By Linda Wilkins
You may ask what famous quotations have to do with anything. Well, that’s just elementary, my dear Watson.
There’s a lot to be said about the use of quotations in our everyday lives.
Whether it be in casual conversation, political mockery or in lectures, quotes from great minds, movies and books alike have an established place in our society.
Quotes give us all of sense of power, and with great power comes great responsibility. Movie quotes provide a common language for everyone.
Some quotes are inspirational and can motivate people to a certain ideology. Imagine how you can motivate people by using a famous quote. You could be someone’s hero because of your encouragement.
However, either you die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become a villain. Don’t become the villain by saying movie quotes don’t mean anything. Be a hero, and participate in the movie quote trade.
Now, when you first start, you’ll probably think, “This is the strangest thing I’ve ever done!” But, once you get the hang of it, you’ll know you’re on the right track.
Sometimes other people don’t pick up on references to famous quotations and in that case, you’ve got a failure to communicate.
You might as well tighten your seatbelt, because you’re in for a bumpy ride, especially when you have to explain your quote. Actually, it might be easier to yell, “You can’t handle the truth” and make a dramatic exit.
But, I wouldn’t let other people’s lack of knowledge get you down because once you start using quotes to convey ideas and someone understands it, you know that it’s the start of a beautiful friendship.
You don’t have to take my word for it; I could be dishonest.
A dishonest person you can always trust to be dishonest.
Honestly, it’s the honest ones you want to watch out for, because you can never predict when they’re going to do something incredibly stupid.
Remember, you can’t live your life for other people. You’ve got to do what’s right for you, even if it hurts some people you love. Be brave and bold when you use a quote because the brave do not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all.
Some movie buffs among us use scenarios in the fictional world as a tool to explain big ideas and complicated concepts.
For instance, a homesick student could simply say, “There’s no place like home,” with a deep sigh and everyone knows they want to go home and their reference to The Wizard of Oz.
When someone looks sad, simply ask them, “Why so serious?” If they understand it, then it’s a conversation starter and you’ve made a new friend.
I’m going to make you an offer you can’t refuse. Throw some quotes into your everyday conversations and see what happens. (You either will or you won’t, there is no try.)
My mom always says life is like a box of chocolates because you never know what you’re going to get.
Using movie quotes in your conversation can lead to some great revelations of your own.
Maybe you’ll surprise yourself and come up with an idea that people will quote you on years from now.
Go ahead, make my day and try it.
Linda Wilkins is a sophomore journalism major from Tyrone, Ga. She is the assistant city editor for the Baylor Lariat.
