The Best Quotes from Uncle Iroh and His Love of Tea

Uncle Iroh is one of the most loved characters from Avatar: The Last Airbender -- a critically acclaimed animated series that has captivated audiences worldwide. Whether you’ve seen it as a kid or as a grown-up, you definitely know how much the show has to offer in terms of action, adventure and life lessons.

Over the course of its three seasons, Uncle Iroh tries to help Prince Zuko grow into a better person. After he was exiled by the Fire Nation, the Prince’s search for the Avatar becomes fueled by rage. But Uncle Iroh is always there to guide him and offers priceless advice on how to continue his journey using more peaceful alternatives.

Uncle Iroh is a retired Fire Nation general who clearly has a passion for drinking tea. He is also a very wise man who can make even the simplest statement sound memorable, inspirational, and insightful. Many fans will recall one of Uncle Iroh's best quotes, “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.”

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The show wouldn’t be the same without Uncle Iroh’s easy-going demeanor and unparalleled wisdom. Below are 40 funny, inspiring, and wise Uncle Iroh quotes from Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Uncle Iroh Quotes About Tea

Uncle Iroh loved a good cup of tea, but not just any -- he only enjoyed a balanced cup of tea that would bring him peace and joy. He was so passionate about the hot beverage that he decided to open his own tea shop.

Uncle Iroh knew that in order to make a great tea, all four of the bending elements must be used (earth, fire, wind, and water). While most of us find a cup of tea soothing, we don’t think about bending elements while preparing or drinking it. For us, it’s just water and plants, but for Uncle Iroh tea making has a whole different and deeper meaning.

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Uncle Iroh’s love of tea might seem like a simple character trait, but it’s more than that. It’s a representation of his spirituality and calming nature. Here are the most iconic Uncle Iroh quotes about tea:

Sharing tea with a fascinating stranger is one of life’s true delights.

I know you’re not supposed to cry over spilled tea, but it’s just so sad!

Sick of tea? That’s like being sick of breathing!

Ick! This tea is nothing more than hot leaf juice!

So I was thinking about names for my new tea shop… how about… the Jasmine Dragon? It’s dramatic, poetic… has a nice ring to it.

You should know this is not a natural sickness. But that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying tea.

Funny Uncle Iroh Quotes

Uncle Iroh is considered one of the best characters of Avatar: The Last Airbender because of his incredibly charming and funny personality. He is a wise old man who has not lost his sense of humor in spite of everything he’s been through. Even when Zuko, his nephew and apprentice, is at his worst, Iroh is still very endearing.

It’s true that some of his comments are sarcastic or may involve a dose of dark humor, but that doesn’t make them less funny once you understand the context. If you want a good laugh, check out Uncle Iroh’s comment on Zuko’s hairstyle -- it’s hilarious!

Regardless of what kind of humor you prefer, the firebending master has a good line fit for every taste. Here are the funniest Uncle Iroh quotes that are guaranteed to make your day better!

You’re looking at the rare white dragon bush. Its leaves make a tea so delicious it’s heartbreaking! That, or it’s the white jade bush, which is poisonous.

Who knew floating on a piece of driftwood for three weeks, with no food or water, and sea vultures waiting to pluck out your liver, could make one so tense!

At my age, there is really only one big surprise left, and I’d just as soon leave it a mystery.

It’s a lovely night for a walk. Why don’t you join me? It would clear your head. Or, just stay in your room and sit in the dark. Whatever makes you happy.

Who would have thought that, after all these years, I would return to the scene of my greatest military disgrace… as a tourist!

Zuko, it’s time we had a talk…about your hair. It’s gone too far!

So this is how the great Commander Zhao acts in defeat? Disgraceful. Even in exile, my nephew is more honorable than you. Thanks again for the tea. It was delicious.

The only thing better than finding something you are looking for is finding something you weren’t looking for at a great bargain!

Uncle Iroh Quotes About Helping Others

We all know that helping others is a noble thing to do. Still, we oftentimes find excuses for not doing it when the opportunity arises. We are either too busy, running late for work or maybe we just think that what lies in our power, is not enough.

Of course, you can’t stop hunger all by yourself, but maybe you can offer someone a meal. You cannot bring world peace on your own, but you can restrain yourself from hurting others. Anything you can do, no matter how small, will contribute to the ‘bigger picture’.

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On the other hand, you should also let others help you. Regardless of how tough or independent you are, we all need a helping hand every now and then to become better or to overcome an obstacle. You can’t do everything on your own and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re not enough, it simply means you’re human.

Here are some wise Uncle Iroh quotes about helping others and yourself:

Sometimes, the best way to solve your own problems is to help someone else.

While it is always best to believe in oneself, a little help from others can be a great blessing.

You sound like my nephew. Always thinking you need to do things on your own without anyone’s support. There is nothing wrong with letting people who love you, help you.

Understanding others, the other elements, the other nations, will help you become whole.

You have light and peace inside of you. If you let it out, you can change the world around you.

Uncle Iroh Inspirational Quotes

Iroh was a wise mentor to his nephew. He was a master firebender, yet he appreciated the power and balance of all four elements.

He lived through some very harsh experiences that taught him valuable lessons. Now, of course, this doesn’t mean that Uncle Iroh is wise only because he experienced tragedy. His wisdom comes from his ability to extract the best out of every situation, good or bad. This is also what makes him an inspirational character.

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Regardless of our life experiences, there is a lot that we can learn from the firebender’s wise words, so here are the top Uncle Iroh inspirational quotes:

Failure is only the opportunity to begin again.

Be careful what you wish for, admiral. History is not always kind to its subjects.

Many things that seem threatening in the dark become welcoming when we shine light on them.

It is usually best to admit mistakes when they occur, and to seek to restore honor.

It is important to draw wisdom from many different places.

Wise Uncle Iroh Quotes

Uncle Iroh's wisdom was obvious from the first time we saw him. Never failing to be cool, calm, and collected, he always set an example for those around him. Even in battle, he was thoughtful and strategic, never wasting effort or energy.

While his main focus was keeping Zuko on a path of light over dark, he recognized the good in everyone and never saw someone as an enemy without first giving them a chance to prove themselves. These quotes are some of Uncle Iroh's wisest words, and certainly worth keeping in mind.

Hope is something you give yourself. That is the meaning of inner strength.

Good times become good memories, but bad times make good lessons.

Destiny is a funny thing. You never know how things are going to work out.

Pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source. True humility is the only antidote to shame.

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.

Uncle Iroh Quotes About Believing In Yourself

One of the great things about Uncle Iroh is his way with words. Regardless of who he was talking to, he always managed to make them think and question their choices. He did everything he could to steer people in the direction of peace and light.

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More than anyone, he believed in Zuko when the most important people in his life had given up on him, and Uncle Iroh made sure that Zuko knew he was loved. He tried his best to motivate him and show him that he could be better and reach his goals, the right way. Here are some of Uncle Iroh's best quotes about believing in yourself and striving for the best.

Is it your own destiny? Or is it a destiny someone else has tried to force on you?

Even in the material world, you will find that if you look for the light, you can often find it. But if you look for the dark, that is all you will ever see.

It is important to draw wisdom from different places. If you take it from only one place it becomes rigid and stale.

Protection and power are overrated. I think you are very wise to choose happiness and love.

You must never give into despair. Allow yourself to slip down that road and you surrender to your lowest instincts.

I was never angry with you. I was sad, because I was afraid you’d lost your way.

Uncle Iroh Quotes About Life

Iroh lost his son, so when he became Zuko’s mentor, he saw him as his own son rather than a nephew. Whenever he talked to Zuko about life, he always encouraged him to choose his own destiny.

The master firebender’s life philosophies are about living life to the fullest and about knowing that while we are not in control of all things, we still have the power to create our own destiny. Of course, taking full responsibility for your every life decision will probably be one of the hardest things you’ll ever do, but it will also be extremely rewarding.

You can’t choose the environment you are born in, but once you grow up, you can choose whether you stay in it or not. For a little more motivation on taking life in your own hands, check out the following wise Uncle Iroh sayings:

Follow your passion and life will reward you.

It's time for you to look inward and start asking yourself the big question: who are you and what do you want?

There is nothing wrong with a life of peace and prosperity. I suggest you think about what it is you want from your life.

There are reasons each of us are born. We have to find those reasons.

Are you so busy fighting you cannot see your own ship has set sail?

Life happens wherever you are, whether you make it or not.

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