Meditating, eating sushi, drinking tea and working out (in this case martial arts), they all seem like normal activities for a healthy person in our era.
Well, what if I told you someone was doing those things back in the late 80's and 90's, in New York City?
That person seems kind of wise and prophetic doesn't? Well, time to meet our teacher of the day, no other than Master Splinter! The mentor (sensei) and father figure of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Of course we know Splinter is a fictional character, but fiction is inspired by life and life is inspired by fiction. Splinter is definitely an inspiration and a fountain of wisdom that guides the young Turtles throughout their adventures.
I fell in love with the Turtles with the first TV series and probably that's my favorite Splinter. Yes there are other incarnations of the ninjustu master, in the many versions of the Turtles franchise, do you have a favorite?
Despite not all versions agree on Splinter's origin (is he the master Hamato Yoshi mutated, or, is he Hamato Yoshi pet that learn ninjustu from watching his master?), they all portrait him as a rat that is the mentor of the Turtles. A very knowledgeable master of ninja arts and fan of renascence, with a very particular sense of humor.
Just like a father of a teenager or a mentor to a stubborn student, Master Splinter has always a lesson to teach to the Turtles, in each adventure they face the evil Shredder (Oruku Saki former Hamato Yoshi colleague) and the Foot Clan.
It's time to go back and remember some of those lessons! We've made our research and came up with a selection of the best 45 Master Splinter quotes from all the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies and cartoons:
Master Splinter's Wisdom in 45 Quotes
Splinter Quotes in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987 TV Series)
1. "There is no monster more dangerous than a lack of compassion." - Master Splinter
2. "Its remarkable what one can do, when one is forced to." - Master Splinter
3. “The path that leads to what we truly desire is long and difficult, but only by following that path do we achieve our goal.” - Master Splinter
4. "A wise person embraces as many new experiences as possible." when offered a slice of pizza... "The wise person also recognizes that some experiences are less embraceable than others." - Master Splinter
5. "There are times when right overrules rules, my son." - Master Splinter
6. "I do not wish to fight. But cast a stone into the lake, and the ripples will return to you." - Master Splinter
7. "If you look for happiness outside of yourself, you'll never find it. Happiness exists only within you. - Master Splinter
8. "Pride in one's work is an excellent quality, but it most not be carried to excess." - Master Splinter
9. "Wisdom can appear in many places." - Master Splinter
10. "I see you have already forgotten your lesson. There is room in this world for all different types of personalities. Some light-hearted, some serious. Think how boring it would be if all of us were identical." - Master Splinter
Splinter Quotes Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (90's Movies)
11. "Possess the right thinking. Only then can one receive the gifts of strength, knowledge, and peace." - Master Splinter
12. "Anger clouds the mind. Turned inward, it is an unconquerable enemy." - Master Splinter
13. "You are unique among your brothers, for you choose to face this enemy alone. But as you face it, do not forget them, and do not forget me. I am here, my son." - Master Splinter
14. "Tonight you have learned the final and greatest truth of the Ninja: that ultimate mastering comes not from the body, but from the mind. Together, there is nothing your four minds cannot accomplish." - Master Splinter
15. "Some say that the path from inner turmoil begins with a friendly ear. My ear is open if you care to use it." - Master Splinter
16. "All fathers care for their sons." - Master Splinter
"Go Ninja! Go Ninja! Go! Ahaha I made another funny!"
Splinter Quotes in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003 TV series)
17. "Running into battle without knowledge or preparation is foolish. Sometimes it is best to sit still. The answers will come." - Master Splinter
18. "Sometimes you must follow your heart even if others tell you not to." - Master Splinter
19. "A creative mind must be balanced by a disciplined body. We must learn stillness and alertness. For they are the only defense against the unexpected." - Master Splinter
20. "Darkness gives the ninja power, while light reveals the ninja's presence." - Master Splinter
21. "It is not the student place to say when a lesson is learned. The student place is to listen and learn." - Master Splinter
22. "Sometimes the past is a mirror in which we can see the reflection of what danger the future holds." - Master Splinter
23. "Let your mind become pool of stillness. Break the surface explore the deeps for that is where the true wonders lies." - Master Splinter
24. "A wise ninja does not seek out an enemy who he does not fully understand." - Master Splinter
25. "The two greatest weapons at the ninja disposal are placement and surprise." - Master Splinter
Splinter Quotes in TMNT (2007 Movie)
27. "Each of your brothers has strengths and weaknesses. You must learn to be strong when they are weak. If you don't learn to recognize this, then all hope is lost for our family." - Master Splinter
28. "There are no excuses when you are the leader, my student." - Master Splinter
Splinter Quotes in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012 TV series)
29. "Your own anger defeats you from the inside out." - Master Splinter
30. "Seek victory, not fairness." - Master Splinter
31. "If you think too much about what is coming, you will lose sight of what is. You must be fully in the moment so you can fight without thinking." - Master Splinter
32. "You must find the spaces between your thoughts and learn to live there." - Master Splinter
33. "No plan ever survives contact with the enemy. It is how you react to the unexpected that will determine if you and your brothers succeed." - Master Splinter
34. "The first rule of the Ninja is to do no harm. Unless you mean to do harm, then do LOTS of harm." - Master Splinter
35. "After all of this time, I have learned that revenge only leads to more pain." - Master Splinter
36. "We choose what holds us back and what moves us forward." - Master Splinter
37. "Technology is a means, not and end. It is you who must prevail in battle, not your weapon." - Master Splinter
38. "Leadership is not about being appreciated, it is about responsibility. It doesn't matter that the burden is heavy, It matters that you carry it." - Master Splinter
39. "You're too busy trying to be this unrealistic television captain. Instead you should listen to your mind and heart. Only when you listen to yourself and your brothers will you become the great leader you are destined to be." - Master Splinter
40. "I may not be human, but at least I am fortunate enough to have my humanity." - Master Splinter
41. "There is no monster more dangerous than a lack of compassion." - Master Splinter
42. "My meditation grants me serenity but ear plugs don't hurt either." - Master Splinter
Splinter Quotes in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014 Movie)
45. "My sons, your training is not yet complete. But you will become the warriors that legends are made of." - Master Splinter
And that's a wrap! Well not quite, as I...."always liked COWABUNGA! Ahaha I made a Funny!"
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