Avatar: The Last Airbender is as critically acclaimed as it is beloved by fans and deserves nothing less than universal praise. Viewers of all ages can learn something from this profound series, whether they’re children watching it for the first time or adults rewatching it for the umpteenth time.
Over the course of its three seasons, Avatar has taught fans many lessons about life, and one of the main sources of wisdom was undoubtedly Zuko’s Uncle Iroh. His words of wisdom are a staple of Avatar and the show simply wouldn’t be what it is without this lovable old man and his unparalleled insight.
Updated on May 17, 2023 by Ajay Aravind:Uncle Iroh is one of the wisest, gentlest, and most memorable characters in the Avatar franchise. He is kind to everyone, even those who mistreat him because he understands that every person is embroiled in their own personal battles. As such, most sentences that emerge from Uncle Iroh’s mouth are eminently quotable. Fans can only hope that the live-action Iroh can live up to his animated version.
20 “There Is Nothing Wrong With A Life Of Peace And Prosperity. I Suggest You Think About What It Is You Want From Your Life.”
Uncle Iroh was the crown prince of the Fire Nation, so his entire life was spent fighting a raging war for his homeland’s dominance. And yet, he knew the value of peace even though Iroh didn’t often get the opportunity to experience it.
This sentiment, intended for his nephew, was an acknowledgment that Zuko didn’t have to spend his entire life fighting if he didn’t want to. He could walk away from the battle and allow someone else to pick it up. The idea that the fight can be too much and one can walk away isn’t a concept usually addressed by children’s television.
19 “Be Careful What You Wish For, Admiral. History Is Not Always Kind To Its Subjects.”
When some people think of phrases associated with history, they remember that “history is written by the victors.” While that overarching feeling is true, Uncle Iroh also knew that just because someone was victorious didn’t mean the future would look kindly on them.
There was no line that Admiral Zhao wouldn’t cross in his quest for power, and to make himself valuable to the Fire Lord. Uncle Iroh, for all the good he did during the course of the series, behaved similarly during his youth. He knew that history would not consider many of his accomplishments in a positive light.
18 “At My Age, There Is Only One Big Surprise Left, And I’d Just As Soon Leave It A Mystery”
Uncle Iroh makes his peace with the prospect of his inevitable death long before he actually dies, somewhere between his nephew’s ascension to the throne and Avatar Korra’s birth.
Lu-ten’s untimely demise forces Iroh to realize the value of life, which is when he begins to take his duties a lot less seriously. This quote proves that he doesn’t mind dying, but he would prefer it to come as a surprise so he doesn’t spend his moments alive in unnecessary fear.
17 “Failure Is Only The Opportunity To Begin Again.”
While Iroh might not have looked back too fondly on his days waging war for the Fire Nation, he also knew not to dwell on his past mistakes. If he failed while performing a task, he tried to move on from it. Dwelling on the failure itself was a mistake, but starting over meant that life could go on.
To be completely fair, a similar line is also credited to Henry Ford, so Uncle Iroh’s words were likely inspired by the real-life figure. This quote can also be contrasted with his brother Ozai, who strongly believed that failure meant shame and humiliation.
16 “Sometimes, The Best Way To Solve Your Own Problems Is To Help Someone Else.”
Though Uncle Iroh was the one who said this line, the sentiment played out numerous times in the series itself. Aang gained allies with every person he helped, Zuko learned about himself when he helped a family persecuted by soldiers-turned-bullies, Katara grew more adept at her abilities as she trained Aang, and Sokka grew as a leader when helped the Kyoshi warriors.
Iroh even made this line come to life when he decided to help liberate Ba Sing Se, thereby earning redemption for his former mistakes. The series made it clear that every time someone helped another, their actions would ultimately have far-reaching consequences.
15 “Protection And Power Are Overrated. I Think You Are Very Wise To Choose Happiness And Love.”
As Iroh and Aang descend into the crystal catacombs of Ba Sing Se, the young Avatar wonders if he made the right decision to protect Katara over learning his chakras under the guidance of Guru Pathik. As a 12-year-old, Aang isn’t exactly emotionally or philosophically mature at this point.
Iroh informs Aang that love and happiness are far superior to power and protection, proceeding to describe life as a dangerous, albeit extremely rewarding, journey. The older man has loved and lost enough to comprehend the importance of moving forward, regardless of the destination.
14 “Good Times Become Good Memories, But Bad Times Make Good Lessons.”
Iroh experienced his share of good times. He seemed to have pleasant memories of his experiences with different game players and tea drinkers. He also, however, suffered his share of tragedy.
Much like his belief that failure allowed someone to begin anew, Iroh knew that he could learn from his mistakes and the tragedy in his life. His bad experiences became learning opportunities, striving to improve himself and become a better person. Iroh wanted the same for his nephew, which is likely why so much of his wisdom was aimed at Zuko.
13 “It Is Usually Best To Admit Mistakes When They Occur, And To Seek To Restore Honor.”
Prince Zuko was on a quest to restore his honor — however, if he had actually listened to his Uncle Iroh, he would have known that his way of doing things was wrong. In the wise words of Uncle Iroh, “It is usually best to admit mistakes when they occur, and to seek to restore honor”.
In Zuko’s case, he would have been much better off if he had acknowledged his transgressions at the beginning and worked towards restoring his honor. Instead, the banished prince spends nearly 4 years struggling to capture the Avatar in a futile bid to please his father.
12 “Power In Firebending Comes From The Breath, Not The Muscle!”
Breathing is one of the most important components of any exercise, and the same applies to all four bending arts. Iroh explains that the breath contains energy and power that can be channeled through the body far more effectively than brute force is capable of.
This point is particularly impactful because Zuko firmly believes that physical strength and Firebending are directly proportional, a notion that nearly gets him killed on many occasions. This is a sentiment acquired through his father Ozai, as well as his sister Azula.
11 “It Is Important To Draw Wisdom From Many Different Places.”
In the Season 2 episode “Bitter Work”, Iroh decides to teach Zuko how to use his bending abilities to create lightning. Although Zuko complains, stating that he wanted to learn how to generate lightning, Iroh insists that his method is superior.
Iroh also gives Zuko an important lesson on keeping an open mind and understanding others, which will consequently help him become more mature. Iroh implies that those who work on comprehending different cultures, beliefs, philosophies, and ways of life would automatically enrich their own understanding of the world and become wiser.
10 “It’s Time For You To Look Inward And Start Asking Yourself The Big Question: Who Are You And What Do You Want?”
After his banishment, Zuko was hell-bent on fulfilling his destiny and restoring his honor. In his mind, the only way to achieve his goals was by successfully tracking and capturing the Avatar. Luckily, Zuko had a voice of reason to guide him and make him realize that his destiny doesn’t necessarily put him on the path of revenge and retribution.
Iroh wanted Zuko to live life on his own terms – to be the person he wanted to be and do the things he wanted to do. As the older man put it: “It’s time for you to look inward and start asking yourself the big question: who are you and what do you want?”
9 “If You Look For The Dark, That Is All You Will Ever See.”
One of Iroh’s darker pieces of advice, this quote refers to navigating one’s inner world. It means that searching for the light, for an answer, for something tangible and hopeful, will help one orient themselves on their personal journeys.
Unfortunately, it also means that people who are unable to perceive the light — in other words, those clouded by thoughts of anger and despair — may never find their way out of the metaphorical darkness. It takes a long time for Iroh’s sage words to get through to Zuko, but they eventually do.
8 “Sharing Tea With A Fascinating Stranger Is One Of Life’s True Delights.”
Iroh had a hard life. He loses his son, his legacy, and nearly loses his nephew forever. Despite all his suffering, he has the will and compassion to sit down and have a conversation with Toph, a girl he’d never met, and even offer her some advice.
Iroh’s resilience, strength, and uncanny ability to find happiness everywhere around him are nothing short of impressive. His life hasn’t been easy, but it’s taught him to appreciate the little things. When Toph thanks him for the tea and the conversation, Iroh simply says: “Sharing tea with a fascinating stranger is one of life’s true delights.”
7 “Hope Is Something You Give Yourself. That Is The Meaning Of Inner Strength.”
It’s almost certain that Zuko would have gotten nowhere without the support of his wonderful Uncle Iroh. The man has done everything to keep Zuko in high spirits, enlighten him about the things he couldn’t comprehend, set him on the right path, and raise him to be a genuinely honorable man.
When Zuko came close to giving up hope, Iroh made sure he knew just how important hope can be. Uncle Iroh intuitively understands that positivity yields positive results, whereas self-pity won’t get anyone anywhere — a lesson that everyone should try to remember.
6 “Sometimes Life Is Like This Dark Tunnel.”
While Uncle Iroh is usually dispensing insight to his nephew Zuko, Aang got the chance to be inspired by Uncle Iroh in the Season 2 finale episode. As the two were making their way through a dark tunnel to the Crystal Catacombs to rescue Katara and Zuko, Aang took the opportunity to seek some advice.
Iroh gladly shared some of his wisdom with the young Avatar, stating: “Sometimes life is like this dark tunnel. You can’t always see the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you just keep moving you will come to a better place.” Iroh’s words can often sound poetic and prophetic at the same time.
5 “Destiny Is A Funny Thing. You Never Know How Things Are Going To Work Out.”
Throughout the show, Zuko went on and on about destiny and honor. When fans first meet Zuko, he wants nothing less than to return to the Fire Nation after redeeming his alleged crimes. Uncle Iroh, however, knows that the world isn’t as simple as his nephew believes it to be.
Of course, Iroh was right — his nephew’s destiny was never to capture the Avatar. Once Zuko opened his mind to other possibilities, he realized that his true fate is to help the Avatar. What Uncle Iroh was trying to teach Zuko is that nothing is written in stone and that it’s up to him to decide what his destiny is.
4 “While It Is Always Great To Believe In Oneself, A Little Help From Others Can Be A Great Blessing.”
While in Ba Sing Se, a man attempted to rob Uncle Iroh, but he had no idea who he was messing with. Leave it to Iroh to correct this wannabe robber’s stance, brew him delicious tea, offer him career advice, and share some of his infinite wisdom.
Iroh tells the man that he should become a masseur, and the man is overwhelmed to finally have someone who believes in him. Uncle Iroh tells him that “while it is always best to believe in oneself, a little help from others can be a great blessing.” Iroh realizes that lone wolves solve none of their problems, and that the power of friendship is extremely important.
3 “Pride Is Not The Opposite Of Shame, But Its Source. True Humility Is The Only Antidote To Shame.”
In “Bitter Work,” Uncle Iroh sets out to teach Zuko a super-secret awesome Firebending move he invented, one that not even Azula knows how to perform. However, once Zuko actually attempts to create lightning, he fails over and over again, causing him to get angry.
Iroh informs Zuko that he has to let go of his feeling of shame in order for his anger to go away. What Iroh is trying to explain to his nephew is that his anger at the world comes from shame. So, in order to let go of his anger, Zuko must learn to let go of arrogance and embrace humility.
2 “Life Happens Wherever You Are, Whether You Make It Or Not.”
When Prince Zuko arrived in Ba Sing Se, he wasn’t taken by the Earth Kingdom’s charms. Behind its massive walls, Zuko felt trapped, and even compared the city to prison, saying that it was not the place he wanted to make a life in. But his wise uncle was quick to point out the mistake in his reasoning.
Uncle Iroh knows that life happens around us everywhere and all at once, and that it’s not something that can be created or molded. He’s telling Zuko to make the best of life wherever he is, because nothing is going to change the fact that life and time will go on, no matter what Zuko wants.
1 “I Was Never Angry With You. I Was Sad Because I Was Afraid You’d Lose Your Way.”
Zuko treats his Uncle with the utmost disrespect for a long time, and is utterly distraught when he realizes the consequences of his final betrayal in Ba Sing Se. He quickly abandons the Fire Nation to locate his missing uncle, finally freeing himself of his quest for honor.
Zuko searches for Iroh, hoping to beg for forgiveness and throw himself at his uncle’s mercy, but the old man simply hugs his nephew tight. Iroh explains that he never once bore a shred of hatred towards Zuko, only sadness that the latter might be following in Ozai’s footsteps.
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