The Wisdom of Uncle Iroh: Why It Matters
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- čas přidán 5. 06. 2024
- Just some pseudo-philosophical reflections on the wisest man in fiction. Iroh's wisdom is proof positive of the impact that fiction and fantasy can have on us. Despite Iroh not being real, his words very much are, and we can learn a lot from the messages he imparts. Iroh is one of the best examples of masculinity in fiction because of his incredible wisdom, which we will now explore.
0:00 - 2:18 Why Fictional Characters Matter
2:18 - 6:10 Pride, Shame, and Humility
6:10 - 9:10 Despair and Hope
9:10 - 11:18 Self-Reliance
11:18 - 15:28 Power and Love
15:28 - 18:10 Conclusion
#iroh
#wisdom
#avatarthelastairbender
#atla
#masculinity - Krátké a kreslené filmy
Clip is supposed to say "I don't want to survive. I want to live!" at 8:08. Not sure what happened to the audio there.
What about at 9:57? Another audio cutout there.
@@DiamondKingStudios Samwise: "Sometimes you really might just get stretched too thin..." Bilbo: "... like butter over too much bread."
@@soysaucerb thanks
Might've been copyright
A invalid copyright claim.
I just want to become someone who makes Uncle Iroh proud.
I’m proud of you
Don't we all?
@@master_samwiseYes... but we arrive to this idea very late for some of us...
Who doesn't?
I think you just saying/trying that would make him proud
Everyone thinks they are a badass until Uncle Iroh sings "leaves from the vine"
Iroh makes me want to leave everything behind and dedicate myself to entering the spirit world, just to give him a hug.
Oh yeah...
I think being comfortable crying is badass! As long as we don't wollow over it xD
my favourite Iroh quote actually comes from TLOK: "If you look for the light, you can often find it. But if you look for the dark, that's all you will ever see."
“If you aim for nothing, you’ll never miss it”
every kid deserves an Iroh in their life.
Always try to be who you lacked in life.
If there isn't one, be them
Idk y ppl like iroh. Americans dont care act or be this ever. Thats y ppl trending dont act like iroh
It is often the lack of a person like Iroh that makes people turn into monsters.
I don't agree that they deserve it. To deserve something means to work for something and get it.
However I do believe they need it and therefore should have it.
Or in other words - everyone would benefit from having Iroh in their lives, so let's give them Iroh!
"I beleive people can change their lives, if they want to. I beleive in secnod chances."
My favorite Uncle Iroh quote.
He has to. Because he needed a second chance. When he was General Iroh he was nearly as bad as Ozai.
Even my ex that cheated on me? 😂😂
And Zuko's Arc came full circle when he tells Sokka "You have you try every time. You can't quit just because you're afraid you might fail" at the Boiling Rock, truly passing down Iroh's teachings, and even emulating him. Again, ATLA shows its masterful writing by showing the growth of multiple characters at once.
The respect for the wisdom of the members of white lotus is so refreshing and a source of real strength for the gaang that so many people deride and demean. Even with Uncle Iroh many people think he is unredeemable because of his sins as a general in the fire nation, but he is a source of wisdom because he changed from such depth.
"Destiny is a funny thing. You never know how things are going to work out. But, if you keep an open mind and open heart, I promise you will find your own destiny someday."
Life has truly shown me that no truer words I heard had shown itself correct. Iroh has been such a wealth of wisdom and words to help get through the days when we need it. ATLA is something I do hope to show to the next generation.
I never realized this until now, but my Grandma was my Uncle Iroh. She was a woman of strength and beauty who always worked hard and cared for her family to no end. She had an....innocent wisdom to her, but she knew what she was talking about and was not ignorant of the world. She went through hardships with grace and always put me, her granddaughter, above all else. No matter how sick she was, she would make me my favorite meal. No matter how tired she was after work, she would pick me up everyday and feed me dinner and play with me. She passed away a few months ago and I felt so lost without her. Lately, I've just been trying to embody everything about her that I loved, and use her as a guide on how to take care of my significant other and our home. I have noticed that our lives have been much brighter lately, and I like to think it's because of my Grandmother's love, the love that she taught me how to share.
I loved this video. I always felt that Uncle Iroh was very much under appreciated by fans.
❤
So sorry for ur loss❤❤😢
My sincere and humble condolences
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
“But I’m trying.” What a powerful statement and sentiment. Your Avatar videos always hold so much wisdom, you don’t even know how fast I clicked when I saw the notification haha! You’re like Uncle Iroh’s protégée 🙌🏻
That is high praise!
"If done well; the audience won't even notice the influence of the author on their creation" truly an inspiring quote
Not to oversimplify such potentially deep topics, but it seems that a common theme to Iroh's wisdom is that anything (e.g. pride, love...food ;) ...) can become a vice when taken to an extreme.
I love how the whole purpose of the Avatar is not [simply] something as trite as "good triumphing over evil." Instead his/her purpose is to bring *balance* to the world.
A wise man is not just someone who has wisdom but one that seeks it.
Three paragons of positive masculinity:
Iroh
Aragorn
Qui Gon Jinn
Great video. 👍
P.S. On love: Paul/Saul of Tarsus: "Without love we are nothing, Love is patient, Love is kind, It is not jealous, It doesn't boast, It isn't proud, It keeps no record of wrongs, It rejoices with the truth, It bears all things, It believes all things, It hopes all things, It endures all things, When everything else disappears, Faith, Hope and Love remain, But the greatest of these Is Love"
I’d say Kratos is also a good one, he’s more flawed than these ofc, but his journey of fatherhood is the journey of masculinity. In real history I’d say St.Joseph
@@lothara.schmal5092 Kratos is good too, but I never played those games, so that’s why I didn’t put him on my list.
I'm an asshole but
Aragorn*
@@SicFromTheKush Thanks. 👍
You forgot Garmadon from Lego Ninjago
It's insane how no matter how many years pass Iroh's wisdom holds true and helps make us better people.
We want to be boys who grow into men Iroh would be proud of.
Growing into a man is realizing Iroh was always proud of you because you chose your own path.
Yes!
Iroh is the father figure we all needed, and desire to be.
wow this really struck a chord. I’m someone who’s struggled a lot with mental health & self-image, and I think a lot of the unhelpful beliefs about myself stem from the prideful belief that I *should* be smarter/prettier/fitter/better than others. So, when I’m not, I feel shame and self-hatred. I think this is something I’ve realised before, but then felt ashamed that I was prideful, and used it as another reason to hate myself - but that *also* stems from feeling that I should be less prideful & better than others. By accepting that I’m human, no better or worse than anyone else, I can let go of these unrealistic expectations that I put on myself.
Iroh’s quotes and your analysis really gave me a fresh perspective, so thank you.
I feel you on that cycle of shame that comes from pride. Definitely been there. Still struggle
Iroh was such a great character that I remember as young teen wanting to become someone that people could rely on like the entire does on Iroh
The highest honor you can do for yourself is to be someone Iroh would be proud of. It is the hight of your capacity to reach your true potential.
Your discussion of humility echoed a sentiment captured in the book of Philippians.
"...doing nothing from selfish ambition or vain glory, but with humility of mind regarding one another as more important than yourselves, not merely looking out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4)
Always encouraged to hear a voice of truth in the storm!
I lost my maternal grandfather when I was twelve, Iroh always reminded me of him--committed, wise, reserved, powerful, but always gentle and caring with his family. All I hope to achieve in this life is to turn my many failures into wisdom to pass on, I want to guide even one person like Iroh. If I save someone an ounce of heartache or a single drop of sweat, I feel like I've succeeded in that
I am going through a very dark time in my life right now and was looking up uncle Iroh quotes to give me some sense of peace when I came across this video. Words cannot describe how much I needed this. I’m stuck in a state of not knowing what my next steps should be and it is incredibly difficult for me to accept help from others. I was crying through this whole thing, and I thank you for offering this wisdom and also a bit of your vulnerability.
Whatever small way I can help!
I hope you keep moving and things get better.
I truly appreciate creators like you who take the time to connect with your audience. You have officially earned my subscription. Thank you
I just hope that they will keep all of Uncle Iroh's wisdom in the upcoming Netflix Live Action...
I was never aiming to be like Iroh, but so many people say I'm like Iroh. So now I've made it my goal to be the best Iroh I can
I've recently have been struggling with self acceptance and I never expected a video about a childhood classic would make me feel better thank you so much
So often the stories that really matter are about the triumph of hope over despair. Going all the way back to Pandora's box and other stories like it, there is so much wrong with world and humans in general but Hope is always what present to make us better no matter what the world throws at us.
"Let there be goblin hordes, let there be terrible environmental threats, let there be giant mutated slugs if you really must, but let there also be hope. ... let us know that we do not live in vain." - Terry Pratchett, A Slip of the Keyboard.
Fire bending is cool, Uncle Iroh's wisdom is simply sublime!
My 22 year old niece told me once that I reminded her of this character. After watching this, I don't know how to feel...
It’s high praise
@@Eilonwy95 I am seeing this now, because I had only watched the show in passing because I am 20 years older and my sister had her at a young age, so she was like a little sister to me.
@@Drifter2025nice! Well she obviously looks up to you.
Uncle Iroh, along with Gandalf, is easily one of the greatest fictional mentors EVER.
Watching an Avatar video with Dark Souls and God of War music in the background made me unreasonably happy
One of my favourite things about Iroh is that he fights for others and not for himself. The only time I can think of him not fighting to protect someone else is when he was captured.
Edit: Would you be able to do a video on Bioshock 2. Maybe something about morality and how it affects everyone around you?
"Yes, but you are clearly outmatched!"
I will add Bioshock 2 to the list! I've only played the first one, and that alone has enough content for a video, but I'd love to eventually getting around to both.
@@master_samwise Bioshock is an amazing game and taught me a lot. Bioshock 2 is just as good. I hope you enjoy playing it
This was a very well narrated video! Thanks for covering Avatar. I think it is one of the best children cartoons. Just the ending is amazing, when Aang defeats Ozai, but spares him. It is such a powerful message.
Absolutely. ATLA is top tier no matter in any genre that it fits into. The two final duels are absolutely incredible.
A great exploration of Zuko’s experience of toxic shame and how overcoming it is possible but difficult. I particularly enjoyed the comparison between Zuko being very prideful and very ashamed. For those dealing with toxic shame, we vascular between feeling worthless and feeling godlike. It’s hard to just ‘be’ a flawed human being, and humility and self compassion are the only way to move forward.
I hope that I have been a good representative of Uncle Iroh to my nieces and nephews. It's the least I could do for such an amazing man who pulled me out of some very dark places in my past.
"I mean just look at the divorce rates in Holywood. What are they 217%?"
I haven't counted but I think you are close to the truth. So many people who seem to thing money and fame are the most important thing,
When I was a small child, I used to answer the question "What do you want to be when I grow up" with "good" (meaning - a good, kindhearted person). People would sometimes laugh finding that cute and would sometimes even laugh at me. As that's not what they had in mind.
Listening to this video, I realised it's easy to loose some things out of sight when things get rough in life, but staying true to that inner goodness is a goal for me to have in life. Unapologetically so.
That's one of the many reasons why ATLA resonates with me and why I always come back for some more. Somehow in this period of my life, I needed to hear the things you've said in this video and I'm grateful to you and the community for it. Once again I feel relieved and have found my intrinsic motivation
The quote from C.S. Lewis you mentioned is from G.K Chesterton, who was a major influence on Lewis and his works
One of my favorites CZcamsrs talking at length about my favorite character in all of literature. What a treat!
The best character in the franchise from the perspective of masculine representation.
Your reflections and character analysis' are always so incredible to listen to! Keep up the amazing content :)
Thank you!
Thank you for trying your best. I myself have given in to despair the last few weeks but I'm slowly trying to snap out of it again. And your video reminded me that trying to is all it needs. So thank you! ❤
12:52 Love the “Gywn Lord of Cinder” theme in the background
Thank you. I discovered the show last month at 32.
That first quote had me stop the video and think about it, and you gave me some additionnal thinking points :)
What a wonderfull family show, cannot wait for my kids to be old enough that we watch it together :)
14:45 you did not have to put this here, but in the point im at in my own relationship, i keep falling back into the comfort of "they love me back, i think" and its the only point where I keep asking myself, am I happy? They give me the sweet lullaby that is "I love you" but I never feel it, they have never shown it to me. At some point the words ring hallow and all I feel is numb, where my perspective of love is warped, I feel no desire of others in fear that I might just get the same treatment. Thank you for the small 15 seconds but those 15 seconds really shaken me to look at what is it I really value in a relationship.
Thank you Master Samwise for talking about what a good man looks like from your own view. It's so so helpful indeed to draw wisdom from many different places, and to love by elevating someone else in balance with ourselves. Balance to love both ourselves and others harmoniously.
I want to be Uncle Iroh when I grow up...
Generally I've known more struggle than people around me, which blesses me with experience and insight to help others, but curses me because even my friends often don't know how to help me when I finally crack and reach out, which is painful. I slightly resented them for this for some time, but after a while I've accepted this, and now love them so much, because they will turn earth upside down to help me in the ways they ARE able.
It's difficult to reach out, and people might not always directly be able to offer what you require, but sometimes what you really need is simply someone that loves you, even if they show it differently.
THIS. It can be so frustrating to be on either side of that exchange, whether you are the person desperately in need of help, but can't seem to receive the aid you need, or to be the person who wants nothing more than to support and love your friend/spouse/whatever but can't seem to find the words to say or the thing to do.
I think you hit the nail on the head that, at the end of the day, as long as we TRY to love each other as best we can, and approach each other with that generous attitude, we will in fact help each other.
@@master_samwise Exactly. Offering to be there if one needs it, is often enough. Then it's a game of ping pong (verbal back and forth) to figure out what the solution is and if you can make it happen. You'll find the best of things, really. One of my friends has no idea how to reply, ever. But she makes me feel heard, which calms me down significantly. I didn't even know that was a possibility...
"It's time for you to look inward and begin asking yourself the big questions. Who are you, and what do you want?"
What to say.. Just fantastic, thank you♥️
I'm glad you enjoyed it! I know I loved making it.
Ummmm why am I crying listening to this??? 😢😢😢😢 I'm glad to have found your channel! Excellent content!!! ❤❤❤❤
Is that dark souls music I hear?
At 8:07 "I don't want to survive, I want to live" - Captain B. McCrea, VA Jeff Garlin
Great vid. You're obviously progressing, and I'm here for it!
Every time you upload an Avatar video it just makes my day. Easily my favorite show of all time (I watch through it with my family every summer) and Iroh is such a big reason why. Can't wait for the chance to go back and watch more of your fantastic videos!
7:59 this reminded me of my favorite line from Ekko in Arcane; "It isn't enough to give people what they need to survive, you need to give them what they need to live"
f*ck I cannot wait for season 2
Same here. Arcane is so stupidly good.
Surprise top tier motivational self help video while I am in a bit if a low. Adding to my favorites playlist for sure.
Thank you for this video
I already knew I was in that “survival” stage but it took me this video to really accept where I am
I'm always surprised when I see comments like this. Like, dang, I shouldn't be allowed to actually affect how people see themselves. But anyway, if my words (or, rather, my interpretation of Iroh's words) helped in any small way, I'm so glad. You keep trying, striving, and living, my friend.
Anyone else wanna hear a convo between him, Oogway and Paarthurnax?
Always loved that C.S. Lewis quote. I used it for a best man speech for a buddy of mine. Great video!
It is one of the few videos on CZcams where I learned something about life. Thank you for this lesson.
Thank Iroh (or rather, those who created him). But I appreciate the kind words.
I want to be myself. I also want that self to be a person who makes Uncle Iroh feel like his job is done 😊
Great video. I love the humility shown in this video.
Something about your calm, but passionate way of speaking moves me to great emotion, just like many of the characters you make these videos about did. Thank you for making these.
Thank you for watching!
A channel with a soul
Well done.
You are doing a great job with these breakdowns, my friend.
Please keep them coming.
What a great video, thank you so much!
Glad you enjoyed it!
there's something darkly comedic about hearing Gwyn's theme in a video as wholesome as this one
Thank you for this, until now I never really understood what he was saying entirely, but thanks to you breaking it down, I understand. Thank you, and I also thank the creators of this show for these gems of wisdom
This was such a beautiful video, I needed to hear this but I didn't even realise it
This was a great reflection. I just ended therapy and it became clear that I have problems with being satisfied with what I am doing. So I really get the point of what you described here and can relate to what you said about yourself. No human is perfect and ever will be and that ist good. As you said: diversity is a great gift and we all should be open and good to each other especially the ones you love!
We all need each other so much. Life can get a lot easier once we accept that.
I think why people love him is that they made what he says is understandable and not fully of asking the stupid questions he asks what is life to you but he tells you how to open your eyes in a rest period not during combat and he feels like a better father to his grandson rest in peace mako you breathed life into this man
Edit: fixing one word
Love your videos. They just keep getting better!
Thank you!
Master Samwise! Your videos keep me positive and productive during work. Thank you
I think the worst part about humility is that it’s hard to be consistent on. I like to think of myself as a humble person, I am aware of my limits and what I am capable of. I like to think myself good at my job, but on a bell curve graph I’m in the lower half of employees. The reason for this is obvious; I’ve only been here a year, a yearling in a factory filled with people who have been here since before their hair grayed. They have knowledge I never could have at this time, even with what I know about the product I machine
Love properly ordered your sounding Bishop Barron. I love finding truths beyond the very religious world.
This channel is turning into an uncle iroh fan page and I’m here for it
Keep it up! Im really enjoying all of your videos
Iroh is one of my favorite Avatar characters
Iroh is one of my favorite characters period.
Iroh is just the best!
this video actually helped me a way thank you for planning the post
What a phenomenal video! I love your analysis, your reflections, and your wisdom. Thank you for sharing!
I especially loved to hear what you had to say about pride, shame, and virtue. Such simple wisdom that just needed to be said aloud. Fantastic work, Master Samwise!
Thank you so much!
Thank you for your channel. 💜
I want to see your channel grow. Your message spread and for you to gain the traction you deserve
I'm glad you referred to my 2nd fav piece of media, too😊
I agree with a lot of what you said about love being the desire and work towards another's good and the love of money being a love of power. These are things I have thoroughly contemplated, and to hear you speak them is awesome.
I feel we are of similar minds. My hope is that you are a saved man of Jesus.
This is one of the most profound videos I've seen. Deserves many more views. Keep up the good work friend
I love your videos they are deep, thought provoking and clear!
Seriously playing Vode An at the end goes really hard for this in a good way
once again wise words that I'll continue to listen to
A beautiful video man. Thank you for your analysis and perspective! Iroh is a fantastic role model, and I also do the best that I can to keep his words in mind.
Also, as a huge GOW fan I love the connections you made in this video, and the small snippets of both Kratos’ and Faye’s music were wonderful inclusions!
Thank you! Obviously I really enjoyed GoW too, and the music is so dang good that I can't help but include it. God bless the video game studios and their willingness to let their content be used royalty free on YT.
@@master_samwise amen to that my brother! Also just finished watching your GoW video as well. 10/10 cannot wait for a sequel on Ragnarök sometime! All the best
Love your videos even the shorter ones
"'Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?' And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." ~ Matt 22:36-39
So many people forget the "...as yourself" part of the Second Great Commandment. We are to love others, yes. But we are to love them we love ourselves. We have to know how to love our self (in a healthy, humble way) in order to properly love others instead of becoming either a prideful jerk or a weak doormat.
I think this is your best video to date. Totally gonna rewatch just to digest everything. Awesome work master Samwise. ^^
Thank you so much!
Amazing video. Thanks.
Love the Dark Souls music!
I am 21 now. I dont have an uncle Iroh in my life. Most i got is a Toph, my big sister. But she's somewhere else now. I am still trying to figure myself out, like Zuko, im a hot head, and i dont know what i truly want in life besides big goals i just blurt out and never plan fully, not really one to open up unless i have a way to cover it up because i dont like thinking about myself. I mainly just cut myself off and just go through the day, wake up, eat, work, sleep is almost every day. I am stuck thinking that im insignificant enough to just fade away easily, that my words, actions, thoughts wont be heard because no one wishes to listen. But i just bite my tongue, and go through the day, one step at a time.
I love Iroh a lot! ^^
Avatar has been apart of my life for over a decade as well. I've always found uncle Iroh helpful when i needed guidance but couldn't find it in my real life. I enjoyed this video and watched it with friends who also like Avatar last airbender. They also enjoyed watching your video...and my 8months son was interested 😊
I also think you talk well. i feel comfortable listening.