How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.
Quote #7
ANAKIN: The Jedi use their power for good.
PALPATINE: Good is a point of view, Anakin. And the Jedi point of view is not the only valid one. The Dark Lords of the Sith believe in security and justice also, yet they are considered by the Jedi to be—
ANAKIN: Evil.
PALPATINE: From a Jedi's point of view. The Sith and the Jedi are similar in almost every way, including their quest for greater power. The difference between the two is the Sith are not afraid of the dark side of the Force. That is why they are more powerful.
ANAKIN: The Sith rely on their passion for their strength. They think inward, only about themselves.
PALPATINE: And the Jedi don't?
ANAKIN: The Jedi are selfless … they only care about others.
Palpatine smiles.
PALPATINE: Or so you've been trained to believe. Why is it, then, that they have asked you to do something you feel is wrong?
ANAKIN: I'm not sure it's wrong.
PALPATINE: Have they asked you to betray the Jedi code? The constitution? A friendship? Your own values? Think. Consider their motives. Keep your mind clear of assumptions. The fear of losing power is a weakness of both the Jedi and the Sith.
As much as we hate to admit it, Chancellor Palpatine has a point. Typically, to constrain yourself to a narrow-minded belief system isn't a great idea. And, it doesn't hurt to know about the dark side, as long as you don't plan on using it, right? Know one's enemy and all that.
Quote #8
ANAKIN: Something's happening … I'm not the Jedi I should be. I am one of the most powerful Jedi, but I'm not satisfied … I want more, and I know I shouldn't.
Poor Anakin. He always feels like he's falling short of someone's expectations. He knows that Jedi should be content with what they have, but he is ambitious and prideful, which are two qualities that the Jedi seek to repress. This is the problem with framing everything as good and evil, though. Pride and ambition aren't necessarily bad qualities, in the right amounts.
Quote #9
PALPATINE: Anakin, if one is to understand the great mystery, one must study all its aspects, not just the dogmatic, narrow view of the Jedi. If you wish to become a complete and wise leader, you must embrace a larger view of the Force.
See, now we're confused. Professor Moody from the Harry Potter universe taught us that we need to know the dark arts in order to confront and defeat them—does that apply to the dark side as well? Is Chancellor Palpatine right?