Original artwork, not a still
You must unlearn what you have learned.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
It is the first lesson for a student who has already learned the wrong things, from farm life, from habit, from common sense. Yoda is not asking for more effort but for a different belief about what is possible. The line sits right beside 'Do or do not', and together they became the standard motivational-poster Yoda, quoted in classrooms, bootcamps and self-help books.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes BackShow the scene
Still on Dagobah in The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Luke sees his X-wing about to vanish into the bog and says he will never get it out. Yoda tells him he is so certain it cannot be done. Luke protests that moving stones is one thing but this is totally different. Yoda snaps that it is only different in his mind, and that he must unlearn what he has learned. Luke agrees to try, and Yoda answers with 'Do... or do not. There is no try.'
Sources (1)
- Wikiquote: The Empire Strikes BackDialogue, Dagobah X-wing sceneReference checked
Context reviewed
