off!
Mohamed Tabarsi: Ha! You think you can take all five of us?! note
Tao Ren: I am fighting with the strengths and power of many, while each of you fight for just one!
Hang Zang-Ching: The power of one? I don't know what you're babbling about!!
Tao Ren: No, I don't think you do. And unfortunately for you, that's why you're going down!
Tao Ren: This is the part of the fight where I show you how to really finish someone off!
Mohamed Tabarsi: Ha! You think you can take all five of us?! note
Tao Ren: I am fighting with the strengths and power of many, while each of you fight for just one!
Hang Zang-Ching: The power of one? I don't know what you're babbling about!!
Tao Ren: No, I don't think you do. And unfortunately for you, that's why you're going down!
"Why do you care so much about that... STRAWHAT LUFFY! You're in a place where escape is impossible once you enter! It's the Yonkou, Big Mom's territory! Did you really risk your life just to take back that one person!? SANJI IS GERMA'S FAILURE! He can't use his skin as a shield... And all he does is cook. He doesn't have a shred of royal pride! He put his life in danger in order to protect a weakling, all because of his useless emotions... He has a weak mind! He's unfit to be a soldier. THAT MAN IS A GOOD-FOR-NOTHING!"
Asuna: I'm not planning on staying in this cage forever. You'll see; he'll come and save me.
Sugou/Oberon: Really? Who will? That hero boyfriend of yours? Goes by the name of Kirito? [Asuna gasps, Sugou chuckles] Please. You think I didn't know? His real name is Kirigaya. I met him the other day, in the real world. I couldn't believe that weak little boy was the same one who beat SwordArtOnline. It took me a second to collect myself. By the way, where do you think I met him? In your hospital room. As you were lying there, I told him I'd be marrying you next week. My God, you should've seen his face. It was like all the color drained out of it; I could barely keep myself from laughing! Do you wanna know what I think? I'll bet you anything that brat won't have the guts to put on a NerveGear ever again! [...]
Asuna: [to herself] He's alive... Kirito's alive!
Sugou/Oberon: Really? Who will? That hero boyfriend of yours? Goes by the name of Kirito? [Asuna gasps, Sugou chuckles] Please. You think I didn't know? His real name is Kirigaya. I met him the other day, in the real world. I couldn't believe that weak little boy was the same one who beat SwordArtOnline. It took me a second to collect myself. By the way, where do you think I met him? In your hospital room. As you were lying there, I told him I'd be marrying you next week. My God, you should've seen his face. It was like all the color drained out of it; I could barely keep myself from laughing! Do you wanna know what I think? I'll bet you anything that brat won't have the guts to put on a NerveGear ever again! [...]
Asuna: [to herself] He's alive... Kirito's alive!
Dee Eye Ell: How can a human slash another human to save a pig?
Leafa: You're evil. And I'll slash evil... to save a human!
Leafa: You're evil. And I'll slash evil... to save a human!
— Sword Art Online, after Leafa has cut off Dee Eye Ell's arms to save Lilipilin (an orc Leafa considers no different from a human)
Student: He's dead! How could you do that? What kind of a man kills during a training bout?
Zuikou: You would attack a man who thinks he's training, and when you have him completely defenseless you kill him? What do you think the martial arts are for?!
Shoryu: Once mastered the martial arts are a tool for killing. In other words, they have but one purpose, which is to take the life of your opponent.
Zuikou: [Beat] You're hereby expelled from this dojo.
Shoryu: I'm... what?! Expelled? You're throwing me out! Why?
Zuikou: That you don't understand WHY you're being expelled is reason enough!
Zuikou: You would attack a man who thinks he's training, and when you have him completely defenseless you kill him? What do you think the martial arts are for?!
Shoryu: Once mastered the martial arts are a tool for killing. In other words, they have but one purpose, which is to take the life of your opponent.
Zuikou: [Beat] You're hereby expelled from this dojo.
Shoryu: I'm... what?! Expelled? You're throwing me out! Why?
Zuikou: That you don't understand WHY you're being expelled is reason enough!
Sidra: Do you really wish to betray your own universe? Even if it means its obliteration?
Frieza: Yes, and what of it?
Ro: How could you? Even the most despicable of villains has something which they hold dear and wish to protect! A loved one? Cherished memories? A precious place from one's childhood, even?
Frieza: Excuse me, my good man: I simply do not understand what it is that you are prattling about.
Frieza: Yes, and what of it?
Ro: How could you? Even the most despicable of villains has something which they hold dear and wish to protect! A loved one? Cherished memories? A precious place from one's childhood, even?
Frieza: Excuse me, my good man: I simply do not understand what it is that you are prattling about.
Vicious: You should see yourself. Do you have any idea what you look like at this moment, Spike?
Spike: What?
Vicious: A ravenous beast. The same blood runs through both of us, the blood of a beast that wanders, hunting for the blood of others.
Spike: I've bled all that kind of blood away.
Vicious: THEN WHY ARE YOU STILL ALIVE?!
Spike: What?
Vicious: A ravenous beast. The same blood runs through both of us, the blood of a beast that wanders, hunting for the blood of others.
Spike: I've bled all that kind of blood away.
Vicious: THEN WHY ARE YOU STILL ALIVE?!
Goryo: I'm sure you can guess the rest. Ah ha ha. Who wouldn't become a haunt after that?
Nana: Hey! How can you laugh about that?
Goryo: Do you not find it funny? It was only one child. Ha... Why, she could have found a new man! Made another one.
Nana: [thinks] Muhyo's right! This guy's evil!
Nana: Hey! How can you laugh about that?
Goryo: Do you not find it funny? It was only one child. Ha... Why, she could have found a new man! Made another one.
Nana: [thinks] Muhyo's right! This guy's evil!
— Muhyo and Roji, discussing the ghost of a single mother who went insane after her only daughter's death.
Unico: I'm sorry that you're full of... so much hate. You think that all people are your enemies but that's only because you've never had a friend.
Lord Kuruku: Did you say a friend?
Unico: I know how important friends are. That's why I understand you.
Lord Kuruku: (getting weak) Please stop it, the idea of being someone's friend. It's making me feel quite ill. (shrieks)
Unico: I know what happened to you long ago, I know that some people treated you badly. If you had a friend you'd know not everyone's like that. You must be very lonely.
Lord Kuruku: LONELY!! He says that I'm lonely! But don't you understand? I hate people, I d-o-o-o-o-o!!!
Unico: What's wrong Kuruku?
Lord Kuruku: How can you be so cruel!? All this talk of friendship and understanding is making me feel all soft and gooey! (screams) I have lived only to hate humanity and now you're telling me that I am lonely? Like people are good, that I need a friend. You're words are melting my heart! (shrieks)
Unico: Kuruku don't worry I'll be your friend okay?
Lord Kuruku: (shrieks at his suggestion)
Unico: If you free all your puppets, I'll be your friend forever!
Lord Kuruku: Ahhh that word again! Who would ever be a friend of mine? WHO!
Unico: Oh wait Kuruku don't be frightened! Anyone can have a friend, really!
Lord Kuruku: Did you say a friend?
Unico: I know how important friends are. That's why I understand you.
Lord Kuruku: (getting weak) Please stop it, the idea of being someone's friend. It's making me feel quite ill. (shrieks)
Unico: I know what happened to you long ago, I know that some people treated you badly. If you had a friend you'd know not everyone's like that. You must be very lonely.
Lord Kuruku: LONELY!! He says that I'm lonely! But don't you understand? I hate people, I d-o-o-o-o-o!!!
Unico: What's wrong Kuruku?
Lord Kuruku: How can you be so cruel!? All this talk of friendship and understanding is making me feel all soft and gooey! (screams) I have lived only to hate humanity and now you're telling me that I am lonely? Like people are good, that I need a friend. You're words are melting my heart! (shrieks)
Unico: Kuruku don't worry I'll be your friend okay?
Lord Kuruku: (shrieks at his suggestion)
Unico: If you free all your puppets, I'll be your friend forever!
Lord Kuruku: Ahhh that word again! Who would ever be a friend of mine? WHO!
Unico: Oh wait Kuruku don't be frightened! Anyone can have a friend, really!
"How can she cry so long over that weakling? I don't get it! The strong rule this world. The weak obey the strong... or they disappear. That is the law. That is the world. There is no other way to live! None!"
— King Bulblin, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2016)
Comic Books
Robo: You had all that time. All that power and, and influence. All this technology. You could have helped them.
ALAN: I don't understand. Why?
ALAN: I don't understand. Why?
— Atomic Robo and the Ghost of Station X
"You have to think about what you're doing. Who and what made you who you are. Your role models. The beliefs they instilled in you. And think of how the Joker could never understand that. It's what makes him who he is. Think."
— Jim Gordon, Batman: Hush
"I don't understand friendship. A gate will be built by friendship. But the future is blocked by what I cannot understand! It makes the machine hurt! Bigfoot Bill makes a new friend. I cannot see... Something bigger comes... ...a terrible gate!"
—Mothman whilst explaining his future sight powers, Bigfoot Bill: Shadow of the Mothman
Edward Sundborne: We weren't bothering you. You never had to come here. Why?
Abe Sapien: You wanted to kill... millions...
Edward: Only their bodies, you fool! Their spiritual salvation was guaranteed! How can you find fault with that?! Caul, the real Caul, understood. He would be right beside us!
Abe: Then thank God he's dead!
Abe Sapien: You wanted to kill... millions...
Edward: Only their bodies, you fool! Their spiritual salvation was guaranteed! How can you find fault with that?! Caul, the real Caul, understood. He would be right beside us!
Abe: Then thank God he's dead!
—B.P.R.D.: Garden of Souls
Scar: The would-be king... lay beaten into the dirt. Thwarted by an inferior species. I suppose overwhelming numbers can even overweigh power and royalty.
[...]
Mother Wildebeest: It's not my herd's numbers that beat you, Scar! It was the love of my community! Something your dark heart will never know.
[...]
Mother Wildebeest: It's not my herd's numbers that beat you, Scar! It was the love of my community! Something your dark heart will never know.
— Disney Villains: Scar #1
Choudhury: What about the man in the red suit?
Tanek Nuro: It'll be easy to deal with him, now that we've found out who he really is. First we'll take a hostage. Who does he care about?
Choudhury: Well, he has an ex-wife and a son...
Nuro: I bet he hates his ex and would sell his son to the gypsies if he could. I would.
Tanek Nuro: It'll be easy to deal with him, now that we've found out who he really is. First we'll take a hostage. Who does he care about?
Choudhury: Well, he has an ex-wife and a son...
Nuro: I bet he hates his ex and would sell his son to the gypsies if he could. I would.
— Doctor Solar: Man of the Atom #6
"What's a good deed?"
— Iznogoud, Iznogoud Finally Caliph
He could have killed them both. But he didn't. Why? The emotions that fill Jason right now are alien to him as they are not hate or anger.
"Logical? Is it? To a machine, perhaps. Yes... A soulless machine might make that deduction. But not Lex Luthor. I know better! I know that no man with the power of Superman would ever pretend to be a mere human! Such power is to be constantly exploited. Such power is to be used!"
Dodge: I know I liked you a whole lot more when you weren't such a crying little bitch. Then you had nerve. You were fearless and you weren't all fucked up with regrets! You were like me!
Tyler: I wouldn't underrate the power of regret. It doesn't feel good... but it's hard to learn anything important without it.
Dodge: 'Fraid I don't agree, Tyler.
Tyler: No. I know you don't. That's why your future, Dodge... it looks a lot like your past.
Tyler: I wouldn't underrate the power of regret. It doesn't feel good... but it's hard to learn anything important without it.
Dodge: 'Fraid I don't agree, Tyler.
Tyler: No. I know you don't. That's why your future, Dodge... it looks a lot like your past.
—Locke & Key: Alpha & Omega
Belinda: You think you're so important! You think you're the center of the universe!
Supergirl: Uh... Not really.
Belinda: You totally do! I'm you and I know what you think! You act all sweet and nice, but inside your head, you're an arrogant little angel prancing through the sky on a stupid magical fantasy horse, acting like you're better than everyone!
Supergirl: Uh... Not really.
Belinda: You totally do! I'm you and I know what you think! You act all sweet and nice, but inside your head, you're an arrogant little angel prancing through the sky on a stupid magical fantasy horse, acting like you're better than everyone!
"You know nothing about a glorious life, Darkseid. There are so many things she'll never experience because of you. [...] Of course, none of what I've said has any meaning to you. You only know death. A blackness that has brought you nothing."
Flash: You're right, Eobard. You and I are trapped in a loop. I've tried to move forward so many times. I've forgiven myself for my own actions, tried to live my life in a way so I can help others. But maybe I'm stuck in this cycle because you are trapped in the past. And it's my hate for you that keeps me tethered to you. I have to let that go.
Reverse-Flash: You don't get to forgive me. I won't let you do this. Your entire life is about me. You are the Flash because of me. Without me, you are nothing.
Flash: I'm sorry I rejected you when we first met.
Reverse-Flash: OUR RACE WILL NEVER END!
Flash: But I can't let you or what you did define me anymore.
Reverse-Flash: OUR HATE IS FOREVER!
Reverse-Flash: You don't get to forgive me. I won't let you do this. Your entire life is about me. You are the Flash because of me. Without me, you are nothing.
Flash: I'm sorry I rejected you when we first met.
Reverse-Flash: OUR RACE WILL NEVER END!
Flash: But I can't let you or what you did define me anymore.
Reverse-Flash: OUR HATE IS FOREVER!
— The Flash #762
Brainiac: I believed you were an intelligent being. A perspicacious creature of many worlds like me. But I was incorrect. You are a threat to no one. You dedicated yourself to a planet that has nothing to offer you. It lacks Krypton's advances in science. Its weapons are rudimentary, even compared to that of the barbaric Rimbor. It is devoid of any quantifiable value. Earth is not necessary to my continued evolution. This culture is useless.
Lois Lane: [from inside the shrunken Metropolis] Superman! Clark, if you can hear me... I don't know what's happening, I don't know if this is the end... but if it is... if it is the end—
Brainiac: This culture is disgusting.
Lois Lane: —Know, please know... How much I lov—
Brainiac: What could this vacuous world possibly provide you?
Lois Lane: [from inside the shrunken Metropolis] Superman! Clark, if you can hear me... I don't know what's happening, I don't know if this is the end... but if it is... if it is the end—
Brainiac: This culture is disgusting.
Lois Lane: —Know, please know... How much I lov—
Brainiac: What could this vacuous world possibly provide you?
Princess Python: Why did you do it, Thunder God? We'd have paid you a fortune — to keep hands off! What's in it for you — now?
Thor: So long as thou canst only think in terms of monetary gain — then verily I say — never canst thou understand!
Thor: So long as thou canst only think in terms of monetary gain — then verily I say — never canst thou understand!
— The Mighty Thor #173
Reign: It's good to see you again, Kryptonian. I knew you could do it. I knew you could save yourself. I'm pleased to see you seize your destiny. Come to claim this world as your own.
Supergirl: I didn't come back to rule this world, Reign. I'm here to kick you off it!
Supergirl: I didn't come back to rule this world, Reign. I'm here to kick you off it!
"Am I to believe that she risked her own life simply to save the life of my operative? A man who, given the chance, would surely extinguish her life? But why?"
— Bastion, Generation X
"Y-you're not supposed to help her! You hate her! I heard you say so!"
— Dollmaker, Day of the Dollmaker
Lex Luthor: 'You made me live again, so I'd be a gangland laughing stock!— Before, I was respected! Now the other criminals will laugh at me behind my back because I was saved by you!!— Drat! The bullets only bounce off!"
Supergirl: You're wrong, Luthor! I did it so you'd finish paying your incompleted debt to society!"
Lex Luthor: You LIE!!
Supergirl: You're wrong, Luthor! I did it so you'd finish paying your incompleted debt to society!"
Lex Luthor: You LIE!!
Rat'Lar: You...Olsen! What's going on here? Where is that low-life loser? What hole has he crawled into?
Jimmy Olsen: Er...If you're speaking of Superman...Muhammad Ali is taking care of him in his...
Rat'Lar: What?! Why is Ali helping Superman? He's beaten him! What can Superman do for Ali now?
Jimmy Olsen: I— Uh— don't think you'd understand.
Jimmy Olsen: Er...If you're speaking of Superman...Muhammad Ali is taking care of him in his...
Rat'Lar: What?! Why is Ali helping Superman? He's beaten him! What can Superman do for Ali now?
Jimmy Olsen: I— Uh— don't think you'd understand.
Supergirl: "What's this? The diamonds! Then you took them! Jan, don't you know you mustn't use your super-powers for your own benefit?"
Jan Danvers: "Don't hand me that boy scout lecture, sis! What's the use of being super if you can't make anything on the deal?"
Jan Danvers: "Don't hand me that boy scout lecture, sis! What's the use of being super if you can't make anything on the deal?"
Fan Works
Ozpin: Blake Belladonna did not take pity on Mister Arc. She weighed her options and their consequences. What she did she did because she believed it was the right thing to do. She did not believe that sending Jaune home could bring any good about, and so she did what she had to. She got herself disqualified from the tournament, that is not pity, that is sacrifice in the name of what she had believed was right.
Cardin: Call it what you want, but the twerp still lost the match.
Ozpin: He would have, yes, had he not inspired such strong friendship between himself and those who surround him. Having friends is just as powerful a weapon as any sword, hammer or spear can be, and often more so. He earned that victory, but not by his actions in the ring. He earned it by building relationships that mattered, that were real, and that added to the structure of the school. Technically he may not be the most proficient, but anyone can train to be able to swing a sword well. It takes a truer heart to know right from wrong and to affect the lives of those around you in a meaningful way. Jaune possesses this ability. Had he not, he would never have emerged victorious from that ring and would be back home at this moment.
Cardin: He's allowed to stay because he has friends? That's ridiculous.
Ozpin: Not friends no, but values. Jaune has the heart of a true huntsman, something that I have noticed you lack.
Cardin: Call it what you want, but the twerp still lost the match.
Ozpin: He would have, yes, had he not inspired such strong friendship between himself and those who surround him. Having friends is just as powerful a weapon as any sword, hammer or spear can be, and often more so. He earned that victory, but not by his actions in the ring. He earned it by building relationships that mattered, that were real, and that added to the structure of the school. Technically he may not be the most proficient, but anyone can train to be able to swing a sword well. It takes a truer heart to know right from wrong and to affect the lives of those around you in a meaningful way. Jaune possesses this ability. Had he not, he would never have emerged victorious from that ring and would be back home at this moment.
Cardin: He's allowed to stay because he has friends? That's ridiculous.
Ozpin: Not friends no, but values. Jaune has the heart of a true huntsman, something that I have noticed you lack.
— By Year's End
, a RWBY fanfic
, a RWBY fanfic"Oh, why don't you stop already? You don't "love," Vlad. You've NEVER "loved!" All you've ever done in life is WANT things! You know something Vlad, you can't look me in the eye and honestly tell me that your life has been all that terrible! It just wasn't ENOUGH for you! You could take away everything that ever meant anything to anyone, and the rest of the world besides, and it STILL wouldn't be enough for you! Never enough MONEY! Never enough Attention! Never enough... EVERYTHING! I fell in love with a man who has always been able to think about MORE than just himself, and I don't care how powerful or smart or perfect you THINK you are... that man is never... ever... EVER... going to be you."
— Maddie Fenton to Vlad Plasmius, Facing the Future Series
Lieutenant Obsidian: Natalie [Octarine], just before YOU deserted, I was about to draft you.
Dylan Octarine: And you tried to make me kill my sister, and hunt her down. That's why I left you.
Lieutenant Obsidian: Eh, cowardice, I get it.
Dylan Octarine: And you tried to make me kill my sister, and hunt her down. That's why I left you.
Lieutenant Obsidian: Eh, cowardice, I get it.
Kuyou: Such foolish teachers. Rotting the minds of the youth for a ludicrous cause. To coexist with those that nearly wiped us out. How sad that you still stay here choosing to infect these misguided monsters with such filth.
Ms. Nekonome: We're teaching them to live peaceful lives, not to start wars again. Something you obviously cannot learn.
Ms. Nekonome: We're teaching them to live peaceful lives, not to start wars again. Something you obviously cannot learn.
— Rosario Vampire: Brightest Darkness Act III
"There are those who say that to comprehend evil is to become evil; but they are merely pretending to be wise. Rather it is evil which does not know love, and dares not imagine love, and cannot ever understand love without ceasing to be evil. And I suspect that you can imagine your way into the minds of Dark Wizards better than I ever could, while still knowing love yourself."
— Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality
Sunset Shimmer: Wh-why?
Fluttershy: I’m sorry?
Sunset Shimmer: Why are you being so nice to me? I was horrible to you. I've been horrible for years! Is it just because the Princess told you to?
Fluttershy: Well, the Princess telling us did help. But remember what Snips and Snails said? They were mean to everyone because everyone was mean to them. Being cruel doesn't accomplish anything. I mean, look at you. You've been so cruel for so long you cry at getting any kindness. Oh, but don't worry, we have enough of that to go around.
Fluttershy: I’m sorry?
Sunset Shimmer: Why are you being so nice to me? I was horrible to you. I've been horrible for years! Is it just because the Princess told you to?
Fluttershy: Well, the Princess telling us did help. But remember what Snips and Snails said? They were mean to everyone because everyone was mean to them. Being cruel doesn't accomplish anything. I mean, look at you. You've been so cruel for so long you cry at getting any kindness. Oh, but don't worry, we have enough of that to go around.
"Three thousand, five hundred and forty nine."
At least Keel and his Grandfather had the decency to glance at each other in confusion for a second, before turning back to face him.
"I'm sorry, Shinji? I don't understand—"
"Three thousand, five hundred and forty nine," he repeated, biting off each word with a knife like edge as he stared across the table at the uncomprehending men. "It's the number of days since my Father sent me off to live with my uncle. It also happens to be the number of days since anyone from the rest of my extended family bothered to so much as acknowledge that I even existed."
The look on his grandfather's face more than anything else dragged Shinji back from the edge. He appeared utterly confused at his response, befuddled even, and it suddenly hit Shinji that they simply didn't understand.
At least Keel and his Grandfather had the decency to glance at each other in confusion for a second, before turning back to face him.
"I'm sorry, Shinji? I don't understand—"
"Three thousand, five hundred and forty nine," he repeated, biting off each word with a knife like edge as he stared across the table at the uncomprehending men. "It's the number of days since my Father sent me off to live with my uncle. It also happens to be the number of days since anyone from the rest of my extended family bothered to so much as acknowledge that I even existed."
The look on his grandfather's face more than anything else dragged Shinji back from the edge. He appeared utterly confused at his response, befuddled even, and it suddenly hit Shinji that they simply didn't understand.
Dev-Em: I've tapped into their global networking grid but I haven't found anything on Kal-El. Not a single mention of him dating back to the time he should have landed on this planet.
Dru-Zod: There has to be something. Someone with his kind of strength and abilities would have not gone unnoticed.
Tor-An: Maybe the signal didn't come from him.
Faora Hu-Ul: Or maybe he's in hiding.
Aethyr: Why would he hide? With his abilities he should be ruling over this world.
Kara Zor-El: Unless he truly is like his father then he wouldn't feel he has the right to.
[annoyed glares]
Dru-Zod: There has to be something. Someone with his kind of strength and abilities would have not gone unnoticed.
Tor-An: Maybe the signal didn't come from him.
Faora Hu-Ul: Or maybe he's in hiding.
Aethyr: Why would he hide? With his abilities he should be ruling over this world.
Kara Zor-El: Unless he truly is like his father then he wouldn't feel he has the right to.
[annoyed glares]
"Love? As pitiful an emotion as love? I do not understand. Grief is what powers this, it has so much more power than the stability of love."
And that was where [Kyubey] was wrong. Love isn't always stable, it isn’t always strong. But when it is, it is so much more. It can be enough to make someone dedicate their life to fighting time itself to save someone. To throw their life away in order to ensure their loved one is never ever trapped in their worst thoughts. To...
And that was where [Kyubey] was wrong. Love isn't always stable, it isn’t always strong. But when it is, it is so much more. It can be enough to make someone dedicate their life to fighting time itself to save someone. To throw their life away in order to ensure their loved one is never ever trapped in their worst thoughts. To...
Madoka: You're wrong about us Kyubey. You'll always be wrong about us. I know that now. Because you can't see just how much we can do when we work together, you can't see that they can beat any obstacle you put in their way as a group.
Kyubey: Oh? As a collective hive mind entity I rather resent that remark. I work in harmony with other Incubators to expedite the Grief collection process always.
Madoka: But you don't work WITH them. You don't listen to others' ideas or feedback. You don't ask if they need anything... You don't comfort friends in need because you don't have friends at all.
Kyubey: What need would I have for friends? I am highly skilled for this very task, with millennia of experience. What blunder could I possibly make that a human would help with? Sure, your kind is good for information and experimentation, but that is all.
Madoka: That doesn't mean you won't ever make a mistake. We all make mistakes! And even sometimes when you do everything right, it still doesn't end up like you wanted. That's life! I think that's what Mama would say if she was here.
Kyubey: Oh? As a collective hive mind entity I rather resent that remark. I work in harmony with other Incubators to expedite the Grief collection process always.
Madoka: But you don't work WITH them. You don't listen to others' ideas or feedback. You don't ask if they need anything... You don't comfort friends in need because you don't have friends at all.
Kyubey: What need would I have for friends? I am highly skilled for this very task, with millennia of experience. What blunder could I possibly make that a human would help with? Sure, your kind is good for information and experimentation, but that is all.
Madoka: That doesn't mean you won't ever make a mistake. We all make mistakes! And even sometimes when you do everything right, it still doesn't end up like you wanted. That's life! I think that's what Mama would say if she was here.
Hans watches as Kristoff's arm drops an inch away from Anna's body and his body ceases to move. He stares at the three bodies. All dyed in red. And he feels nothing. He's gotten all that he's ever wanted now, he's finally succeeded. So why does he feel nothing? There are small cracks beginning to form on the ice, and he knows that the Queen's cursed powers are finally vanishing from this world. Never again will he ever look at winter the same. Hans looks back at the bodies one last time, and at last, he feels something this time. But it's a sharp pang. It's unpleasant. And it's stabbing him in the heart. This feeling. This is a feeling he will always be too familiar with. He's always been associated with it in his childhood. His face wrinkles in disgust as he realizes what it is.
Jealousy.
But why on earth would he be jealous? It made sense for these emotions to be around during his sad tale of a childhood, but why now? And then he knows why. It hits him at once, making him scoff. They have something that he's never had. Love. And each other. They had each other. To depend and lean on. Hans shakes his head to rid the thought of such a foolish and useless emotion, and walks back towards the castle. His castle. No one needed love to rule. Especially not him. One who has lived without love for so long. Their deaths all continuously play at the same time through Hans's head as he steps onto solid ground. But especially Anna's. "She loved you." The mountain man's words ring through his head.
"She loved you."
"She loved you."
"She LOVED you."
He growls fiercely and grabs his sword from his waist - stained forever with the sunset - and flings it into the dying ice. The voice stops to his relief. At that moment, the ice beneath the three bodies finally gives away, and then they are lost to the sea. But they are together. And Hans is still alone.
Jealousy.
But why on earth would he be jealous? It made sense for these emotions to be around during his sad tale of a childhood, but why now? And then he knows why. It hits him at once, making him scoff. They have something that he's never had. Love. And each other. They had each other. To depend and lean on. Hans shakes his head to rid the thought of such a foolish and useless emotion, and walks back towards the castle. His castle. No one needed love to rule. Especially not him. One who has lived without love for so long. Their deaths all continuously play at the same time through Hans's head as he steps onto solid ground. But especially Anna's. "She loved you." The mountain man's words ring through his head.
"She loved you."
"She loved you."
"She LOVED you."
He growls fiercely and grabs his sword from his waist - stained forever with the sunset - and flings it into the dying ice. The voice stops to his relief. At that moment, the ice beneath the three bodies finally gives away, and then they are lost to the sea. But they are together. And Hans is still alone.
—The Sunset, a Frozen fanfic
, a Frozen fanfic"I don't care what happens. This is the way I've chosen to live. And for all her power... it's a better way than Metallia will ever be capable of understanding."
—Beneda, The Dark Lords Strike Back, having fully embraced her role as The Medic
Aspasia: Relax, Harthacnut, he just wants to help.
athingofvikings: Which is why Harthacnut can't comprehend it; he's so steeped in power and authoritarianism that he literally cannot grasp the idea of altruism for the sake of altruism. From his POV, it must have some diabolical purpose, because otherwise, why do it?
—Comments on A Thing of Vikings Chapter 28
Darkern: What was the point of that!?
Arceus: Does kindness need a point? Ash is helping a friend, and an elderly one at that. He even gets to see his Pokemon more, which is always good. Sure, he sees them between adventures, which take longer to prepare for than most people realize, but more time is always nice.
Darkern: But where's the catalyst to prove everyone wrong? The anger? The drama!?
Arceus: Does kindness need a point? Ash is helping a friend, and an elderly one at that. He even gets to see his Pokemon more, which is always good. Sure, he sees them between adventures, which take longer to prepare for than most people realize, but more time is always nice.
Darkern: But where's the catalyst to prove everyone wrong? The anger? The drama!?
Emperor 626: Why do you fight me? We're one in the same. You should be ruling along side me! Not this.
Stitch: What makes you think Stitch want to do that?
Emperor 626: Why wouldn't you?
Stitch: Are you happy?
Emperor 626: (bewildered) What? What do you mean, am I happy? I'm the unquestionable emperor and god of the pacific islands! These people worship me!
Stitch: But… are you happy?
Emperor 626: Are you happy? Are you happy living in a pathetic stilted house, being forced to pretend you're a dog, with people who can barely make ends meet, much less provide you with all the luxuries you could ever want?
Stitch: Ih.
Emperor 626: Why?
Stitch: Because Stitch have family. They love me, and I love them. It is good. Yeah, it's good, but it is too late, for you to understand.
Emperor 626: (growling) It sickens me to think that if things turned out differently, I might have become you.
Stitch: Ditto.
Stitch: What makes you think Stitch want to do that?
Emperor 626: Why wouldn't you?
Stitch: Are you happy?
Emperor 626: (bewildered) What? What do you mean, am I happy? I'm the unquestionable emperor and god of the pacific islands! These people worship me!
Stitch: But… are you happy?
Emperor 626: Are you happy? Are you happy living in a pathetic stilted house, being forced to pretend you're a dog, with people who can barely make ends meet, much less provide you with all the luxuries you could ever want?
Stitch: Ih.
Emperor 626: Why?
Stitch: Because Stitch have family. They love me, and I love them. It is good. Yeah, it's good, but it is too late, for you to understand.
Emperor 626: (growling) It sickens me to think that if things turned out differently, I might have become you.
Stitch: Ditto.
Film — Animated
Rourke: (sees his crew standing defiantly by Milo's side) You can't be serious!
Audrey: This is wrong and you know it!
Rourke: We're this close to our biggest payday ever and you pick now all of all times to grow a conscience?
Vinny: We've done a lot of things we're not proud of; robbing graves, eh, plundering tombs, double-parking... BUT, nobody got hurt! Well... maybe somebody got hurt, but nobody we knew.
Rourke: Well, if that's the way you want it, fine. MORE FOR ME! P.T. Barnum was right.
Audrey: This is wrong and you know it!
Rourke: We're this close to our biggest payday ever and you pick now all of all times to grow a conscience?
Vinny: We've done a lot of things we're not proud of; robbing graves, eh, plundering tombs, double-parking... BUT, nobody got hurt! Well... maybe somebody got hurt, but nobody we knew.
Rourke: Well, if that's the way you want it, fine. MORE FOR ME! P.T. Barnum was right.
Frollo: I know... You helped her ESCAPE! And now, all of Paris is burning because of you!
Quasimodo: She was kind to me, master.
Frollo: YOU IDIOT! That wasn't kindness, it was cunning! She's a gypsy! Gypsies are not capable of real love! THINK BOY! THINK OF YOUR MOTHER!
Quasimodo: She was kind to me, master.
Frollo: YOU IDIOT! That wasn't kindness, it was cunning! She's a gypsy! Gypsies are not capable of real love! THINK BOY! THINK OF YOUR MOTHER!
Merryweather: What won't Maleficent expect? She knows everything.
Fauna: Oh, but she doesn't, dear. Maleficent doesn't know anything about love, or kindness, or the joy of helping others... you know, sometimes I don't think she's really very happy.
Fauna: Oh, but she doesn't, dear. Maleficent doesn't know anything about love, or kindness, or the joy of helping others... you know, sometimes I don't think she's really very happy.
Lord Shen: How did you find peace? I took away your parents. Everything. I scarred you for life.
Po: See, that's the thing, Shen. Scars heal.
Lord Shen: No, they don't. Wounds heal.
Po: Oh, yeah. Well, what do scars do? They fade, I guess?
Lord Shen: I don't care what scars do.
Po: You should, Shen. You gotta let go of that stuff from the past 'cause it just doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is what you choose to be now.
Lord Shen: You're right. Then I choose THIS! [attacks Po one final time]
Po: See, that's the thing, Shen. Scars heal.
Lord Shen: No, they don't. Wounds heal.
Po: Oh, yeah. Well, what do scars do? They fade, I guess?
Lord Shen: I don't care what scars do.
Po: You should, Shen. You gotta let go of that stuff from the past 'cause it just doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is what you choose to be now.
Lord Shen: You're right. Then I choose THIS! [attacks Po one final time]
Hans: B-but she [Elsa] froze your heart?
Anna: The only frozen heart around here is yours.
Anna: The only frozen heart around here is yours.
Mirage: He's not weak, you know.
Syndrome: What?
Mirage: Valuing life is not weakness.
Syndrome: Oh, hey, look, look, if you're talking about what happened in the containment unit, I had everything under control.
Mirage: And disregarding it is not strength.
Syndrome: Look, I called his bluff, sweetheart, that's all. I knew he wouldn't have it in him to actually...
Mirage: Next time you gamble, bet your own life.
Syndrome: What?
Mirage: Valuing life is not weakness.
Syndrome: Oh, hey, look, look, if you're talking about what happened in the containment unit, I had everything under control.
Mirage: And disregarding it is not strength.
Syndrome: Look, I called his bluff, sweetheart, that's all. I knew he wouldn't have it in him to actually...
Mirage: Next time you gamble, bet your own life.
Mr. Incredible: You mean you killed off real heroes so that you could pretend to be one?
Syndrome: Oh, I'm real. Real enough to defeat you!
Syndrome: Oh, I'm real. Real enough to defeat you!
"Just look at him. So sleek. So powerful. So... beautiful, like some great golden god made flesh. Of course, any sensible god would demand absolute obedience in return for his favor. But, no, our Man of Steel protects us, with no strings attached. The people? Hmph. They practically worship him anyway. Enjoy your reign while you may, Superman. For surely as night follows day, there comes a time when even gods must die."
— Lex Luthor, Superman: Doomsday
Film — Live-Action
Bruce Wayne: I'm no executioner.
Henri Ducard: Your compassion is a weakness your enemies will not share.
Bruce: That's why it's so important. It separates us from them.
Henri Ducard: Your compassion is a weakness your enemies will not share.
Bruce: That's why it's so important. It separates us from them.
"What were you trying to prove? That deep down everyone's as ugly as you? You're alone!"
— Batman to the Joker, The Dark Knight
Kevin Lomax: What about love?
John Milton: Overrated. Biochemically no different than eating large quantities of chocolate.
John Milton: Overrated. Biochemically no different than eating large quantities of chocolate.
Rocket: Question: what if I see something that I wanna take and it belonged to someone else?
Rhomann: You would be arrested.
Rocket: But what if I want it more than the person who has it?
Rhomann: It's still illegal.
Rocket: That doesn't follow. No, I want it more, sir, you understand me? [Gamora drags him off] I can't have a discussion with this gentleman?
Drax: Say someone does something that irks me, and I decide to remove his spine.
Rhomann: Th-that's actually murder, one of... the worst crimes of all. So, also illegal.
Drax: [genuinely surprised] Huh.
Rhomann: You would be arrested.
Rocket: But what if I want it more than the person who has it?
Rhomann: It's still illegal.
Rocket: That doesn't follow. No, I want it more, sir, you understand me? [Gamora drags him off] I can't have a discussion with this gentleman?
Drax: Say someone does something that irks me, and I decide to remove his spine.
Rhomann: Th-that's actually murder, one of... the worst crimes of all. So, also illegal.
Drax: [genuinely surprised] Huh.
Elsa Schneider: Don't look at me like that. We both wanted the Grail. I would have done anything to get it. You would have done the same.
Indiana Jones: [Coldly] I'm sorry you think so.
Indiana Jones: [Coldly] I'm sorry you think so.
"Superman didn't become Superman. Superman was born Superman. When Superman wakes up in the morning, he's Superman. His alter ego is Clark Kent. [...] What Kent wears - the glasses, the business suit - that's the costume. That's the costume Superman wears to blend in with us. Clark Kent is how Superman views us. And what are the characteristics of Clark Kent? He's weak... he's unsure of himself... he's a coward. Clark Kent is Superman's critique on the whole human race."
— Bill, Kill Bill
"You came back... to a place like this? Why? A man like you? Why?"
— Calvera, The Magnificent Seven (1960)
Smith: Why do you do it? Why get up? Why keep fighting? Do you believe you're fighting for something, for more than your survival? Can you tell me what it is? Do you even know? Is it freedom? Or truth? Perhaps peace. Could it be for love? Illusions, Mr. Anderson. Vagaries of perception. The temporary constructs of a feeble human intellect trying desperately to justify an existence that is without meaning or purpose! And all of them as artificial as the Matrix itself — although only a human mind could invent something as insipid as love! You must be able to see it, Mr. Anderson! You must know it by now! You can't win! It's pointless to keep fighting! Why, Mr. Anderson, why, WHY DO YOU PERSIST?!
Neo: Because I choose to.
Neo: Because I choose to.
Vidal: Why did you do it?
Dr. Ferraro: It was the only thing I could do.
Vidal: No, you could have obeyed me.
Dr. Ferraro: I could have, but I didn't.
Vidal: It would have been better for you. You know it. I don't understand. Why didn't you obey me?
Dr. Ferraro: To obey — just like that — for the sake of obeying, without questioning... That's something only people like you can do, Captain.
Dr. Ferraro: It was the only thing I could do.
Vidal: No, you could have obeyed me.
Dr. Ferraro: I could have, but I didn't.
Vidal: It would have been better for you. You know it. I don't understand. Why didn't you obey me?
Dr. Ferraro: To obey — just like that — for the sake of obeying, without questioning... That's something only people like you can do, Captain.
"You know what your problem is? You think everybody's like you!"
— Han Solo to Beckett, Solo
Miss Giddy: They are not your property!
Immortan Joe: Miss Giddy!
Miss Giddy: You cannot own a human being! Sooner or later, someone pushes back!
Immortan Joe: Where is she taking them?
Miss Giddy: She didn't take them, they begged her to go!
Joe: Where is she taking them?
Miss Giddy: A long way from you.
Immortan Joe: Miss Giddy!
Miss Giddy: You cannot own a human being! Sooner or later, someone pushes back!
Immortan Joe: Where is she taking them?
Miss Giddy: She didn't take them, they begged her to go!
Joe: Where is she taking them?
Miss Giddy: A long way from you.
Oskar Schindler: These people, my people. I want my people.
Amon Goeth: Who are you, Moses? Come on, what is this? Where's the money in this, where's the scam?
Schindler: It's good business.
Goeth: Yeah, it's "good business" in your opinion. Look, you've got to move them, the equipment, everything to Czechoslovakia, pay for all that and build another camp. It doesn't make any sense. You're not telling me something... You're probably scamming me somehow.
Amon Goeth: Who are you, Moses? Come on, what is this? Where's the money in this, where's the scam?
Schindler: It's good business.
Goeth: Yeah, it's "good business" in your opinion. Look, you've got to move them, the equipment, everything to Czechoslovakia, pay for all that and build another camp. It doesn't make any sense. You're not telling me something... You're probably scamming me somehow.
Sentinel Prime: Optimus, you forget your place. I bring you Cybertron, your home! And still you choose humanity!
Optimus: [draws out Energon Axe] You were the one who taught me that freedom was everyone's right.
Optimus: [draws out Energon Axe] You were the one who taught me that freedom was everyone's right.
James Bond: You live well, Scaramanga.
Francisco Scaramanga: At a million dollars a contract, I can afford to, Mr. Bond. You work for peanuts, a hearty "Well done!" from Her Majesty the Queen, and a pittance of a pension. Apart from that, we are the same. To us, Mr. Bond — we are the best.
Bond: There's a useful four-letter word, and you're full of it.
Francisco Scaramanga: At a million dollars a contract, I can afford to, Mr. Bond. You work for peanuts, a hearty "Well done!" from Her Majesty the Queen, and a pittance of a pension. Apart from that, we are the same. To us, Mr. Bond — we are the best.
Bond: There's a useful four-letter word, and you're full of it.
"I thought by eliminating half of life, the other half would thrive. But you've shown me... that's impossible. As long as there are those that remember what was, there will always be those that are unable to accept what can be. They will resist. [...] I'm thankful. Because now, I know what I must do. I will shred this universe down to its last atom. And then, with the stones you've collected for me, create a new one — teeming with life that knows not what it has lost but only what it has been given. A grateful universe."
— Thanos, Avengers: Endgame
"What a fool to give us thy life for thy sister's."
— Winifred Sanderson, Hocus Pocus
"You know what Jesus' big mistake was? Huh? He didn't offer up a sacrifice in his stead. The cruciform is a constant reminder of that."
— Jeremiah Sand, Mandy (2018)
"Have you finished Charlotte's Web yet? Spoiler alert: she dies at the end. But she leaves a big, creepy egg sac."
— Dr. Ivo Robotnik, Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
Literature
"Blind you are, Morgoth Bauglir, and blind shall you ever be, seeing only the dark. You know not what rules the hearts of men, and if you knew you could not give it."
"If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love."
— Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
"His knowledge remained woefully incomplete, Harry! That which Voldemort does not value, he takes no trouble to comprehend. Of house-elves and children's tales, of love, loyalty and innocence, Voldemort knows and understands nothing. Nothing. That they all have a power beyond his own, a power beyond the reach of any magic, is a truth that he has never grasped."
— Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Mordred and Agravaine thought Arthur hypocritical — as all decent men must be, if you assume that decency can't exist.
"[Supreme Chancellor Fey'lya] lives in a world where alliances shift by the moment. Borsk does what Borsk needs to do, at any given moment, to benefit Borsk. And he's so jaded by that political philosophy that he thinks everyone else plays by the same rules."
— Luke Skywalker, Vector Prime
Madeline Raith: You refuse to appear with the House at meetings of the Court, and spend your time among the kine, grooming them and bringing shame upon your family. At least tell me you are planning to take the beasts to some sort of auction.
Thomas Raith: You aren't capable of understanding why I do what I do.
Thomas Raith: You aren't capable of understanding why I do what I do.
"People like you always mistake compassion for weakness."
— Harry Dresden, The Dresden Files — Death Masks
Aftran: What's your game, human? You save me, you guide me, now you feed me? What are you trying to prove?
Cassie: It bothers you, doesn't it?
Aftran: What bothers me?
Cassie: It bothers you when your victims don't hate you.
— Animorphs #19: The Departure
Corran Horn: You don't get it, do you? You've already lost and you're continuing down that losing path. Haven't the last four thousand years taught you anything?
Exar Kun: I know more than you could ever hope to learn in four thousand years or forty thousand years.
Corran Horn: That may be. But I know the one thing you don't. You're never going to win. You destroy those who oppose you, and what does that leave you?
Exar Kun: The faithful.
Corran Horn: From among whom arises a rival. You have a schism.
Exar Kun: And I destroy the heretics.
Corran Horn: Yes, you do. And again and again that cycle repeats itself and you let it go on because you've forgotten the most fundamental truth of reality: Life creates the Force. When Kyp destroyed Carida, he diminished your power. When you destroyed Gantoris, you diminished your power. You're a predator over-grazing your prey, but you can't stop because the dark side fills you with this aching hunger that will never be satisfied.
Exar Kun: I know more than you could ever hope to learn in four thousand years or forty thousand years.
Corran Horn: That may be. But I know the one thing you don't. You're never going to win. You destroy those who oppose you, and what does that leave you?
Exar Kun: The faithful.
Corran Horn: From among whom arises a rival. You have a schism.
Exar Kun: And I destroy the heretics.
Corran Horn: Yes, you do. And again and again that cycle repeats itself and you let it go on because you've forgotten the most fundamental truth of reality: Life creates the Force. When Kyp destroyed Carida, he diminished your power. When you destroyed Gantoris, you diminished your power. You're a predator over-grazing your prey, but you can't stop because the dark side fills you with this aching hunger that will never be satisfied.
— I, Jedi
The sudden epidemics across France were suspicious to the Allies, but since the illnesses had no real military utility there was much doubt expressed when Reich involvement was first suggested. As the locations of the outbreaks grew the chance of co-incidence in their origin shrank, although naysayers remained. It was not until the Isle of Wright small pox case was reported on December 10th that it was universally accepted in Western capitals that the Nazi regime had, for some inexplicable reason, contaminated portions of France, and were attempting to contaminate Britain, with highly infectious and quite lethal, although medically controllable, diseases.
What the Allied leaders did not understand, and was not clear until after the war, was that the Reich had fully expected that their efforts would indeed devastate Allied ground troops. The Nazis, not entirely unreasonably, had assumed that most of the troops of non-Anglo/American origin would not have received full vaccination regimens and that their formations would lack adequate medical staffing to deal with the epidemics, which surely sweep through their ranks. The Party gave scant concern to the welfare of most of the National forces and large segments of the civilian populations in the Occupied Countries, considering them to be little more than animated machinery, and assumed that the same would hold true for their enemies.
Indeed there is some evidence that Himmler was more surprised by the massive medical effort that the Allies made to help the local population than he was that the Allies had bothered to provide sufficient medical support to their "slave troops". This remarkably brutal worldview may provide one of the best windows into the depravity that was the 3rd Reich.
What the Allied leaders did not understand, and was not clear until after the war, was that the Reich had fully expected that their efforts would indeed devastate Allied ground troops. The Nazis, not entirely unreasonably, had assumed that most of the troops of non-Anglo/American origin would not have received full vaccination regimens and that their formations would lack adequate medical staffing to deal with the epidemics, which surely sweep through their ranks. The Party gave scant concern to the welfare of most of the National forces and large segments of the civilian populations in the Occupied Countries, considering them to be little more than animated machinery, and assumed that the same would hold true for their enemies.
Indeed there is some evidence that Himmler was more surprised by the massive medical effort that the Allies made to help the local population than he was that the Allies had bothered to provide sufficient medical support to their "slave troops". This remarkably brutal worldview may provide one of the best windows into the depravity that was the 3rd Reich.
The other Picard did not rage or fume or anything else: he sat coolly and looked at his counterpart. "I don't understand you, Captain. I am offering you a chance to survive."
"There are more important things than survival," Picard said very softly. "And no, you do not understand us.
"May we never so change that you do."
"There are more important things than survival," Picard said very softly. "And no, you do not understand us.
"May we never so change that you do."
"The treacherous are ever distrustful."
— Gandalf, The Two Towers
To a monster the norm must seem monstrous, since everyone is normal to himself. To the inner monster it must be even more obscure, since he has no visible thing to compare with others. To a man born without conscience, a soul-stricken man must seem ridiculous. To a criminal, honesty is foolish. You must not forget that a monster is only a variation, and that to a monster the norm is monstrous.
Live-Action TV
Hamilton: Why do you keep fighting? You signed away your Shanshu. There's nothing in it for you anymore.
Angel: People who don't care about anything... will never understand the people who do.
Hamilton: Yeah, but we won't care.
Angel: People who don't care about anything... will never understand the people who do.
Hamilton: Yeah, but we won't care.
— Angel
Tobias: There's a saying in therapy: "Hurt people... hurt people".
Lucille: I like that. I usually go with, "Make people cry, make people cry", but your version includes when people won't give you the satisfaction.
Lucille: I like that. I usually go with, "Make people cry, make people cry", but your version includes when people won't give you the satisfaction.
— Season 5 of Arrested Development
"You know the difference between us? I really do understand you. You only think you understand me."
— Michael Westen to Larry Sizemore, Burn Notice
"You have no conscience, and that's your weakness. Did it ever occur to you that there are very few people who will take money to forget about a murder? It didn't, did it? I knew it wouldn't. No conscience, limits your imagination. You can't conceive of anybody being any different than what you are."
— Columbo, Columbo
"'Cause the one thing that you always ask is the one thing I don't understand: why. I've no idea why. I see a guy walking down the street with a stupid look on his face and I want to bash him over the head with a bottle. To me, that's normal. It's weird to me that no one else feels that way."
— Eric Olsen, Criminal Minds
"You know, all this talk about 'These guys are criminal masterminds. They've gotten together and their extraordinary guile and their wit and their skill...', it's, it's — it's a lie. Any fool can blow something up. Any fool can destroy. But to see these guys, these firefighters and these policemen and people from all over the country, literally with buckets, rebuilding... that's extraordinary. And that's why we have already won... they can't... it's light. It's democracy. They can't shut that down."
— Jon Stewart, in the first post-September 11th, 2001 episode of The Daily Show
Maaga: I don't know. I have heard that on occasions, they even die for one another.
Drahvin 3: Die? For their friends?
Maaga: There are many strange things in the universe.
Drahvin 3: Die? For their friends?
Maaga: There are many strange things in the universe.
— Doctor Who, "Galaxy 4"
"Pity? I have no understanding of the word. It is not registered in my vocabulary bank."
— A Dalek, Doctor Who, "Genesis of the Daleks"
Cyber-Leader: [watching from above as humans and Cybermen fight] I ordered surrender.
Tenth Doctor: They're not taking instructions. Don't you understand? You're on every street, you're in their homes, you've got their children! Of course they're gonna FIGHT!
Tenth Doctor: They're not taking instructions. Don't you understand? You're on every street, you're in their homes, you've got their children! Of course they're gonna FIGHT!
— Doctor Who, "Doomsday"
Harriet: Harriet Jones, former Prime Minister.
Dalek: Yes, we know who you are.
Harriet: Oh, you know nothing of any human. And that will be your downfall.
Dalek: Yes, we know who you are.
Harriet: Oh, you know nothing of any human. And that will be your downfall.
Lester Nygaard: But I'm not the person you think I am, some kind of monster.
Molly Solverson: There was a fella once, running for a train. And he had a pair of gloves, this man, and he loses a glove on the platform, but he doesn't notice. And then later on, he's on this train sitting by the window, and he realizes he's just got this one glove left. But the train's already started pulling out of the station. So what does he do? He opens the window and drops the other glove on the platform: now whoever finds the first glove can just have the pair.
Lester Nygaard: So, what are you telling me?
Molly: ...Goodbye, Mr. Nygaard.
Molly Solverson: There was a fella once, running for a train. And he had a pair of gloves, this man, and he loses a glove on the platform, but he doesn't notice. And then later on, he's on this train sitting by the window, and he realizes he's just got this one glove left. But the train's already started pulling out of the station. So what does he do? He opens the window and drops the other glove on the platform: now whoever finds the first glove can just have the pair.
Lester Nygaard: So, what are you telling me?
Molly: ...Goodbye, Mr. Nygaard.
— Fargo
Saffron: Everybody plays each other. That's all anybody ever does. We play parts.
Mal: You got all kinds a learnin' and you made me look the fool without even trying, and yet here I am with a gun to your head. That's 'cause I've got people with me, people who trust each other, who do for each other, and ain't always looking for the advantage.
Mal: You got all kinds a learnin' and you made me look the fool without even trying, and yet here I am with a gun to your head. That's 'cause I've got people with me, people who trust each other, who do for each other, and ain't always looking for the advantage.
— Firefly
Sauron:... You bind me to the light. And I bind you to power. Together, we can save this Middle-earth.
Galadriel: Save? Or rule?
Sauron: I see no difference.
Galadriel: And that is why... I will never be at your side.
Galadriel: Save? Or rule?
Sauron: I see no difference.
Galadriel: And that is why... I will never be at your side.
Tobias Beecher: The only thing I believe in life. Every life is precious, not just yours and mine. And every single person on the planet who's breathing... their lives are precious. And the loss of a single person, even in Oz, is my loss too.
Chris Keller: [Beat] Well, that's bullshit.
Chris Keller: [Beat] Well, that's bullshit.
— Oz
Quiz Show Host: Category: You're Boning Your Boss's Wife. Etiquette Question. Do you serve red wine or white wine when she comes over?
[the two contestants think it over before the buzzer rings]
Quiz Show Host: All right, that was actually a trick question. The correct answer is, "you shouldn't be boning your boss's wife". Now that's something you'd know if you either of you had a conscience.
[the two contestants think it over before the buzzer rings]
Quiz Show Host: All right, that was actually a trick question. The correct answer is, "you shouldn't be boning your boss's wife". Now that's something you'd know if you either of you had a conscience.
"Ultraman, you traitor. You aren’t human. Yet, why do you defend them? Why don’t you defend us aliens?"
— Alien Carmilla, Return of Ultraman
Lex: You were born to be the chosen one. You're simply better than us.
Clark: And that always killed you.
Lex: No. No, what "killed" me was is that you didn't even want it. You fought it, you — you hid from it! I would have taken it, and then relished it, embraced it.
Clark: And that always killed you.
Lex: No. No, what "killed" me was is that you didn't even want it. You fought it, you — you hid from it! I would have taken it, and then relished it, embraced it.
— Smallville, "Finale"
Picard/Locutus of Borg: Worf. Klingon species. A warrior race. You too will be assimilated.
Worf: The Klingon Empire will never yield!
Locutus: Why do you resist? We only wish to raise quality of life for all species.
Worf: I like my species the way it is!
Worf: The Klingon Empire will never yield!
Locutus: Why do you resist? We only wish to raise quality of life for all species.
Worf: I like my species the way it is!
"You still don't get it, do you? Huh?! This ain't about your money, bro, your boy gave you up. That's right. And we ain't had to torture his ass neither!"
— Omar Little, The Wire
Music
Deaf, dumb, and blind, you just keep on pretending,
That everyone's expendable, and no one has a real friend.
It seems to you, the thing to do would be to isolate the winner,
Everything's done under the sun,
And you believe at heart, everyone's a killer!
That everyone's expendable, and no one has a real friend.
It seems to you, the thing to do would be to isolate the winner,
Everything's done under the sun,
And you believe at heart, everyone's a killer!
— Pink Floyd, "Dogs" (Animals)
Myths & Religion
Evil people do not understand justice, but those who follow the Lord understand it completely.
— Book of Proverbs 28:5
Tabletop Games
Liliana: You didn't tell Chandra about Josu.
Gideon: No, and I won't. It's not my story to tell, is it.
Liliana: If you told her, you might have used it to make her feel... make her feel she should help us kill Belzenlok.
Gideon: Liliana... If that's what you want, why didn't you tell her?
Liliana: I don't need to, do I? She already wants to help us kill Belzenlok.
Gideon: Because she agrees with us that it has to be done before we face Nicol Bolas again. I don't even know what you're asking me. Are you trying to find out why my first impulse isn't to use information given to me in strict confidence by one friend to manipulate another friend?
Liliana: No, of course not! [storms out]
Gideon: Her capacity to lie to herself is almost infinite.
Gideon: No, and I won't. It's not my story to tell, is it.
Liliana: If you told her, you might have used it to make her feel... make her feel she should help us kill Belzenlok.
Gideon: Liliana... If that's what you want, why didn't you tell her?
Liliana: I don't need to, do I? She already wants to help us kill Belzenlok.
Gideon: Because she agrees with us that it has to be done before we face Nicol Bolas again. I don't even know what you're asking me. Are you trying to find out why my first impulse isn't to use information given to me in strict confidence by one friend to manipulate another friend?
Liliana: No, of course not! [storms out]
Gideon: Her capacity to lie to herself is almost infinite.
— Magic: The Gathering, Return To Dominaria
He stood transfixed, able to do nothing but ponder a life of peace and redemption. It was the worst five minutes of his life.
— Magic: The Gathering, Swords to Plowshares (Secret Lair Drop: Happy Yargle Day!)
Theatre
I am damaged, but you're different,
You're the one we ought to spare;
God knows why you'd want to save them,
But you beat me fair and square...
You're the one we ought to spare;
God knows why you'd want to save them,
But you beat me fair and square...
—Heathers, "I Am Damaged" (West End version)
Who is this man? What sort of devil is he
To have me caught in a trap and choose to let me go free?
It was his hour at last to put a seal on my fate,
Wipe out the past and wash me clean off the slate—
All it would take was a flick of his knife;
Vengeance was his and he gave me back my life!
To have me caught in a trap and choose to let me go free?
It was his hour at last to put a seal on my fate,
Wipe out the past and wash me clean off the slate—
All it would take was a flick of his knife;
Vengeance was his and he gave me back my life!
Video Games
"The desire to save someone is something he cannot comprehend at all."
— Raymond Shields on The Mastermind/Simon Keyes, Ace Attorney Investigations 2
"COME ON NOW. IS YOUR "TRUE LOVE" REALLY ALL THAT POWERFUL?
I was so close. STOP. LET ME WIN.
L LL Ove ISn't REAL! It's JUUSTT an ILLusION."
I was so close. STOP. LET ME WIN.
L LL Ove ISn't REAL! It's JUUSTT an ILLusION."
— The Killer/Tyrannia, Annventure
Dr. Young: Let's discuss your obsession with the Batman.
Riddler: Hardly an "obsession", Miss Young. I simply feel the obligation to expose him.
Dr. Young: You know who he is?
Riddler: More important, I know what he is.
Dr. Young: What do you mean?
Riddler: It's obvious! The mask, the weapons, the scare tactics; he's a criminal. No different than Joker, Two-Face, or myself.
Dr. Young: Most people would consider him a hero.
Riddler: [loudly stands up] Most people are idiots! They can't see Batman for the villain he is! Riddle Me This! Where did he get his car and his gadgets?
Dr. Young: I-I don't—
Riddler: With money stolen from the criminals he "defeats"! Why does Gordon turn a blind eye to his antics? Batman bribes him! The answers are right in front of your stupid, gawking face!
Dr. Young: Edward, please calm down!
Riddler: WAKE UP, GOTHAM! No sane, law-abiding man does those things! No one's that selfless! Batman is as vile as they come!
Dr. Young: Security! Security!
Riddler: Hardly an "obsession", Miss Young. I simply feel the obligation to expose him.
Dr. Young: You know who he is?
Riddler: More important, I know what he is.
Dr. Young: What do you mean?
Riddler: It's obvious! The mask, the weapons, the scare tactics; he's a criminal. No different than Joker, Two-Face, or myself.
Dr. Young: Most people would consider him a hero.
Riddler: [loudly stands up] Most people are idiots! They can't see Batman for the villain he is! Riddle Me This! Where did he get his car and his gadgets?
Dr. Young: I-I don't—
Riddler: With money stolen from the criminals he "defeats"! Why does Gordon turn a blind eye to his antics? Batman bribes him! The answers are right in front of your stupid, gawking face!
Dr. Young: Edward, please calm down!
Riddler: WAKE UP, GOTHAM! No sane, law-abiding man does those things! No one's that selfless! Batman is as vile as they come!
Dr. Young: Security! Security!
"Heh, it's strange, but the thought of not being driven by external validation is unthinkable, like I actually cannot conceive of what that would be like!"
— Davey Wreden, The Beginner's Guide
"By sparing Grace, do you seek to gain my trust? A feeble ruse. Your crocodile tears may poison her with doubt, but I am not so easy a mark."
— Sofia Lamb, BioShock 2
AI Junko Enoshima: Y-you all...why? Why? How...how can you throw yourselves back into the depths of despair!?
Hajime Hinata: Because we believe...
AI Junko: ...huh?
Hajime: We believe in our future. That's what makes us different from you. We believe that if we try new things, even difficult things, that everything will turn out okay. We believe we can even create our own futures!
AI Junko: Th-that's impossible! That can't be hope... it's not even despair... WH-WH-WHAT IIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSS THIIIIIIIIIIIS!?
Hajime Hinata: Because we believe...
AI Junko: ...huh?
Hajime: We believe in our future. That's what makes us different from you. We believe that if we try new things, even difficult things, that everything will turn out okay. We believe we can even create our own futures!
AI Junko: Th-that's impossible! That can't be hope... it's not even despair... WH-WH-WHAT IIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSS THIIIIIIIIIIIS!?
— The final trial, Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
Sanctus: The power of Sparda... why won't you give me strength?! Am I not worthy?!
Nero: Never could take those legends too literally. But I do know that Sparda had a heart. A heart that could love another person, a human. And that is what you lack.
Nero: Never could take those legends too literally. But I do know that Sparda had a heart. A heart that could love another person, a human. And that is what you lack.
Christo: The corpses disobeyed their master... i-is this a miracle?
Killia: No, not a miracle. The love they have for their daughter beat out the evil energy.
Majorita: Don't be ridiculous... love?! Corpses should just be quiet and obey me, like corpses do...! If you love her so much, then I'll turn her into a corpse right now! Die, little girl!!
Killia: No, not a miracle. The love they have for their daughter beat out the evil energy.
Majorita: Don't be ridiculous... love?! Corpses should just be quiet and obey me, like corpses do...! If you love her so much, then I'll turn her into a corpse right now! Die, little girl!!
— Disgaea 5, before the final battle of Chapter 10
"Why do you never learn? Love, hope, dreams... Worthless. Mere words. And yet your faith in them refuses to die. But no longer. I shall carve a despair into the human soul that will last until your kind finally dwindles and dies!"
— Mordegon, Dragon Quest XI
Exdeath: Why... why won't you die!?
Galuf: Takes a lot more than that... for me to kick the bucket! I'll destroy you, Exdeath... even if it means I have to take you into the afterlife myself!
Exdeath: Fool! All the hatred in existence would never be enough to defeat me!
Galuf: This... isn't anger... isn't hatred... it's...
Exdeath: Then... what...?
Galuf: Takes a lot more than that... for me to kick the bucket! I'll destroy you, Exdeath... even if it means I have to take you into the afterlife myself!
Exdeath: Fool! All the hatred in existence would never be enough to defeat me!
Galuf: This... isn't anger... isn't hatred... it's...
Exdeath: Then... what...?
"Life... Dreams... Hope... Where do they come from? And where do they go? Such meaningless things... I'll destroy them all!"
— Kefka Palazzo, Final Fantasy VI
Zidane: As long as there's hope, I'm not going anywhere.
Kuja: [beaten] Then... I want you to erase me.
Zidane: What?
Kuja: The world has disowned me. I have been defeated by life itself.
[Zidane closes the distance between them. Kuja chuckles, perhaps expecting Zidane to go through with it - but Zidane offers him his hand]
Kuja: Why?
Zidane: Do I need a reason to help someone? Or is my help not good enough for you?
Kuja: It's likely that... I will hurt you again.
Zidane: I can take a beating.
Kuja: I don't think I will ever come to understand you.
Kuja: [beaten] Then... I want you to erase me.
Zidane: What?
Kuja: The world has disowned me. I have been defeated by life itself.
[Zidane closes the distance between them. Kuja chuckles, perhaps expecting Zidane to go through with it - but Zidane offers him his hand]
Kuja: Why?
Zidane: Do I need a reason to help someone? Or is my help not good enough for you?
Kuja: It's likely that... I will hurt you again.
Zidane: I can take a beating.
Kuja: I don't think I will ever come to understand you.
Hel: But how? I carved my will into your very being. It's impossible for you to disobey me!
Alfonse: It must be difficult for the ruler of the dead to understand those who still have beating hearts.
Alfonse: It must be difficult for the ruler of the dead to understand those who still have beating hearts.
Augustine: Seven years, I've kept them safe. Me! I won't let anyone undo that. Not the government… not the army… not you.
Delsin: Seven years, all you've done is keep them locked up. You just took away their freedom.
Augustine: So tell me, what would you do? Just throw open the gates at Curdun Cay Station? Set them all free?
Delsin: You bet your ass, I would!
Augustine: The world hasn't changed in the past seven years. Inside, the Conduits are safe. They've alive! You turn them out, they'd all be dead inside a week! So tell me, who's the savior and who's the monster?
Delsin: Seven years, all you've done is keep them locked up. You just took away their freedom.
Augustine: So tell me, what would you do? Just throw open the gates at Curdun Cay Station? Set them all free?
Delsin: You bet your ass, I would!
Augustine: The world hasn't changed in the past seven years. Inside, the Conduits are safe. They've alive! You turn them out, they'd all be dead inside a week! So tell me, who's the savior and who's the monster?
Sora: Hey, let Pinocchio go, Riku!
Riku: A puppet that's lost its heart to The Heartless... Maybe it holds the key to helping Kairi. How about it, Sora? Let's join forces to save her. We can do it, together.
Sora: (Takes out his Keyblade as Riku approaches him, causing him to stop in surprise)
Riku: What? You'd rather fight me? Over a puppet that has no heart?
Sora: Heart or no heart, at least he still has a conscience.
Riku: Conscience?
Sora: You might not hear it, but right now it's loud and clear. And it's telling me you're on the wrong side!
Riku: Then you leave me no choice.
Riku: A puppet that's lost its heart to The Heartless... Maybe it holds the key to helping Kairi. How about it, Sora? Let's join forces to save her. We can do it, together.
Sora: (Takes out his Keyblade as Riku approaches him, causing him to stop in surprise)
Riku: What? You'd rather fight me? Over a puppet that has no heart?
Sora: Heart or no heart, at least he still has a conscience.
Riku: Conscience?
Sora: You might not hear it, but right now it's loud and clear. And it's telling me you're on the wrong side!
Riku: Then you leave me no choice.
Xemnas: I need... more rage... I need more... hearts...
Sora: Xemnas. There's more to a heart than just anger or hate. It's full of all kinds of feelings. Don't you remember?
Xemnas: Unfortunately... I don't.
Sora: Xemnas. There's more to a heart than just anger or hate. It's full of all kinds of feelings. Don't you remember?
Xemnas: Unfortunately... I don't.
"You're too clouded by darkness to see that there's something greater. Try all you want, but you'll never defeat a heart filled with pure light."
— Aqua to Maleficent, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep
"Xehanort, you're so caught up in finding the shadows, you forgot about the light that cast them."
— Sora to Young Xehanort, Kingdom Hearts III
Georg Weissmann: Hah... STILL sticking to the 'mutual assistance' argument and invoking the power of 'human bonds,' of all things... I would ask you to read a history book before saying such nonsense, Ms. Bright. As an example, consider the overpowering, nation-crushing machine called 'war'. Is man not only capable of being ground beneath its treads?
Estelle: Absolutely not! In the middle of the biggest war in Liberl's history, my mother gave her life to save mine! And because of that, I chose the path of a bracer, and now... look at me! I'm here to stop the crisis YOU caused and prevent another war from breaking out! All thanks, in the end, to my mother! Hell, I'd say you just made my point for me! People are NOT powerless! Not against anything!
Weissmann: Pfeh! You're quite good at trite answers, if nothing else.
Estelle: If you really, seriously believe people are powerless... And you've really convinced yourself humanity can only be 'saved' by you turning us into emotionless superbeings... Then that makes you really pathetic, I think.
Weissmann: What?!
Estelle: I mean, that'd mean you've never known the joy of trusting someone or helping them. To think that your only smug satisfaction comes from watching people struggle... That's just... That's too sad.
Estelle: Absolutely not! In the middle of the biggest war in Liberl's history, my mother gave her life to save mine! And because of that, I chose the path of a bracer, and now... look at me! I'm here to stop the crisis YOU caused and prevent another war from breaking out! All thanks, in the end, to my mother! Hell, I'd say you just made my point for me! People are NOT powerless! Not against anything!
Weissmann: Pfeh! You're quite good at trite answers, if nothing else.
Estelle: If you really, seriously believe people are powerless... And you've really convinced yourself humanity can only be 'saved' by you turning us into emotionless superbeings... Then that makes you really pathetic, I think.
Weissmann: What?!
Estelle: I mean, that'd mean you've never known the joy of trusting someone or helping them. To think that your only smug satisfaction comes from watching people struggle... That's just... That's too sad.
"What the hell is wrong with you people?"
— Zak to Kamala, Marvel's Avengers
Weil: The desire for power. The joy of making everything work for you. You have no way of experiencing this without a human brain. It's the ultimate joy! No mere Reploids could ever understand!
Zero: I bet most decent humans wouldn't understand, either. You look like another Maverick, to me. All I gotta do is dispose of you like any other Maverick.
Zero: I bet most decent humans wouldn't understand, either. You look like another Maverick, to me. All I gotta do is dispose of you like any other Maverick.
Sosiel: Could you please keep your distance when I am hearing confessions? Confession is a private sacrament.
Wenduag: Ah, you want to use their secrets yourself? You're far more cunning than I gave you credit for, priest.
Wenduag: Ah, you want to use their secrets yourself? You're far more cunning than I gave you credit for, priest.
"...Are you all idiots? You should get rid of me... if you don't want me getting in your way.
[none of the Thieves move to attack him]
..You all are truly beyond my comprehension."
[none of the Thieves move to attack him]
..You all are truly beyond my comprehension."
"That Pokémon [Giratina]... That shadowy Pokémon was captured/defeated?! / That shadowy Pokémon... You quelled its rage by refusing to battle it?! Your doing so means that this irrational world will remain in existence! Does that make it impossible for me to create a new world? Even if I made new Red Chains, the new world can't be made! Why?! What compels you to protect the two worlds? Is spirit, a vague and incomplete thing, so important to you?!"
— Cyrus, Pokémon Platinum
"I'm not your puppet, Vox! You actually think I'd kill other heroes to get rich? You're not just corrupt, you're stupid."
— Ratchet, Ratchet: Deadlocked
Dr. Nefarious: Why did you save me?
Captain Quark: I dunno, you would've done the same thing for me, right?
Dr. Nefarious: (beat) ...Yeaaaaahhhh.
Captain Quark: I dunno, you would've done the same thing for me, right?
Dr. Nefarious: (beat) ...Yeaaaaahhhh.
MAN'S MYSTERY
Man is mortal, and doomed to death and failure and loss.
This lies beyond our comprehension - why do you not despair?
Man is mortal, and doomed to death and failure and loss.
This lies beyond our comprehension - why do you not despair?
Sly: I don't get it. You knew so much about my family, you must have known my father had a son. If you hated the Coopers so much, then why did you let me live when you stole the Thievius Raccoonus?
Clockwerk: Because I wanted to show the world that without your precious book, the Cooper line was nothing!
Sly: Ah, see, that's where you're wrong: the Thievius Raccoonus doesn't create great thieves, it takes great thieves to create the Thievius Raccoonus!
Clockwerk: Because I wanted to show the world that without your precious book, the Cooper line was nothing!
Sly: Ah, see, that's where you're wrong: the Thievius Raccoonus doesn't create great thieves, it takes great thieves to create the Thievius Raccoonus!
Neyla: What's the problem, Poodle? Afraid you can't take me on? Have to call up your little friends for help?
Sly: (speaking into a transmitter) Come in, "little friends". Neyla's got me pinned down.
Sly: (speaking into a transmitter) Come in, "little friends". Neyla's got me pinned down.
"Who needs friends when you can have servants? Who needs affection when you can have obedience? Ah, why try to convince you when I can simply destroy you?"
— General Tsao to Sly Cooper, Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves
Nero: Well? Why don't you join us?
Red: Join you? After razing that innocent town?!
Nero: What's the big deal? You are a hybrid, are you not? Why do you have sympathy for these beasts?
Red: Beasts?! Me, Ms. Fraisier, the kids, we're all people!
Nero: Heh heh, you're very funny.
Red: Join you? After razing that innocent town?!
Nero: What's the big deal? You are a hybrid, are you not? Why do you have sympathy for these beasts?
Red: Beasts?! Me, Ms. Fraisier, the kids, we're all people!
Nero: Heh heh, you're very funny.
Sho: I've been waiting to knock some sense into you, ya crow!
Dita: Don't make me laugh! You abducted and used my beloved sister! You may destroy the Vaikun, but you can't stop Mandler! Anum! You don't need them anymore. I'll save you!
Luna: Dita, you've got to wake up! You and I are both synthoids created by Mega Zofer. We're weapons they made to take over the universe!
Dita: That's absurd! Terrans are the true evil corrupting the universe! The force that toppled our officers must be stopped!
(later...)
Dita: Ugh...! You've grown much stronger than you were before!
Sho: Damn right! When you fight for galactic peace and justice, you can't lose!
Dita: You speak of justice?! You cowards who use my own sister against me?!
Luna: They're not cowards! They're my dearest friends! The only one being used here is you!
Dita: Still you speak such nonsense!
(eventually...)
Dita: Why do you persist?! What drives you to keep fighting?!
Sho: We fight for every soldier who fell before us. We fight for everyone behind us who holds out hope for peace. We fight to honor their sacrifices and faith!
Luna: Dita, please! Be the kind and loving brother I once knew again!
Dita: Ugh... I... I must...!
Dita: Don't make me laugh! You abducted and used my beloved sister! You may destroy the Vaikun, but you can't stop Mandler! Anum! You don't need them anymore. I'll save you!
Luna: Dita, you've got to wake up! You and I are both synthoids created by Mega Zofer. We're weapons they made to take over the universe!
Dita: That's absurd! Terrans are the true evil corrupting the universe! The force that toppled our officers must be stopped!
(later...)
Dita: Ugh...! You've grown much stronger than you were before!
Sho: Damn right! When you fight for galactic peace and justice, you can't lose!
Dita: You speak of justice?! You cowards who use my own sister against me?!
Luna: They're not cowards! They're my dearest friends! The only one being used here is you!
Dita: Still you speak such nonsense!
(eventually...)
Dita: Why do you persist?! What drives you to keep fighting?!
Sho: We fight for every soldier who fell before us. We fight for everyone behind us who holds out hope for peace. We fight to honor their sacrifices and faith!
Luna: Dita, please! Be the kind and loving brother I once knew again!
Dita: Ugh... I... I must...!
Gamma: Hand me the bird.
Amy: Nope!
Gamma: Quietly hand over the bird.
Amy: No, never!
Gamma: Why not?
Amy: I don't need to tell you anything! You tell me why you want it, now!
Gamma: Does not compute.
Amy: You don't even know? I know you might hurt us both. Please, Mr. Robot… won't you help us, please?
Gamma: Insufficient data. You have feelings for something you know nothing about. Illogical.
Amy: I feel sorry for you. Love is not part of your programming; you are missing something good!
Amy: Nope!
Gamma: Quietly hand over the bird.
Amy: No, never!
Gamma: Why not?
Amy: I don't need to tell you anything! You tell me why you want it, now!
Gamma: Does not compute.
Amy: You don't even know? I know you might hurt us both. Please, Mr. Robot… won't you help us, please?
Gamma: Insufficient data. You have feelings for something you know nothing about. Illogical.
Amy: I feel sorry for you. Love is not part of your programming; you are missing something good!
— Sonic Adventure (Amy's story)
Eggman: What!? It can't be! It's impossible to get out of the Phantom Ruby's null space!
Sonic: Well, maybe by myself, but I had a little help from my friend. Something you wouldn't understand, since you don't have any friends!
Sonic: Well, maybe by myself, but I had a little help from my friend. Something you wouldn't understand, since you don't have any friends!
"I saw your mind. Your courage never wavered. Why? Arrogance? Ignorance? Stupidity? I was contained, once. Once. Is that why?"
— THE END to Sonic, Sonic Frontiers
Doctor Octopus: How much is Osborn paying you to protect him!?
Spider-Man: I'm not protecting him! I'm trying to save the city!
Spider-Man: I'm not protecting him! I'm trying to save the city!
Megatron: Cybertron is the center of my universe! How is it not the heart of yours?!
Optimus: Cybertron is about all life! Destruction to keep Cybertron on life support... There must be another way!
Megatron: Flesh isn't life! Servos, gyros, and fuel— this is where life comes from! You're defending by-product at best! I will restore Cybertron and retake the galaxy!
Optimus: Cybertron is about all life! Destruction to keep Cybertron on life support... There must be another way!
Megatron: Flesh isn't life! Servos, gyros, and fuel— this is where life comes from! You're defending by-product at best! I will restore Cybertron and retake the galaxy!
— Megatron to Optimus during their final confrontation in Transformers: Devastation.
Chloe Frazer: [after solving a puzzle involving two mechanical sculptures of Ganesh and Parashurama, which ended with Parashurama's axe stopping a few feet away from her throat] He yielded.
Asav: I-I don't understand.note
Chloe: That's 'cause you've got it all twisted, my friend. Ganesh allowed himself to be struck by the axe.
Asav: [incredulously] That makes no sense.
Chloe: Not to a selfish prick, no. [One of Asav's men handcuffs her to a railing with her friends] You see, Ganesh could've defeated Parashurama easily, but if he had, that would've made Shiva's axe look weak. Powerless.
Nadine Ross: Ganesh sacrificed himself to preserve his father's honor.
Chloe: See? Even she gets it. Not a drop of Indian blood in her.
Asav: I-I don't understand.note
Chloe: That's 'cause you've got it all twisted, my friend. Ganesh allowed himself to be struck by the axe.
Asav: [incredulously] That makes no sense.
Chloe: Not to a selfish prick, no. [One of Asav's men handcuffs her to a railing with her friends] You see, Ganesh could've defeated Parashurama easily, but if he had, that would've made Shiva's axe look weak. Powerless.
Nadine Ross: Ganesh sacrificed himself to preserve his father's honor.
Chloe: See? Even she gets it. Not a drop of Indian blood in her.
...What are you doing? Do you really think I've learned anything from this? No.
Sparing me won't change anything. Killing me is the only way to end this.
If you let me live... I'll come back.
I'll kill you.
I'll kill everyone.
I'll kill everyone you love.
...
....?
... why?
...why are you being... so nice to me?
I can't understand.
I can't understand!
I just can't understand...
[Flowey ran away]
Sparing me won't change anything. Killing me is the only way to end this.
If you let me live... I'll come back.
I'll kill you.
I'll kill everyone.
I'll kill everyone you love.
...
....?
... why?
...why are you being... so nice to me?
I can't understand.
I can't understand!
I just can't understand...
[Flowey ran away]
— Flowey, should you repeatedly choose [MERCY] after defeating him, Undertale
"We had created monsters we couldn't control. We drugged them, tortured them, eviscerated them... We brutalized their minds... but it did not work. Until they came. And it was not their force of will — not their Void devilry — not their alien darkness... it was something else. It was that somehow, from within the derelict-horror, they had learned a way to see inside an ugly, broken thing — and take away its pain."
— Ballas, Warframe
Webcomics
Agent 146: I'm stupid? Don't you realize the chip is power? Communications, politics, money... anything! And you're pissing it away!
The Girl: No, we get it. We're just not that kind of people.
The Girl: No, we get it. We're just not that kind of people.
— A Girl and Her Fed, p. 659
Elan: I saved you 'cause I'm the Good twin, not the Neutral twin.
Nale: ... I don't get it.
Elan: Yup.
Nale: ... I don't get it.
Elan: Yup.
Goblin: Hey, so... are we throwing people off the roof, or what?
Redcloak: ...No. Let them go. This is a waste of time. They can go back to the slave pits and tell the other humans how merciful we were, and how one of their own paladins was willing to let them die. It'll be great PR, don't you agree?
[Gilligan Cut]
Slave #1: ...and the whole time, he never broke.
Slave #2: I never seen such stubbornness before!
Slave #3: I couldn't hear what info the goblin was after, but from the look on his face, he didn't get it.
Slave #4: So, some paladins made it through the battle?
Slave #5: They must be making that man's life a living hell!
Slave #6: By the Twelve Gods, if he can resist them, so can we!
Slave #7: Spread the word to the next cell.
Redcloak: ...No. Let them go. This is a waste of time. They can go back to the slave pits and tell the other humans how merciful we were, and how one of their own paladins was willing to let them die. It'll be great PR, don't you agree?
[Gilligan Cut]
Slave #1: ...and the whole time, he never broke.
Slave #2: I never seen such stubbornness before!
Slave #3: I couldn't hear what info the goblin was after, but from the look on his face, he didn't get it.
Slave #4: So, some paladins made it through the battle?
Slave #5: They must be making that man's life a living hell!
Slave #6: By the Twelve Gods, if he can resist them, so can we!
Slave #7: Spread the word to the next cell.
"That Buddha... why the hell is he so happy? I got way more friends on Facebook! My website gets more hits! I top the Forbes 100! He didn't even make the list! And I'm sexier than him!! His priorities must be all screwed up!"
— The Devil, Sinfest
"Your Questor made a move that they completely failed to prepare for. Unsurprising. I've found schemers and plotters are rarely able to cope with simple things like honor and courage."
— Archivist Guild lawyer, Tales of the Questor
"Florence might have trouble thinking like me, but I should be able to think like her. She's pretty straightforward, how hard could it be? Let's see. Florence works hard for me. Any time I'm threatened, she moves to counter it. When I was hungry, she gave me her food. [frowns] Okay, maybe it's not so easy to think like an alien. She's not moving in any pattern I can make sense of."
— Sam Starfallnote , Freefall
Arthur: You know, I despise dealing with bullies. One must use their own methods against them, because it's all they understand.
Royns: Yeah? Then how are you any better than me?
Arthur: That's the part you don't understand.
Royns: Yeah? Then how are you any better than me?
Arthur: That's the part you don't understand.
Morgan: I've seen how Lancelot and the Queen feel for each other. I needn't destroy Arthur — his loved ones shall do it for me.
[timeskip]
Morgan: It's been five years. He can't possibly remain ignorant — can he? I'd better make sure he's not.
[timeskip]
Morgan: I send enchanted cloaks. I send enchanted drinking vessels. All tricked against unfaithful wives. All neatly neutralized. Arthur must be colluding with them! But why?
[timeskip]
Morgan: He loves them. He just loves them that much. And they him. ...I wonder what that's like?
[timeskip]
Morgan: It's been five years. He can't possibly remain ignorant — can he? I'd better make sure he's not.
[timeskip]
Morgan: I send enchanted cloaks. I send enchanted drinking vessels. All tricked against unfaithful wives. All neatly neutralized. Arthur must be colluding with them! But why?
[timeskip]
Morgan: He loves them. He just loves them that much. And they him. ...I wonder what that's like?
"You really think everyone is faking their kindness? I've known a hundred thousand mortal lifetimes. I've seen them spare compassion for people more monstrous than anyone here. I've seen people like you, too. Do you all justify your monstrosity by convincing yourselves you're no worse than anyone else?"
— Kendal, Aurora (2019) here
Web Original
Fatal Flaw: Bellwether’s idea is that the majority prey’s fear will motivate them to choose prey animals as leaders (such as herself). What she didn’t count on was that people can evolve and see past their pasts and biology and still be friends. As a story-driven movie, I find it delightful that Judy looks like she’s going to die by the one thing everyone told her to be afraid of (a fox), but it serves to defeat the bad guy.
David: Every single plan the Joker makes here is predicated on the innate selfishness of human beings.
Andy: Right, he plays the systems: human self-interest, human rules and authority.
David: As we'll see as this movie goes on, the one thing the Joker absolutely cannot predict, and does not plan for, and doesn't understand, is altruism.
Chris: He and Lord Voldemort have so much to talk about, including their intense hatred of self-righteous orphans.
Andy: Right, he plays the systems: human self-interest, human rules and authority.
David: As we'll see as this movie goes on, the one thing the Joker absolutely cannot predict, and does not plan for, and doesn't understand, is altruism.
Chris: He and Lord Voldemort have so much to talk about, including their intense hatred of self-righteous orphans.
— Chris Sims, Andy Khouri, and David Uzumeri on The Dark Knight
The Dark KnightChris: For all that this movie gets wrong about Superman's character, Zod's discussion with Ursa about Superman's weakness is a really great bit.
David: They just can't at all comprehend that Superman actually thinks of other Earthlings as equals.
David: They just can't at all comprehend that Superman actually thinks of other Earthlings as equals.
— Chris Sims and David Uzumeri on Superman II
Superman IIChristian: It's about love!
Duke: [snarls] Love?
Nostalgia Critic as the Duke: Ah yes, that human emotion I have heard so much about.
Duke: [snarls] Love?
Nostalgia Critic as the Duke: Ah yes, that human emotion I have heard so much about.
— The Nostalgia Critic review of Moulin Rouge!
"No, what you mean is you would do that, because people are good, and decent, and kind! You, however, are an A-Hole, and it pisses you off so much to see a world where you didn't become a jerk-wad, because you can't accept that you're just a complete and total jackass!"
— Linkara giving his Mirror Universe Counterpart "The Reason You Suck" Speech in Atop the Fourth Wall
Locus: Why do you continue to help these people, Agent Washington? You have nothing to gain from them. No reason to fight for them. And yet, here you stand with your life on the line for them.
Washington: Is that so hard to understand?
Locus: You used to be so much more... You were once an enemy to these men. You were ruthless! You were a survivor!
Washington: I was a different person.
Locus: No, you were a soldier.
Washington: You say that like they're two different things.
Locus: When a true soldier is told to kill, he kills. He does not question why, he does not mourn the fallen; he fulfills his role and moves on to the next.
Washington: Is that what you want to be? A true soldier?
Locus: No, that is what I am! I'm a professional, Agent Washington. I complete my—
Washington: Yeah yeah yeah, you complete your missions at all cost. You can say that as many times as you want, but I know what you really are. You're a coward.
Locus: Ridiculous.
Washington: You keep trying to play yourself off as some sort of weapon. That you don't care about anyone or anything. But the fact that you're trying so hard to understand me breaks your entire act! No matter how hard you may want to be, you're not a machine, you're a murderer. But you hide behind the idea in your head, because you're too afraid to take responsibility for what you've done. I know I used to be a real piece of shit, but at least I'm trying to do something about it.
Washington: Is that so hard to understand?
Locus: You used to be so much more... You were once an enemy to these men. You were ruthless! You were a survivor!
Washington: I was a different person.
Locus: No, you were a soldier.
Washington: You say that like they're two different things.
Locus: When a true soldier is told to kill, he kills. He does not question why, he does not mourn the fallen; he fulfills his role and moves on to the next.
Washington: Is that what you want to be? A true soldier?
Locus: No, that is what I am! I'm a professional, Agent Washington. I complete my—
Washington: Yeah yeah yeah, you complete your missions at all cost. You can say that as many times as you want, but I know what you really are. You're a coward.
Locus: Ridiculous.
Washington: You keep trying to play yourself off as some sort of weapon. That you don't care about anyone or anything. But the fact that you're trying so hard to understand me breaks your entire act! No matter how hard you may want to be, you're not a machine, you're a murderer. But you hide behind the idea in your head, because you're too afraid to take responsibility for what you've done. I know I used to be a real piece of shit, but at least I'm trying to do something about it.
Genkins: Argh! What IS it with you people?! I trapped you in your past, you get out. I get the powers of a GOD, you skewer me with a golf club. I drop you into custom-made nightmares and you make the nightmare fight me with a golf club...? HOW ARE YOU LIKE THIS?! HOW DO YOU DO IT?!?!
Caboose: Hmmm... friendship?
Caboose: Hmmm... friendship?
"It was a harrowing experience, but I don't hold a grudge. We should love our enemies. It makes them so damned mad."
"My fellow Americans, throughout our history we have been forced to choose between totalitarianism and justice. We have never sought out this conflict, but time and time again, due to the actions of despots, we were forced to decide. Each time tyranny misjudged us. It thought we would sacrifice our principles for comfort... for safety. But we have proven time and time again that we will never compromise freedom. We will never be cowed or intimidated into surrendering even an inch of our adherence to liberty."
— President Bob Kerrey, Zhirinovskys Russian Empire
Mercury: So how are the new "friends"?
Emerald: I hate them.
Mercury: Orders are orders.
Emerald: I just... how can they be so happy all the time?
Emerald: I hate them.
Mercury: Orders are orders.
Emerald: I just... how can they be so happy all the time?
— RWBY
"See, that's what your problem is, Mr. 'I've spent thousands of years as a human'. No matter how much you may try to understand us, to emulate us, you can't. Not because you're incapable of it, but because you can't see past your own cruelty to realize what true love, true human feeling, is... You're right. I was a selfish, cruel bastard who hurt countless people for no reason. I recognize that now. And it was that exact recognition that made me realize the world is a better place with people like those girls in it. Far better than I could ever attempt to make it."
Sombra: Relentless... Why such lengths to protect your petty imperialistic interests?
Luna: [Standing protectively between Sombra and Celestia, her sister] You're a fool if you think that's what I'm trying to protect.
Luna: [Standing protectively between Sombra and Celestia, her sister] You're a fool if you think that's what I'm trying to protect.
"They just take everything that has ever been said about them and blindly try to stick it to other people. They don't think about what the words mean or if they apply, they just know that someone used them and it meant something bad to someone else. And so they think that just using those same words on what they hate will make a convincing argument for normal people to hate them too. Because their twisted narcissism makes them think everyone but themselves are mindless and have programmed responses to trigger words."
— Passerby on incels, Fundies Say the Darndest Things
, Fundies Say the Darndest Things Western Animation
Toadstool: What are you, crazy? You could have been rich. [punches Hop-Pop to no effect] You could've had your stand back. [punches him again] All you had to do was give up! [punches him twice. Panting] Why?
Hop-Pop: Because this is about more than just me! [uppercuts Toadstool, knocking him out]
Hop-Pop: Because this is about more than just me! [uppercuts Toadstool, knocking him out]
— Amphibia, "Hop-Popular"
Azula: The thing I don't understand is why. Why would you do it? You know the consequences.
Mai: I guess you just don't know people as well as you think you do. You miscalculated. I love Zuko more than I fear you.
Azula: No, you miscalculated! You should have feared me more!
Mai: I guess you just don't know people as well as you think you do. You miscalculated. I love Zuko more than I fear you.
Azula: No, you miscalculated! You should have feared me more!
"I just don't understand you. You're afraid of your own shadow, yet you feel the need to risk your life to try to stop me. People are such puzzles."
—The Computer to Courage, Courage the Cowardly Dog, "Mega Muriel the Magnificent"
"The corrupt are the first to believe that others can be corrupted."
— Elisa, Gargoyles
Mabel: [offering a taco] Want one?
Pacifica: Oh, I'm not supposed to take handouts.
Mabel: Handouts? It's called sharing! You do know what sharing is, right?
Pacifica: Sha... sharr-ing?
Mabel: Just take it.
Pacifica: Oh, I'm not supposed to take handouts.
Mabel: Handouts? It's called sharing! You do know what sharing is, right?
Pacifica: Sha... sharr-ing?
Mabel: Just take it.
Mongul: The Black Mercy is a telepathic species. It reads the heart's desire and feeds the individual a totally-convincing simulation of it.
Batman: So he's dreaming.
Mongul: Oh, far deeper than any dream. I wonder where he thinks he is. Sitting on a throne ruling the universe, all you human garbage mewling at his feet... More honest, don't you think, than this pretense of being a "selfless hero"?
Batman: So he's dreaming.
Mongul: Oh, far deeper than any dream. I wonder where he thinks he is. Sitting on a throne ruling the universe, all you human garbage mewling at his feet... More honest, don't you think, than this pretense of being a "selfless hero"?
— Justice League Unlimited, "For the Man Who Has Everything"
Doctor Ivo: You....ruined me. What's your...angle? What's in this...for you?
Superman: Dr. Ivo, look around you. Is it that hard to believe some people just want to help?
Superman: Dr. Ivo, look around you. Is it that hard to believe some people just want to help?
Lisa Simpson: You're still evil! And when you're trying to be good, you're even more evil!
Mr. Burns: I don't understand. Pigs need food, engines need coolant, dynamiters need dynamite. I'm supplying it to them at a tidy profit. And not a single sea creature was wasted.
Mr. Burns: I don't understand. Pigs need food, engines need coolant, dynamiters need dynamite. I'm supplying it to them at a tidy profit. And not a single sea creature was wasted.
Homer: I’m telling you Marge, this'll work. They'll think I'm Krusty and give us free stuff. I've been getting free stuff all day! Look at this swell bucket of house paint. Look at it!
Marge: I'm not saying it won't work. I'm just saying it's dishonest.
Homer: Well, if we agree, then why are we arguing?
Marge: I'm not saying it won't work. I'm just saying it's dishonest.
Homer: Well, if we agree, then why are we arguing?
Bart: Teamwork is overrated.
Homer: Huh?
Bart: Think about it. I mean, what team was Babe Ruth on? Who knows.
Lisa and Marge: Yankees.
Bart: Sharing is a bunch of bull, too. And helping others. And what's all this crap I've been hearing about tolerance?
Homer: Huh?
Bart: Think about it. I mean, what team was Babe Ruth on? Who knows.
Lisa and Marge: Yankees.
Bart: Sharing is a bunch of bull, too. And helping others. And what's all this crap I've been hearing about tolerance?
Cartman: You see guys, it all worked itself out. Tadow, tadow, how you like me now? Feel a little silly now, Kyle? Tadow, how you like me now?
Kyle: I still feel bad, Cartman.
Cartman: What? Hu — How can you feel bad? Somebody else is gonna pay for our crime.
Kyle: Yeah. That makes it even worse.
Cartman: Bu... eh... Kyle, you don't seem to understand. We're not gonna get punished for this. Ever.
Kyle: I know.
Cartman: So... so then, how can you feel bad?
Stan: He feels guilty for doing it and for letting someone else pay for it.
Cartman: ...But he's not gonna get in trouble.
Stan: It doesn't matter if you get in trouble or not, you can still feel bad. I think you're right, Kyle. Maybe we should confess.
Kenny: [Yeah, maybe we should.]
Cartman: What? Eh... [tries to be upbeat] Hey you guys! There's nothing to feel bad about! We're, we're off scot-free!
Kyle: We feel bad for other people.
Cartman: [looks at the other boys in disbelief] For oth-er... [winces] Uh. Oww... Ih... Ih, ih, is it that... you think you might get in trouble later?
Stan: Tomorrow in school we'll all tell the teacher it was us, and let her decide what to do. [points an accusing finger at Cartman] And Cartman, if you had any thread of a conscience at all, you'll do the same! [He, Kyle, and Kenny leave]
Cartman: Eh buh... eh... eh... Freakin' weirdos, man!
Kyle: I still feel bad, Cartman.
Cartman: What? Hu — How can you feel bad? Somebody else is gonna pay for our crime.
Kyle: Yeah. That makes it even worse.
Cartman: Bu... eh... Kyle, you don't seem to understand. We're not gonna get punished for this. Ever.
Kyle: I know.
Cartman: So... so then, how can you feel bad?
Stan: He feels guilty for doing it and for letting someone else pay for it.
Cartman: ...But he's not gonna get in trouble.
Stan: It doesn't matter if you get in trouble or not, you can still feel bad. I think you're right, Kyle. Maybe we should confess.
Kenny: [Yeah, maybe we should.]
Cartman: What? Eh... [tries to be upbeat] Hey you guys! There's nothing to feel bad about! We're, we're off scot-free!
Kyle: We feel bad for other people.
Cartman: [looks at the other boys in disbelief] For oth-er... [winces] Uh. Oww... Ih... Ih, ih, is it that... you think you might get in trouble later?
Stan: Tomorrow in school we'll all tell the teacher it was us, and let her decide what to do. [points an accusing finger at Cartman] And Cartman, if you had any thread of a conscience at all, you'll do the same! [He, Kyle, and Kenny leave]
Cartman: Eh buh... eh... eh... Freakin' weirdos, man!
— South Park, "Toilet Paper"
[Cartman comes to Kyle's house dressed in a nice sweater]
Cartman: Hey Kyle.
Kyle: That isn't it, Cartman.
Cartman: What isn't it?
Kyle: That isn't being nice, that's just putting on a nice sweater.
Cartman: I don't understand the difference.
Kyle: I know you don't. [closes the door]
Cartman: Hey Kyle.
Kyle: That isn't it, Cartman.
Cartman: What isn't it?
Kyle: That isn't being nice, that's just putting on a nice sweater.
Cartman: I don't understand the difference.
Kyle: I know you don't. [closes the door]
— South Park, "Casa Bonita"
"Forget about [the Chum Bucket], I just can't take so much kindness in one sitting! Need... hatred..."
— Plankton, SpongeBob SquarePants, "Walking Small"
[Nightmare has forced Spider-Man to face an illusion of his Uncle Ben]
Nightmare: Your greatest fear, your greatest failure, back to haunt you... FOREVER! [Evil Laugh]
Spider-Man: ...Uncle Ben?
Uncle Ben: [smiles] How's it goin', Pete? [they embrace] Still daydreaming, aren't ya?
Spider-Man: You got half that right, Uncle Ben. [Ben unmasks him and ruffles his hair] Man, it's great to see you!
Nightmare: "Great to see you"?! This is your ultimate failure! Your greatest fear!
Uncle Ben: Yeah, you said that. Who's the Gloomy Gus?
Spider-Man: Mr. Pasty? He's just pathetic. [to Nightmare] Nightmare, you don't know my Uncle Ben, and you sure as heck don't know me. You think this is some buried secret? Even though I couldn't save him, I live with what happened to Uncle Ben every day, but not in the way you think.
Nightmare: Huh?
Spider-Man: I took responsibility for this tragedy, and turned it into something special: helping people every day as Spider-Man. Guess who taught me that magic trick?
Nightmare: Your greatest fear, your greatest failure, back to haunt you... FOREVER! [Evil Laugh]
Spider-Man: ...Uncle Ben?
Uncle Ben: [smiles] How's it goin', Pete? [they embrace] Still daydreaming, aren't ya?
Spider-Man: You got half that right, Uncle Ben. [Ben unmasks him and ruffles his hair] Man, it's great to see you!
Nightmare: "Great to see you"?! This is your ultimate failure! Your greatest fear!
Uncle Ben: Yeah, you said that. Who's the Gloomy Gus?
Spider-Man: Mr. Pasty? He's just pathetic. [to Nightmare] Nightmare, you don't know my Uncle Ben, and you sure as heck don't know me. You think this is some buried secret? Even though I couldn't save him, I live with what happened to Uncle Ben every day, but not in the way you think.
Nightmare: Huh?
Spider-Man: I took responsibility for this tragedy, and turned it into something special: helping people every day as Spider-Man. Guess who taught me that magic trick?
— Ultimate Spider-Man, "Strange Days"
Kion: I'm worried about the Roar. The last time I used it, I was really angry. And it caused so much destruction!
Mufasa: The Roar of the Elders is very powerful.
Kion: I know. And that's why I'm thinking... [sighs] I shouldn't use it again. I... I'm worried that I might turn into Scar.
Mufasa: Scar cared only for himself. His selfishness fueled his anger. Why were you angry, Kion?
Kion: Janja and the hyenas. They were attacking my mom. I was so mad at them when I used the Roar! I lost control. And it almost hurt my mom. I almost hurt my mom!
Mufasa: Scar never cared for anyone else the way you do, Kion. So perhaps you should speak with the one you care so much about.
Kion: Right. I will. Thank you, Grandfather.
Mufasa: The Roar of the Elders is very powerful.
Kion: I know. And that's why I'm thinking... [sighs] I shouldn't use it again. I... I'm worried that I might turn into Scar.
Mufasa: Scar cared only for himself. His selfishness fueled his anger. Why were you angry, Kion?
Kion: Janja and the hyenas. They were attacking my mom. I was so mad at them when I used the Roar! I lost control. And it almost hurt my mom. I almost hurt my mom!
Mufasa: Scar never cared for anyone else the way you do, Kion. So perhaps you should speak with the one you care so much about.
Kion: Right. I will. Thank you, Grandfather.
Grogar: I've seen each of your humiliating defeats at the hooves of six puny ponies! And do you know why they've always bested you?
Chrysalis: Because they cheat!
Tirek: Because they are annoyingly lucky!
Cozy Glow: I'm just a kid, so...
Grogar: It is because they work together!
Chrysalis: Because they cheat!
Tirek: Because they are annoyingly lucky!
Cozy Glow: I'm just a kid, so...
Grogar: It is because they work together!
"Eyeball": If you knew, then why were your Gems being so nice to us?
Steven: Because they're nice! They're nice people!
Steven: Because they're nice! They're nice people!
Real Life
"Evil... has every advantage but one — it is inferior in imagination. Good can imagine the possibility of becoming evil... but Evil, defiantly chosen, can no longer imagine anything but itself."
"A moderately bad man knows he is not very good: a thoroughly bad man thinks he is all right. This is common sense, really. You understand sleep when you are awake, not while you are sleeping... Good people know about both good and evil: bad people do not know about either."
— C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest."
"There's one thing that evil cannot stand and that is forgiveness."
"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light."
— Plato
"Good men and bad men alike are all capable of weakness. The difference is simply that a bad man will be proud all his life of one good deed — while an honest man is hardly aware of his good acts, but remembers a single sin for years on end."
— Vasily Grossman
