The Wisdom of Uncle Iroh: Why It Matters 

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.

I just want to become someone who makes Uncle Iroh proud.

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."

Everyone thinks they are a badass until Uncle Iroh sings "leaves from the vine"

every kid deserves an Iroh in their life.

"I beleive people can change their lives, if they want to. I beleive in secnod chances." My favorite Uncle Iroh quote.

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.

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.

"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.

“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 🙌🏻

"If done well; the audience won't even notice the influence of the author on their creation" truly an inspiring quote

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.

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.

It's insane how no matter how many years pass Iroh's wisdom holds true and helps make us better people.

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"

Iroh is the father figure we all needed, and desire to be.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

I just hope that they will keep all of Uncle Iroh's wisdom in the upcoming Netflix Live Action...

Fire bending is cool, Uncle Iroh's wisdom is simply sublime!

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

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

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.

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?

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.

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...

Watching an Avatar video with Dark Souls and God of War music in the background made me unreasonably happy

Uncle Iroh, along with Gandalf, is easily one of the greatest fictional mentors EVER.

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

Your reflections and character analysis' are always so incredible to listen to! Keep up the amazing content :)

One of my favorites RU-vidrs talking at length about my favorite character in all of literature. What a treat!

The quote from C.S. Lewis you mentioned is from G.K Chesterton, who was a major influence on Lewis and his works

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.

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 :)

What to say.. Just fantastic, thank you♥️

You are doing a great job with these breakdowns, my friend. Please keep them coming.

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!

A channel with a soul Well done.

Great video. I love the humility shown in this video.

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.

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! ❤

"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,

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.

Love your videos. They just keep getting better!

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.

Ummmm why am I crying listening to this??? 😢😢😢😢 I'm glad to have found your channel! Excellent content!!! ❤❤❤❤

What a great video, thank you so much!

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

Great vid. You're obviously progressing, and I'm here for it!

12:52 Love the “Gywn Lord of Cinder” theme in the background

The best character in the franchise from the perspective of masculine representation.

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!

Always loved that C.S. Lewis quote. I used it for a best man speech for a buddy of mine. Great video!

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

Keep it up! Im really enjoying all of your videos

This is one of the most profound videos I've seen. Deserves many more views. Keep up the good work friend

Thank you for your channel. 💜

It is one of the few videos on RU-vid where I learned something about life. Thank you for this lesson.

I want to see your channel grow. Your message spread and for you to gain the traction you deserve

I love your videos they are deep, thought provoking and clear!

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!

this video actually helped me a way thank you for planning the post

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!

This was such a beautiful video, I needed to hear this but I didn't even realise it

Master Samwise! Your videos keep me positive and productive during work. Thank you

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.

I think this is your best video to date. Totally gonna rewatch just to digest everything. Awesome work master Samwise. ^^

"It's time for you to look inward and begin asking yourself the big questions. Who are you, and what do you want?"

Love properly ordered your sounding Bishop Barron. I love finding truths beyond the very religious world.

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.

once again wise words that I'll continue to listen to

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

extra friend here, less adverts more communication...real talk. your love speeches resonate Christ, loved it!

Great video! I really needed Irohs advice today :) your talk about love reminds me of the book "All About Love" from Bell Hooks, she argues that love is as love does and basically explains love in the same way as you do

I want to be Uncle Iroh when I grow up...

Amazing video about an amazing character!

Hey Sam, thanks for these wisdoms. Your content is wholesome and true. So thank you for the video and talk, and i hope not only i will use the advices but others will as well. You have definitely earned a subscriber, have a wonderful day :)

Love your videos even the shorter ones

hope is something you give yourself in the darkest of times has become a mantra for me. i want it tattooed on me somewhere. that is a powerful thought for me. BTW, keep grinding, i really like your analysis'.

This channel is turning into an uncle iroh fan page and I’m here for it

Well done,well said.

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.

At 8:07 "I don't want to survive, I want to live" - Captain B. McCrea, VA Jeff Garlin

Thank you

I want to be myself. I also want that self to be a person who makes Uncle Iroh feel like his job is done 😊

Iroh is just the best!

I already knew I was in that “survival” stage but it took me this video to really accept where I am

Thank you.

Mans been listening to that Dark Souls OST recently lol, the stream was fun, and this video is amazing as well.

Loving the Dark souls music at 2:35 ... This is already a video I will like

"'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 always loved Iroh and his wisdom

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

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