Listen — some of the greatest quotes of all time were said by people who literally do not exist.
And that point was really driven home recently when Redditor Such-Sea2636 asked in a viral thread, "What is your favorite quote from a fictional character?" People's responses made me laugh, cry, and — sometimes — do both at the same time.
So, with that in mind, here are just a few of the most inspiring, silly, and moving quotes to ever be said by our favorite fictional characters:
1. "Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Do not be so quick to deal out death in judgment." —Gandalf, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
2. "People get built different. We don't have to figure it out. We just have to respect it." —Princess Bubblegum, Adventure Time
3. "The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude ABOUT the problem." —Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
4. “One day, you’re going to look around and you’re going to realize that everybody loves you, but nobody likes you. And that is the loneliest feeling in the world.” —BoJack Horseman, BoJack Horseman
5. "Some motherfuckers are always trying to ice skate uphill." —Blade, Blade
6. "Death smiles at us all. All a man can do is smile back.” —Maximus, Gladiator
7. "I have never tried that before, so I think I should definitely be able to do that." —Pippi Longstocking, Pippi Longstocking
8. "Never half-ass two things. Whole-ass one thing." —Ron Swanson, Parks and Recreation
9. "It ain't about how hard you can hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done." —Rocky, Rocky Balboa
10. "Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says different is selling something." —The Dread Pirate Roberts/Westley, The Princess Bride
11. “Luck favors the prepared, darling.” —Edna Mode, The Incredibles
12. "Heroes get remembered, but legends never die. Follow your heart, kid, and you can never go wrong." —The spirit of Babe Ruth, Sandlot
13. "We're all stories in the end, we just have to make it a good one." —The Doctor, Doctor Who
14. "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends." —Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
15. "When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all." —God, Futurama
16. “She's so boring! If she were a spice, she’d be flour...” —Louise Belcher, Bob's Burgers
17. "It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If you only draw wisdom from one place, it becomes rigid and stale. Understanding others, the other elements and the other nations, will help you become whole." —Uncle Iroh, Avatar: the Last Airbender
18. "If you're good at something, never do it for free." —Joker, The Dark Knight
19. "So this is how liberty dies...with thunderous applause." —Padmé Amidala, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
20. "Every time someone steps up and says who they are, the world becomes a better, more interesting place." —Captain Raymond Holt, Brooklyn-99
21. "Evil is evil...lesser, greater, middling. Makes no difference. If I'm to choose between one evil or another, I'd rather not choose at all." —Geralt of Rivia, The Witcher
22. And finally: "Just keep swimming." —Dory, Finding Nemo
Now it's your turn! What's your favorite quote by a fictional character? Share yours in the comments below!
Some entries were edited for length and/or clarity. H/T Reddit.