I could write a dissertation on how incredible the beloved, early 2000’s show “Avatar the Last Airbender” is. As you may or may not know, Netflix has recently put the series back on its streaming services and thousands of people have been tuning in to rewatch the classic, anime-styled cartoon show. Despite the show being only 61 episodes across three seasons, the storyline is incredibly profound, engaging, beautifully written, and covers a plethora of life lessons. Out of all the characters, the wisest is no one other than, Uncle Iroh. Uncle Iroh plays the role of a masterful sage and guide, especially for his troubled nephew Zuko. Here is a list of 5 of my favorite quotes said by Uncle Iroh and what we can learn from each:
"Pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source. True humility is the only antidote to shame."
I love this quote. Too often we confuse ostentatious pride with a lack of insecurities. However, excessive pride can dilute the way we think of ourselves and how we treat others. Like a school bully, pride could just be another projection of our own insecurities. To be truly at peace with oneself, practicing humility and treating others (and in return, ourselves) with genuine respect is the only antidote to shame.
"It is important to draw wisdom from different places. If you take it from only one place it becomes rigid and stale."
I believe that one of humanity's greatest attributes is our ability to communicate with one another and to learn from each other. The wisest people are those who keep an open mind and learn from multiple sources. This could mean studying scriptures from a culture you may not be familiar with or asking questions to those that may be wiser than us in a certain subject. Most importantly, it emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind and always being flexible with our way of thinking, in order to continue growing.
"In the darkest times, hope is something you give yourself. That is the meaning of inner strength."
Being someone you can depend on during your lowest moments is the true definition of strength. Even when times get tough, our ability to hope, to try again, and to not give up highlights our grit, resilience, and ability to endure.
"Life happens wherever you are, whether you make it or not."
Life happens, every day, all around us. It’s important that we try our hardest to make the best of it and truly live in the moment before the moment passes us by. I think one of the hardest lessons I’ve been struggling with in quarantine is reminiscing on old photographs and not realizing how amazing life was at that moment. By exercising a small amount of gratitude every day, we can remind ourselves to be present.
"There is nothing wrong with letting people that love you, help you."
In a previous article of ours titled, “Reorganization Series: Are You in Good Company” we emphasized the importance of a strong support system. Although we may feel that our problems may sometimes be too burdensome or only ours to carry, there is great importance in allowing yourself to be vulnerable enough to accept help. This past year, I found that when I was going through a tough time, my friends refused to allow me to fight my battles alone, and that was the greatest gift that I could’ve ever received.
Along with his love for ginseng tea and his ability to firebend like a complete boss, Uncle Iroh’s playful and hearty nature makes him one of my favorite characters on the show. I would recommend anyone who hasn’t watched the show yet to give it a try!