These eight of Uncle Iroh's wisest quotes are from Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Iroh, my uncle. Take an example of Avatar: The Last Airbender.Without him, Zuko would never have been able to rid himself of the dignity that he deserved to become Fire Lord in Book 3: Fire. After his son's death, Iroh becomes disillusioned with the fire people and realizes that violence and occupation are not the answer. His guidance seems to reach a stranger on the path of Zuko, Aang Toph, and Ba Sing Se.

Pride is the source of shame, not vice versa.

Book 2: In "Bitter Work", Zuko urges Iroh to teach him how to generate electricity as Azula is the main threat on Earth. His mental complexity prevents a stable state of mind needed for separation between Yin and Yang.

"Pride is not the opposite of shame; it's its source, and true humility is the only medicine that can cure shame".

Zuko's journey centers around never being enough and losing his court rank. Adding to this humiliation, he becomes a fugitive in the Underworld. He wants to restore dignity, but Iroh knows that only true humility is the real solution.

Money cannot buy happiness and dignity.

In "Avatar Day", Zuko pretends to be Blue Spirit and steals from the people of Earth Kingdom in order to gain resources for himself and Iroh. They struggle as refugees; they can't easily afford Zuko for food or luxuries.

"Frankly, the best tea tastes good whether it's in a ceramic pot or an iron cup. I know you've had some rough times recently but there is nothing to be ashamed of; there is simple pride in poverty".

There's more than proof of Iroh's love for tea -- one lasting joke in the series is when Iroh realizes that Zuko has fallen down a path from which there's no turning back, spent mostly on luxury and driven by shame; he needs to hear that money and resources don't guarantee genuine happiness or dignity, that their situation isn't something to be ashamed of, and that hard times will come to an end.

The Bible says: "He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly".

When Toph joins Team Avatar, a period of preparation is inevitable and not just packing. Toph is overly independent and doesn't really feel loved or supported; she fears that if she accepts help she will be seen as weak. The escalating tensions in "The Chase" cause her to leave the team, and along the way she meets Iroh, and the two have a chat over tea.

Toph speaks to Iroh of her frustration that people think she can't take care of herself, a side effect of the overprotective nature of her parents.

"You're talking about my niece. You always think you have to do things on your own without getting help from anyone, and there's nothing wrong with letting yourself help the people who love you".

Zuko and Toph's similarity - refusing to be seen as strong or weak - makes this advice all the more relevant. Take an example of Avatar: The Last Airbender.Her conversation with Iroh reveals that he too experiences insecurity in his own way.

Even Avatar needs Iroh's advice sometimes.

In "The Crossroads of Destiny", as Aang and Iroh venture into the catacombs of Ba Sing Se to rescue Katara and Zuko, a young mechanic alongside master Pathik chooses Katara over conquering the Avatar realm.

Perfection and strength are so overrated, I think it's pretty smart to choose happiness over love.

Iroh reassures Aang, but this does not alleviate the windblower's anxiety. He has many questions on his mind and reminds him that the future is uncertain: "Sometimes life is like this dark cave.

Although he doesn't have all the answers, Iroh teaches Aang that resilience is key. There will be ups and downs, but there will always be a way forward. Iroh speaks from experience: choosing to take her fate into his own hands and fall in love with Katara led him away from being an Avatar of great power.

The encounter that transformed Zhou

Despite the trials and hardships, Zuko is determined to regain his dignity and fulfill his destiny. He yearns for Ozai's favor and will use any means to capture Avatar Aang. Iro recognizes goodness in Zuko and acts as a voice of reason.

It's time to ask yourself the big questions: Who am I and what do I want?

Iroh awakens something that he knows already exists in Zuko, releasing Aspa rather than the exiled prince using him as a ruse to capture Organ. This is the first time fans see Iroh angry at Zuko.

The Bible says: "The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate".

In "Bitter Work", when Zuko can't generate lightning, Iroh offers an alternative way to attack Azula. He explains how each element and its respective kingdoms carry unique characteristics: Hell is passionate and determined; the Queen of Earth is diverse and strong; Air Nomads are peaceful and free; aquatic tribes are adaptable and have a deep sense of community. When Zuko questions his motives, his former general delivers one of the most powerful lessons in the series.

"It is important to draw wisdom from various sources, but if you take it from one place only, it will be solid and out of date; understanding other people, other elements and nations will fill you".

They understood the philosophy behind their bending and movement, and discovered electrical conduction by waterbenders. If Avatar can bend all four elements, they achieve balance and become more powerful. Similarly, Zuko understands and respects a new dimension that will make his bending stronger.

Hope is something you give yourself.

In "Avatar Day", the conversation between Iroh and Zuko doesn't stop with a lesson in humility. Zuko genuinely believes that without Avatar, there is no integrity or hope for him. He has spent so much time chasing Aang that it became his only purpose -- or so he thought.

"Never give in to despair; allow yourself to slip along the way, and surrender to your lowest instincts; hope is one of the things you give yourself in the worst moments. And that's what inner strength means".

In "Zuko Alone", Zuko almost steals from a pregnant woman, but decides against it. He then helps a struggling family and communicates with the youngest son until he is angry at Guinea.

Zuko's experience made him see the true nature of Fire Nation beyond what he had been taught, but it took longer to accept it. Combined with Iroh's words about hope, Zuko is able to find his way in Book 3: Fire.

The excitement extends beyond the main characters.

"The Tales of Ba Sing Se" is remembered for Iroh's song to Lu Ten, "Leaves From the Vine". However, while collecting materials for his son's memorial there was another connection. A man named Tycho threatened Iroh with a knife and attempted to rob him.

The two share a cup of tea, and Tycho tells Iroh about his dream to become a masseur. His family doesn't approve; he falls into crime in order to pay off debts; and the faith that others have placed in Zuko never ceases.

What do these lessons mean for the viewer?

Throughout the eighth season, Iroh's guidance follows a consistent pattern: He doesn't give people answers; he gives them perspectives. For Zuko it means questioning oneself rather than pride, hope instead of despair, accepting help rather than blindly obeying; for Toph it means not giving up one's freedom but embracing help; for Aang it means believing in the choice made out of love even when the future seems bleak; and for the would-be bandit named Tycho it means seeing beyond his worst moment. Take an example of Avatar: The Last Airbender. We trace it directly to those conversations, and that's why the audience still carries his words with them.