Which Movie Characters Say 'This Shall Pass'?

2026-04-14 19:58:18
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3 Answers

Una
Una
Favorite read: Through The Storm
Story Finder Mechanic
I’ve always been drawn to how 'this too shall pass' shows up in quieter, character-driven films. In 'The Pursuit of Happyness,' Will Smith’s Chris Gardner doesn’t say the words verbatim, but his entire arc embodies them—sleeping in subway bathrooms with his son, clinging to the hope that his struggles are temporary. The phrase doesn’t need to be spoken outright; sometimes, it’s woven into the fabric of a story. Even in animated films like 'Inside Out,' Joy’s realization that sadness has purpose echoes the idea. Pain isn’t permanent; it’s part of growth.

Then there’s 'Rocky Balboa,' where Stallone’s monologue about life hitting hard but moving forward captures the essence. It’s less about the exact words and more about the resilience they inspire. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve rewatched those scenes when I needed a boost. Funny how fiction can feel like a pep talk from an old friend.
2026-04-18 00:35:04
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Quinn
Quinn
Favorite read: Love Sees Us Through
Detail Spotter Lawyer
One of the most iconic uses of 'this too shall pass' in film is in 'The Princess Bride,' though it’s slightly paraphrased. The line is delivered by the character Miracle Max, played by Billy Crystal, who says, 'It’s not that bad. It could be worse. You could be dead.' The sentiment is very much in the same vein—acknowledging hardship but with a darkly comedic twist. The phrase itself has biblical roots, but its cinematic adaptations often lean into its comforting, almost proverbial nature. I love how films like this take age-old wisdom and repackage it with humor or gravitas, depending on the tone.

Another memorable instance is in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,' where Gandalf reassures Frodo with a similar idea: 'All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.' While not the exact phrase, the spirit of enduring hardship is there. It’s fascinating how this concept transcends cultures and genres, popping up in everything from fantasy epics to quirky rom-coms. Makes you wonder if screenwriters keep a shared notebook of timeless lines.
2026-04-18 19:11:17
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Quentin
Quentin
Favorite read: Fading sorrow
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The phrase 'this too shall pass' feels almost like a secret handshake in cinema—subtle but powerful when you spot it. In 'The Shawshank Redemption,' Red’s narration about hope being 'a good thing, maybe the best of things' carries the same weight. It’s not verbatim, but the message is identical: endurance over despair. Even in comedies like 'The Hangover,' the chaos is temporary, and the resolution reinforces the idea. I’m always struck by how versatile the sentiment is, fitting seamlessly into dramas, thrillers, or even slapstick. It’s a reminder that no matter the genre, stories are ultimately about overcoming.
2026-04-20 19:57:25
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Is 'this shall pass' a quote from a famous book?

3 Answers2026-04-14 13:07:49
The phrase 'this too shall pass' feels like it’s been woven into the fabric of storytelling forever, doesn’t it? I first stumbled across it in a collection of Persian folktales, where it was attributed to a wise king who had it inscribed on a ring to remind himself of life’s impermanence. It’s one of those lines that pops up everywhere—from self-help books to fantasy novels—because it’s so universal. I even spotted it in 'The Lord of the Rings,' though Tolkien tweaked it to fit Middle-earth’s vibe. What’s fascinating is how it morphs depending on where it appears. In darker stories, it’s a grim acknowledgment of fleeting joy; in uplifting ones, it’s a promise that hardship won’t last. The adaptability makes it feel less like a single quote and more like a shared human reflex. That said, it’s not tied to one famous book exclusively. It’s more of a cultural ghost—haunting sermons, poems, and even pop songs (remember OK Go’s music video with the Rube Goldberg machine?). The lack of a definitive origin adds to its charm. Every time I hear it, I imagine centuries of people whispering it to themselves during personal storms. It’s comforting in a bittersweet way, like finding the same graffiti on different walls across time.

What are some songs that reference 'this shall too pass'?

4 Answers2026-04-14 00:15:31
Music has always been my refuge when life feels overwhelming, and I love how certain songs weave timeless wisdom into their lyrics. One track that immediately comes to mind is 'This Too Shall Pass' by OK Go—their iconic Rube Goldberg machine music video perfectly mirrors the song's theme of resilience. Then there's Danny Schmidt's folk gem 'This Too Shall Pass,' which feels like a warm hug with its gentle guitar and poetic reflections. I’ve also found comfort in Yolanda Adams' gospel rendition, where her powerhouse vocals turn the phrase into a spiritual anthem. Even hip-hop touches on it—Kanye West’s 'Saint Pablo' samples the phrase, though with a more chaotic energy. These songs remind me that no matter how heavy things feel, nothing lasts forever, and that’s weirdly comforting. A deeper cut I adore is 'This Too Shall Pass' by the band Relient K—their pop-punk take is surprisingly poignant, blending youthful energy with mature introspection. And let’s not forget Sufjan Stevens’ 'The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades,' which doesn’t use the exact phrase but captures its essence through haunting imagery of impermanence. It’s fascinating how artists across genres keep returning to this ancient Persian adage, each offering a unique lens on endurance. Lately, I’ve been humming Iron & Wine’s cover of 'This Too Shall Pass'—his whispery voice makes the message feel like a secret shared between friends. Music truly is the best therapist.

What films include the line this too shall pass in dialogue?

4 Answers2025-08-30 23:52:13
I get asked this kind of line-drop all the time in chat threads, because 'this too shall pass' is one of those little proverbs filmmakers and screenwriters love to drop for emotional heft. From what I've dug up and what I've personally heard in films, the phrase shows up a lot in dramas and family movies—usually from a mentor, parent, or a weary protagonist trying to steady someone. I can’t promise an exhaustive, definitive list off the top of my head, but the best way I’ve found to pin down exact occurrences is to search subtitle and script repositories (like OpenSubtitles, IMSDb, and script PDFs), then cross-check with YouTube clips or timestamped scene transcripts. Fans often note occurrences in forum threads and subtitle comments too, so a targeted Google search for "\"this too shall pass\" site:opensubtitles.org" or "\"this too shall pass\" script" usually surfaces examples. That method caught several indie films, holiday dramas, and a few mainstream titles where characters literally say the line. If you want, tell me whether you care about mainstream studio films only, and I’ll hunt down specific titles and timecodes for you—I love a good subtitle-scavenger hunt.

Who originally said the phrase 'this shall too pass'?

4 Answers2026-04-14 00:42:01
The phrase 'this too shall pass' has always fascinated me because of its timeless wisdom. I first stumbled upon it in a collection of Persian poetry, where it felt like a gentle reminder of life's impermanence. The saying is often attributed to medieval Persian poets, particularly in Sufi traditions, where it encapsulates the fleeting nature of both joy and sorrow. Some say it was popularized by the 13th-century poet Attar of Nishapur in his works, though its origins might be even older, woven into oral storytelling. It’s one of those gems that feels universal—like it could’ve been whispered by a wise grandmother or etched into an ancient temple wall. Every time I hear it, I’m struck by how something so simple can feel so profound. Interestingly, the phrase also appears in Jewish folklore, linked to King Solomon. The story goes that he challenged his advisors to find a ring that could make a happy man sad and a sad man happy. They returned with a ring inscribed with this phrase. It’s wild how one line can bridge cultures and centuries, popping up everywhere from self-help books to indie song lyrics. Makes you wonder how many hands it’s passed through to reach us today.

Is 'this shall too pass' mentioned in any famous books?

4 Answers2026-04-14 23:25:21
The phrase 'this too shall pass' has popped up in so many places, it’s like a cultural whisper that never fades. I first stumbled upon it in 'The Hobbit'—though not verbatim, Tolkien’s themes of impermanence echo the sentiment. Then there’s 'The Fault in Our Stars', where John Green subtly weaves it into Hazel’s reflections on life’s fleeting nature. It’s wild how a four-word mantra can shape entire narratives. I also love how classics like 'Anna Karenina' dance around the idea without saying it outright. Levin’s existential musings? Pure 'this too shall pass' energy. Modern self-help books, especially Ryan Holiday’s 'The Obstacle Is the Way', slap it front and center as a Stoic reminder. Feels like every genre has its own spin on this timeless comfort.

How is 'this shall pass' used in fantasy novels?

3 Answers2026-04-14 20:14:42
The phrase 'this shall pass' often pops up in fantasy novels as a quiet mantra for characters facing impossible odds. It’s not just a cliché—it’s woven into the fabric of resilience. In 'The Name of the Wind,' Kvothe mutters it like a spell when he’s trapped in the wilderness, and it becomes a mental lifeline. What fascinates me is how authors twist it: sometimes it’s hopeful, other times bitterly ironic. In grimdark series like 'The First Law,' when someone croaks it mid-battle, you almost laugh because, well, everything passes—including the characters themselves. The duality makes it stick. I’ve noticed it’s especially powerful in coming-of-age arcs. Take 'The Stormlight Archive'—Kaladin’s version ('Life before death') echoes the same idea but sandblasts it with cosmic weight. It’s cool how such a simple phrase morphs into worldbuilding, like a cultural touchstone. Some stories even literalize it; in 'The Wheel of Time,' time actually cycles, so the phrase becomes prophecy. That meta-layer? Chef’s kiss.

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