Yoda Said It Best (Day 2 Quote Challenge)

I was once called the Quote Queen by a student  (under his breath) who had obviously grown tired of seeing them and interpreting them each day.  I suppose there are worse names to be called, so I accepted my crown and scepter — vowing to reign over my subjects and predicates, making them learn to agree with each other for the rest of my life. He had no clue that I would somehow take his sarcastic remark and magically transform it into a compliment, but that’s what teachers do — we make magic.

Even before I ascended to the throne, I had declared that we would start each class period with a quote for motivation and to get us thinking in anticipation of the day’s lesson.  One of my favorites is a simple one.

Do or do not. There is no try. ~Yoda

That’s a profound statement, and I think Yoda said it best. At first glance (a cursory one I might add), I disagreed with Yoda. I believe that effort affects everything, so if you try but fail, that’s still better than not trying at all. Upon further inspection and much critical thought, I believe he meant something entirely different. I think he was referring to one’s character and commitment.

Let your communication be yea, yea; nay, nay: anything else is from the evil one. ~Matthew 5:37

In that regard, I see his point and agree completely. In the grand scheme of things, all we have is our word.  Keeping it is key. I would much rather be remembered as an honest woman who keeps her word than a fickle one whose opinions and commitments change as leaders come and go.

Sage advice can come from unexpected places — even creepy, little Star Wars beings. When you make your next decision — big or small — think of Yoda, and simply say Yea or Nay.