10 Movie Quotes and Why They're Memorable to Me

When I think of movie quotes, the memorable quips that come to mind all have a significant meaning to me. Taking note of the movie quotes that I love required me to look at not just how I live my life, but how I want others to view my life. Words have an awesome power. For instance, during a presidential election year, there are quotes from speeches and debates that stick with voters all the way to the ballot box. Barack Obama's "change we can believe in" may be one that will ring through the ages. Think about it, who doesn't remember George H. W. Bush saying, "Read my lips. No new taxes?" In the same way, movie quotes can leave a lasting impression on viewers providing lines to live by or messages that provide us with meaning. I've selected the movie quotes below that motivate and inspire me as well as a couple that leave me laughing at my own imperfections.

"You're either in or you're out, right now."

-Daniel Ocean played by George Clooney from the movie Ocean's 11

Linus has nothing to go on as Daniel Ocean thrusts a plane ticket towards him in the film. This movie quote embodies to me the chances we have in life to do something on a whim. These are the times we can proceed without thinking about how or why, but just taking advantage of an opportunity as soon as it presents itself. I recently did just that with a trip to LA. I had the chance to be part of a charity event sponsored by Singelringen. About two weeks before the event I was contacted to attend as a special guest author. I felt somewhat like Linus. I was either in or out at that moment. I quickly decided I was in, booked a ticket and was on my way. That's the way I really want to live my life, not recklessly, but moving without hesitation towards happiness. Sometimes choices present themselves and without knowing all the risks and rewards we have to decide, are we in or are we out?

"Memory is a selection of images, some elusive, others printed indelibly on the brain."

Eve played by Jurnee Smollett from the movie Eve's Bayou

I am thankful for my memories, both those that I remember down to the very detail and even those that seem like fuzzy VHS tapes I am happy to replay in my mind. Some of the memories printed indelibly on my brain are my graduation from both Spelman College and Georgia Tech. My favorite elusive memories include playing with my mom around the age of five or six. I remember losing my Weeble Wobbles and magically my mother finding them. What eludes me is just where and how she found them! More of the specific memories include moving into my first home or going on my first radio show to promote my book. Foggy memories? Getting in a car accident that left my Nissan Sentra totaled and how I got home on my 26^th birthday. Let me just say I do remember that those two mishaps didn't happen on the same day.

"I may be a woman, Sir William, but if I choose I have the heart of a man!"

-Queen Elizabeth played by Cate Blanchett from the movie Elizabeth

This movie quote speaks directly to any woman who is faced with decisions on a daily basis. Whether a single mother, a business executive or a community leader, women must prove again and again that they can be decisive. For me the quote has been empowering. There are times when as a professional woman I feel that the perception is that I will rule with my heart and not my head. Like Elizabeth in this Oscar winning film, I am able to do both. I can be tender and compassionate, sensitive and supportive, but when the time calls for it, I can make the difficult choices required of me in both my personal and professional life. In the movie this quote is delivered with absolute certainty, but in real life, it ultimately must be backed up with action.

"What we do in life echoes in eternity!"

-Maximus played by Russell Crowe from the movie Gladiator

Who doesn't want to leave a mark on the world? When said in the commanding voice of Maximus, this movie quote inspires you to put your priorities in order. For me this quote reminds me that the things I do now will affect those coming after. For instance, my choice to begin a rigorous recycling routine in my home and how that might help the environment for future generations, including my little niece Madison. Or constantly using my network to connect potential business partners or help people find jobs. The decisions we make and ideas we act on during the course of our lives all have potential to reverberate well into the future. Like Maximus I hope the echoes I leave embody truth, honor and loyalty.

"You're not your job. You're not how much money you have in the bank. You're not the car you drive. You're not the contents of your wallet."

-Tyler Durden played by Brad Pitt from the movie Fight Club

The pearls of wisdom from Brad Pitt's bad boy character Tyler Durden are countless, but this one makes me stop and listen every time. This cinema favorite may be almost ten years old, but the message behind the movie quote is still the same. The material things that we are often times driven to buy don't define us. Living in a burgeoning metropolis, where everyone wants to see and be seen, it's good to replay this quote in my mind. It keeps me grounded and gives me the realistic eye to keep me from being bought in by the glitz and glamour of people who come into my sphere and try to influence me with the next new car, purse, home or pair of boots I just have to buy. Another Tyler Durden Fight Club movie quote is, "The things you own end up owning you." In the end, material goods and money are nice to have, but I refuse to become all consumed with them. Thanks Tyler.

"In the end all you can do is commit to the people you love, hope for a little luck and some good weather."

-Ben played by Ben Affleck from the movie Forces of Nature

Ben Affleck's character, Ben, is talking about marriage at the beginning of the scene in which you'll find this movie quote. Being single, that is not the part of the ending dialogue that grabs my attention. I like the simplicity of the single line at the end. It's saying that when it comes to life, nothing is predictable. This is a fun quote for me. The loyalty factor is something I firmly believe in. I'll do anything for my family and close friends. In the end, that is solid and reliable. The rest of life is a little more unpredictable, like the weather. For instance, I hope for a sunny day when I don't have to work or take a vacation abroad. In the same way I hope for the best out of life.

"You want answers?"

"I want the truth!"

"You can't handle the truth!"

Colonel Jessep played by Jack Nicholson and Lt Kaffee played by Tom Cruise from the movie A Few Good Men

Who doesn't remember this exchange, but I have to agree with Colonel Jessup. Most people can't handle the truth. That includes friends, family, coworkers and everyone in between. One of the things I've learned when providing advice over the years is most of the time people want you to cosign with their opinion on the matter or listen sympathetically. I've discovered that typically no matter how many times they ask what you think, they really don't want to know. The closer the friend, the more honest they can be. True friends can handle the truth. Be careful of those in your life who get mad at honesty.

"The details of your incompetence do not interest me."

Miranda Priestly played by Meryl Streep from the movie The Devil Wears Prada

I get a smile on my face when I think of this movie quote, along with the much shorter, but even more memorable quip, "That's all." A mentor and I often exchange the latter line when ending phone calls to catch up. As rude as the movie quote is, it is clearly indicative of the impatience of the speaker. Being that I too struggle with impatience, I like this line. Sometimes I feel like people go on and on, especially when defending a point they've already lost with me. I've never actually used this movie quote, but it's floated through my mind as I mentally mute the ramblings of someone who just can't handle the truth!

"When I seduce you, if I decide to seduce you, don't worry, you'll know."

Jacqueline played by Robin Givens from the movie Boomerang

Hate the character, but love the movie quote from this Eddie Murphy favorite. The then emerging leading lady, Robin Givens, delivered it tongue in cheek and for some reason it just stuck with me. In my teen years and early twenties this line was merely laughable to me, but as I've gotten older it's taken on a different meaning. When it comes to my love life, I don't hide my feelings or intentions well. Having been warned of wearing my heart on my sleeve I really doubt men find it difficult to determine if I have an interest in them or not. I just strive to have the coy, yet sexy delivery with my words that Robin had in the romantic comedy.

"There is no normal life, Wyatt. Just life. You live it."

-Doc Holiday played by Val Kilmer from the movie Tombstone

This is simple and to the point. We work hard all day trying to have a perfect life, a peaceful life, an exciting life or as Wyatt Earp pondered in the movie, a normal life. In the end, all the planning we do and pondering on how to make the chips stack up the way we want them to may distract us from just playing and enjoying the game. The inspiration I take from this movie quote is to live my life. I think that is what Doc is trying to convince Wyatt to do, and by the end of the film he learns the lesson. Enjoy each moment and the people you encounter in those moments. Sure, be responsible when it's most important, but take the time to enjoy yourself also. Life is one shot. I try to live mine with as few regrets as possible.