Doctor Who has some of the most inspiring quotes out there! While we wait for the 60th-anniversary specials and Ncuti Gatwa’s fifteenth Doctor to grace our screens with his own inspiring quotes, here are some of the best in New Who!
As Doctor Who’s 60th Anniversary Specials lie just around the corner, everyone is looking back at their favorite Doctors of the past and reminiscing on their favorite moments. Oftentimes, these moments are paired with iconic quotes that leave us feeling empowered–like we can do anything! That’s what Doctor Who is all about after all. As we wait for all the new ways Doctor Who can break and reshape our hearts, let’s take a look at some of the most inspiring quotes our Doctor has to offer.
“Never be cruel, never be cowardly[…] Remember, hate is always foolish and love is always wise. Always try to be nice, but never fail to be kind.” – The Twelfth Doctor
The Twelfth Doctor’s final moments in “Twice Upon a Time,” right before regeneration, were spent giving his next self the advice of a lifetime–literally. It’s amazing advice for anyone, though, and inspires all of us to be kind and remember our core values.
“You want weapons? We’re in a library! Books! The best weapons in the world!” – The Tenth Doctor
The Tenth Doctor isn’t exactly one for inspiring speeches, but some of his best moments of inspiration come from “Tooth and Claw,” his third-ever episode. Something we all must remember is that guns and bombs can only go so far, it’s knowledge that will set your free.
“The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don’t always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don’t always spoil the good things or make them unimportant.” – The Eleventh Doctor
“Vincent and the Doctor” is one of the Eleventh Doctor’s most iconic episodes, and this speech spells out the thesis of that episode. After realizing Amy and the Doctor’s impact on Vincent didn’t stop him from taking his own life, Amy’s convinced they didn’t make a difference in Vincent’s life at all–and the Doctor says this in return. We must all remember that the impact you have on someone else should try and add to that pile of good things, because regardless of what someone has been through, it doesn’t spoil what you can add to their life. And vice versa!
“Love, in all its forms, is the most powerful weapon we have. Because love is a form of hope. And like hope, love abides. In the face of everything.” – The Thirteenth Doctor
Seeing the Doctor officiate a wedding in “Demons of the Punjab” was wonderful, and she clearly has changed her tune about what the most powerful weapon in the world is in this regeneration. Love, as well as knowledge, can change the world. And nobody knows it like the Doctor.
“I am and always will be the optimist. The hoper of far-flung hopes, and dreamer of improbable dreams.” – The Eleventh Doctor
“The Almost People” is one of the most interesting episodes to come out of series 6, and this quote from the Doctor certainly adds to that. It’s a reminder to always hold onto optimism, no matter what. Even if people call it naive, silly, or strange, holding onto hope and dreaming about a brighter future is always the way to go. Never forget it!
“Some people live more in 20 years than others do in 80. It’s not the time that matters, it’s the person.” – The Tenth Doctor
Time is what the Doctor knows best, and in “The Lazarus Experiment,” he embeds some wisdom upon us and Dr. Lazarus. Don’t worry about what time you have left, just live! Because so long as you do, it won’t matter how long it was so long as you spent it well.
“Human progress isn’t measured by industry. It’s measured by the value you place on a life. An unimportant life. A life without privilege. The boy who died in the river, that boy’s value is your value. That’s what defines an age. That’s what defines a species.” – The Twelfth Doctor
“Treat others the way you’d like to be treated” is not a new concept, but the Twelfth Doctor perfectly illustrates why it’s important to treat people with kindness and respect, regardless of where they come from, in this quote from “Thin Ice.” Remember this one, because it’s probably more important now than it’s ever been.
“We’re all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?” – The Eleventh Doctor
While not truly his final moments, this was the Eleventh Doctor’s parting words for young Amy in “The Big Bang.” One of the best quotes from Eleven hands down, this sums up some of the biggest lessons he left us.
“Whole worlds pivot on acts of imagination.” – The Thirteenth Doctor
The Thirteenth Doctor is never short of an empowering speech, and this sentiment in “The Tsuranga Conundrum” was one of the most poignant. Never cease to be imaginative, because you may just change the world!
“Because every time you see them happy you remember how sad they’re going to be. And it breaks your heart. Because what’s the point in them being happy if they’re going to be sad later? The answer is, of course, because they’re going to be sad later.” – The Eleventh Doctor
“The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe” gave us this piece of advice as the Doctor assures a grieving wife that it’s okay for her children to be happy at the moment because soon they’ll find out their father isn’t coming home from war. It tells us something important about living in the moment. Sadness is inevitable, but happiness is too, and it’s good to appreciate the moments we have that are joyful and not take advantage of them. Because we will be sad later, but not yet. And that’s what counts.
