Over the course of 23 movies, The Infinity Saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe gave audiences a wide variety of villains. Most of them played by some seriously talented actors, these characters went from the somewhat forgettable, to the truly indelible. They all had unique reasons for their villainy, and they gave the Marvel heroes a good run for their money.
Although they all squarely fall into the "evil" camp, that doesn't mean they can't have words of wisdom to share. After all, intelligence is a key ingredient in villainy, and this lot have brains to spare. While the heroes might never admit it, some of these are really good pieces of advice that anyone can follow.
10 Don't Ever Apologize For Being The Smartest One In The Room
As part of his nice-guy act, Quentin Beck, AKA Mysterio, gave this wonderful advice to young Peter Parker during the events of Spider-Man: Far From Home. Intelligence is indeed nothing to be embarrassed about. And while displaying it can sometimes lead to mockery, especially among children at school, it's a wonderful gift and a true virtue that should absolutely be taken advantage of.
That being said, intelligence shouldn't be an instrument to belittle others. It should be used and shared, not weaponized. It's a fine line, which is why it has to be nurtured and steered in the right direction.
9 You Have To Let Go Of The Past
Portrayed by Jude Law in the 2019 hit Captain Marvel, Yon-Rogg was Carol Danvers' mentor, before eventually revealing his true colors. While their relationship was rather close, it irreparably broke after the discovery.
As part of his mentorship, he gives this valuable advice to Carol. something almost everyone can relate to. Countless people live with regrets and stay in the past. The present, too, eventually becomes the past and adds itself to the pile of bitterness. Life becomes much easier once the past is put to rest. One must learn from it, but not hold on to it. It's hard to do so, but ultimately worth it.
8 The World's Changing. It's Time We Change Too
While Adrian Toomes speaks this line when revealing his plan to steal alien technology to become the supervillain in Spider-Man: Homecoming, the idea at its center is a very valid one.
The world is changing, and rather rapidly. Technological advancements become more outstanding with each new year, and vast new opportunities seem to be born every day. Everyone must find a way to keep up, not only with innovation but with societal adjustments too. 2020 has been a year of reckoning for a lot of social issues, signaling the beginning of a new, more open, and accepting society. People must let go of prejudices and stereotypes, and embrace this brave new world.
7 You Really Need To Grow Up
Ego, the Living Planet and main villain in 2017's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, spoke this piece of wisdom to his son, Peter Quill. Granted, the Celestial, played by Kurt Russell, did so while attempting to kill him, but it's still valuable advice, at least with no context.
As it was stated before, nothing good comes from living in the past. And while the term "growing up" is often associated with letting go of childhood and child-like qualities, it's actually more about coming to terms with the person you are at any given moment. "Growing up" doesn't necessarily mean settling down or adhering to conventional standards of adulthood, but to evolve and not stay stunted forever. The minute people realize they are always changing, they can take on life's challenges with a brand new perspective.
6 I Have Patience And Experience. A Man Can Do Anything If He Has Those
Baron Helmut Zemo, the mastermind behind the events of Captain America: Civil War, is the perfect example of anything being achieved if one works hard work. Sure, his achievement resulted in countless deaths and the rapture of the Avengers, but that's a different story.
In reality, this advice is actually relevant for almost any task. Hard work and effort are usually overlooked when people tell their success stories, but they are actually the key ingredients. Nothing is achieved overnight or comes from taking the easy way. Patience is also vital, yet hardly ever mentioned. People often take it for granted, not realizing that experience comes from dedication and failure. Next to nothing is achieved on the first try.
5 Don't Get So Attached To Things. Learn To Let Go
Justin Hammer was a giant jerk, that much is true. Still, even jerks can offer pearls of wisdom, and that's exactly what Hammer did during this brief conversation with Ivan Vanko in Iron Man 2. When talking about Vanko's pet bird, which Hammer was unable to get back, the businessman advises Vanko not to get too attached, which is honestly very accurate.
People often give way too much importance to material things, sometimes placing them over others and their feelings. Materialism is an endless path that ultimately brings little satisfaction. And while it's okay to indulge from time to time, it's also important to remember, as corny as it may sound, that there are more important things that money simply can't buy.
4 I Don't Care About One Boat, I Care About The Fleet
Alexander Pierce, played by the legendary Robert Redford, is the true antagonist in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The head of S.H.I.E.L.D. during the film's events, he is first introduced during a meeting with other members of the World Security Council.
Pierce's advice can be translated into practically every part of life. People can get really caught up in the minutiae of any given situation, forgetting the big picture. Details are important, the devil's in them, after all. However, it's sometimes wiser to let some of them go in order to reach the long-term goal. In other words, at times, it's necessary to lose the battle in order to win the war.
3 (A Wise Man Never Seeks Out War) But He Must Always Be Ready For It
The first ever female villain in the MCU came in the seventeenth film of the Infinity Saga, 2017's Thor: Ragnarok. Fabulously played by the incomparable Cate Blanchett, Hela made things extremely hard for the God of Thunder.
This quote, which is first said by Thor, before Hela interrupts him and finishes it, was passed on to both of them by Odin. It's basically another way of saying "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst," something everyone would be smart to do. Positivity is important, but it must always be accompanied by a healthy dose of realism. A Plan B is always good to have because if 2020 has proven anything, it's that life will throw a thousand curveballs and things can complicate in the blink of an eye.
2 Hitting Does Not Solve Everything
The God of Mischief himself had more than his share of memorable lines. And while Thor: The Dark World is a pretty forgettable entry in the Marvel canon, it still has its moments.
This quote, spoken by Loki to Thor, is just a good, old-fashioned plea for civility. It is true, violence often leads to nothing except more violence. Words are as powerful as any weapon, and far more meaningful. It's important to remember that, especially when seeking to resolve a conflict. Sticks and stones can break some bones, but words can do something better. They can heal them.
1 You Should Have Gone For The Head
The Big Bad at the center of the Infinity Saga, Thanos is Marvel's most complex villain, by far. During his final moments in Avengers: Infinity War, and after Thor drills Stormbreaker into his chest, the Mad Titan speaks this quote, which is both good advice and a nasty burn.
Thor wanted to gloat and make sure Thanos knew he had lost. Had the God of Thunder abandoned all arrogance and simply get the job done, then 'the Snap' wouldn't have happened. Instead, he allowed pride to take over and paid the ultimate prize for it. It's a worthy lesson to learn. When the ego fits into the equation, the result will no doubt be tainted.
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December 26, 2020 at 06:30AM
