10 Great Star Wars Quotes for Entrepreneurs

It might seem like a rather odd pairing to take classic “Star Wars” quotes and apply them to something as seemingly mundane as the real world, but in truth they are far more versatile than many would think. The iconic lines that managed to capture the attention of millions have crossed over throughout the decades and become so well known that they have been used in everything from punch lines to a lifelong motto. Many people have come to know the lines so well that they simply blurt them out without having to think about it. In terms of big business however it is not often thought that “Star Wars” and its trademark quotes have much to offer. Fortunately, the parallel between science fiction and reality is often closer than some might realize. So with that said, here are ten quotes from “Star Wars” that can be easily applied to the average day of an entrepreneur.

10. “That’s no moon.”

This one might seem a bit hard to understand, but just think about the world of the entrepreneur and you might get it. In case you still have trouble, think Trump Tower. The massive, overwhelming structures and seemingly infinite capabilities that can be so awe-inspiring in their greatness can take the average person’s breath away. Just looking upon the grandeur that can be gained by entering this world is enough to make the eyes widen and the pulse quicken. Like the famed battle station that inspired this quote, the imposing structures that are typically built and maintained by entrepreneurs are enough to give anyone a case of weak knees and a bad case of nerves.

9. “You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.”

Said to Luke Skywalker by Obi-Wan Kenobi before entering Mos Eisley, this quote is believed to be quite accurate when delving into the world of the entrepreneur. In fact if history wasn’t so firmly set against it the next few scenes within the cantina might be rightly deduced as the inspiration behind most sales meetings that entrepreneurs find themselves obligated to attend. While the role of an entrepreneur is more often than not to make money, the manner in which some of them go about this practice is highly suspect and will often bring out the worst in several entrepreneurs who are willing to cross the line between morality and corruption.

8. “Already know you that which you need.”

This is a message from Yoda to Luke Skywalker in “The Return of the Jedi” that conveys the fact that Luke’s training is at an end and that he is capable of moving ahead on his own. As for entrepreneurs, it is a message stating that in order to go forward they need to stick to their principles and use what they have learned to move on. In other words, stick to your comfort zone, don’t be distracted by the glam and glitz of the job, and push ahead using what’s been learned in order to increase your gains.

7. “Who’s the more foolish? The fool, or the fool who follows him?”

Obi-Wan Kenobi was a veritable treasure trove of hidden wisdom and witticisms, but this one perhaps stands out as one of the absolute best quotes ever. Despite being said to the smuggler, Han Solo, following a very brief moment of doubt upon their entering the Death Star, Kenobi calmly and wisely reminds the smuggler that his chosen course is of his own making. For an entrepreneur this is just as important, as every person must follow their own choices and not simply allow themselves to be led by the nose into whatever mess that might be waiting around the corner. Follow your own gut instincts and not the latest trends.

6. “Named your fear must be, before banish it you can.”

This is a quote found in the books, not the movies, but it is every bit as important as it is a quote from Master Yoda to Anakin Skywalker when he was still a Jedi and not the murderous Sith Lord, Darth Vader. What it means essentially is that you must know what scares you the most before you can rid yourself of that fear. For an entrepreneur this is critical as without knowing just what unnerves you so much about your business practices you won’t be likely to move forward without waiting to trip at every turn. Name your fear and face it, or it will likely make your professional life a dismal existence.

5. “Always in motion the future is.”

Yoda is a wellspring of knowledge that can’t be replaced, as his most simple quotes often carry some of the biggest implications. While this quote could apply to anyone in any profession, entrepreneurs would be wise to take note. The future is never set, it is always moving, always shifting and adapting to what is needed as the present unfolds to reveal what will come next. If a person waits for what they want, or if they don’t learn to plan for the unexpected, then they may very well miss out when the future shifts away from them in an attempt to adapt and evolve to what is needed.

4. “Great kid, don’t get cocky!”

Luke Skywalker was obviously a headstrong and very willful young man in the movies, but the one thing he had going for him was luck, or the Force. Whatever it might have been it was wise of Han Solo to remind him if only for a moment to curb his enthusiasm. In the world of the entrepreneur it is wise to always remember that when you are up there is always a low just around the corner. If you’re not watching, you could be looking towards new heights only to sink headfirst into the next pitfall to come around. So in truth this quote is more about remaining vigilant in order to avoid allowing success to go to your head.

3. “I find your lack of faith disturbing.”

Darth Vader was an obviously intimidating and demanding presence within the Star Wars films, and rightly so. His disdain for those who made the decision to argue with his pronouncements and beliefs was felt quite often as he made good and certain that his word, which was often the same word of the Emperor, was law, and as such was beyond contestation. What this reminds entrepreneurs is that, barring any physical or obvious psychological harm, the boss is always the man or woman in charge, and it remains unwise to question their word, particularly during a meeting.

2. “Use the Force.”

This quote is a bit truncated, but otherwise it would be highly specific to an individual and in this case we are seeking to reach more than one person. The quote, spoken by Obi-Wan to Luke Skywalker, reminds Luke to trust in his instincts. It is also a reminder that in a world where data streams are continuously flowing and numbers are flashing across a multitude of screens at breakneck speeds, it is much wiser to follow your instincts. Rather than scroll through one line of data after another it is much better to go with what common sense and experience tell the average person than to rely solely on the information given.

1. “Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try.”

One of the most used and re-used quotes of the modern era, this was the final straw for Yoda before he finally showed Luke Skywalker the truth of the Force and what it could do. It might have been humbling to watch someone of Yoda’s stature lift an entire X-Wing fighter from the muck without anything other than the Force, but it served to teach a good lesson to a headstrong young man. To anyone that has ever entered the business world this is an abject lesson that teaches an individual that trying is the same thing as saying that there is a chance you might fail. While failure isn’t the end, it also isn’t as acceptable in the business world as it might be elsewhere.

Conclusion

It’s odd to think that “Star Wars” could be so influential in the world of big business, but when you step back and really look at the quotes on this list it’s easier to see how the words could be applied to almost anything. The ubiquitous nature of the quotes is not so much the reason why they work. Instead, the simple fact that they are a part of our culture and heritage make them far more adaptable to the world of big business.