Ambassador G'Kar: "We Are One"

[@saleendriver]

The world is a poorer place for lack of Andreas Katsulas. The voice.....the skills......the passion. God I miss that man's work......and the man himself.

[@mrThomasHansen1981]

This poem/speech/text .... This is what makes B5 so much better that any ofter Sci fi out there.... B5 has a soul.

[@georgejcox9241]

Amen to that amen to that.

[@lamaahruloma4270]

There are many things making Babylon V the greatest, I feel so nostalgic and wish to be again young and watch it all for the first time, maybe bit younger than when I warched the series, to have the vitality of a youth and all the big things of me being again 30-something

[@CCB5er34]

TOTALLY AGREE.

[@eddaniels6978]

The writing was brilliant, and G’Kar had some of the best lines in the series

[@wolfgangjr74]

And another tear shed hearing this once again. Such a powerful statement. We are one.

[@dremunoz2600]

What made this show unique was that J. Michael Straczynski story had a beginning middle and ending chapter already planned out. Television is plagued with series that start off great then spiral downwards because the writers hand no clear end in sight. I think that's what made B5 so great, truly great storytelling and cast.

[@Mortlupo]

It was the first do so too.

[@seanspear6224]

Except season 5 was a mess . There weee great stuff but things went too quickly

[@darthkonstantinoz]

@@seanspear6224 they didn t know if they would get renewed, so in order to not leave it incomplete, they concluded all the major storylines in season 4. so JMS had to write new scripts for season 5 when it got renewed. that's why season 5 is still pretty good, but not a masterpiece like the previous 4.

[@deltonkillen8024]

This episode and season was so marvelous. The very idea that a Narn could have the spiritual philosophy of a Mimbari was so unthinkable at the beginning of the series.

[@michaelweigel8253]

A close second is Ta' Lon's speech to G'Kar, "I carry my sword in my hand. You carry yours in your heart, and your mind. The way I see it, that gives you a two-to-one advantage in arms. Be fair, Citizen G'Kar."

[@Coolman13355]

If memory serves that's the scene where G'Kar berates him for drawing a sword that by tradition cannot sheathed until it draws blood. Which Ta'Lon cuts his hand to take care of that obligation.

[@michaelweigel8253]

@@Coolman13355 That was Ta'Lon correct response.

[@Coolman13355]

@@michaelweigel8253 Ta'Lon was a great side character addition. He went from a random unnamed Narn that was prisoner with Sheridan to an ambassador.

[@deltonkillen8024]

The transformation and growth of all the characters in the series is EXTRAORDINARY. That Narn tradition with the drawn sword is so Samurai-Bushido like.

[@Thurthof5]

@@deltonkillen8024 it is much more then that. G-Kar puts that much emphasis on this tradition, because a sword should not be drawn to threaten someone. This should be an escalation that should be well thought through and it should also carry a price, which Ta'Lon gladly pays.

[@biscuitninja]

Warrior, poet, philosopher. What a wonderful scene

[@weldonwin]

I suppose that makes him a Skald, a Norse warrior poet

[@tinacorbet4705]

This should be read everyday at the start of Untied nations, every House of commons, Senate, and all other forms of government

[@Philbert-s2c]

It's little things like this that give me hope that we are capable of being better than we currently are.

[@craigmanning2439]

It would not help. They lack the understanding.

[@TheBlackwater200]

It will never happen, because this is too strong for them, they believe to much into their own interested, so this will be to much for them.

[@Lorgar64]

The United Nations is the forum for the expression of international hatred. They would probably appreciate the laugh.

[@han3wmanwukong125]

They would mostly laugh, as all of these places are, essentially, filled with psychopaths.

[@thylacinelove]

I did this monologue for a talent contest. I had people standing, cheering and shouting "WE ARE ONE!" This needs to be said to all, especially in these hard times.

[@PressA2Die]

"Hard times" Comment from three years ago... ...pftt please.

[@oielvert]

What did you do for the languages section? Did you change it to human languages instead?

[@knowbuddynose]

@@PressA2Die Hey, guess what?

[@PressA2Die]

@@knowbuddynose Oh hubris, you sweet fickle mistress.

[@hagamapama]

@@PressA2Die You were saying?

[@michaelweigel8253]

G'Kar's words made me cry

[@edthejester]

Every time and I'm proud of it

[@scottbraun2457]

Too bad so few in power -or who have power, fail to see the wisdom of the many that through the ages, speek words of wisdom, as these words.

[@Chrisiant]

These words, the writing, the actors too, but above all, the writing is what makes B5 immortal to me.

[@WaywardSon5]

I don't see how it is contradictory to be a unique individual and also be part of the larger whole. In saying here "we are one," the character is saying that all life in the universe affects all other life in the universe; all life is from a common source and is linked. This doesn't denigrate the individual, it challenges the individual to excel, to pursue all of the unique talents and passions that make them irreplaceable. Doing so enriches all of the universe and all life within it: we are one

[@DeltaPi314]

Because a group has its own mentality that automatically shuns what isn't harmonious to its principles. This is how groups work.

[@padalan2504]

No. It says that despite the life not being from a common source it can still be united with the others. That no matter the differences of origin, ideals, goals or opinion, all can be united in one. That anyone can be treated with kindness, tolerance and understanding. It is a defining principle that moved G'kar from a national/species leader to but an agent of unity, giving up on all that power for the betterment of all, as all were one. It does not address individuality, because this rewrite instead addresses the external. With this rewrite G'Kar finally stops telling people what they should be like and who to be. Instead he guides them towards how to treat others and be with them despite the lack of similarities of genetics or identity.

[@waynesmith8428]

Evan now I still get tears in my eyes when I hear these words and I pray for a day where all people choose to live by such principles, only when "We Are One" will humanity become a noble race capable of true greatness and virtues as to live each moment in kindness of everyone.

[@ronaldlebeck9577]

Aye to that. 👍

[@Hiraghm]

it will only happen when people like me are dead. People who value the individual. People who celebrate the true diversity of life and cultures. People who recognize that, no, we are not the same, that not all cultures are equal

[@randyranderson690]

We need to apply this philosophy in real life. Only then can we, as human beings, evolve socially into what we need to be. Many of the messages given in this show need to become part of our daily lives.

[@user-mt4zr5kp7h]

You know it's funny. People don't even realize just how literally true these words are. We are truly one, for there is only one. There is only The One. When I say I am, and when you say I am, it is the same I am. Truly, We Are One.

[@kimlindseyOH]

This is what we need today, and always.

[@KesselRunner606]

I miss this show so much it hurts. It still has an important message to tell, if not more today.

[@MudAndJess]

The show is going to get a reboot, but I am pretty sure you have heard that by now. Unfortunately, most of the original cast have passed away, but the creator of the show, JMS, will be back. I think he might be able to bring back some of that old glory.

[@ganados0]

Later on G'kar: "I had a better one!" Sheridan: "I.... (reads it) that is better." We never hear it.

[@WayneMcDougall]

"Each voice embiggens the smallest heart."

[@danieldickson8591]

The original was so great, in practical terms MJS would have had a hard time actually making it better.

[@chrismaguire3667]

@@danieldickson8591 I'd have taken out a lot of the 'no matter the...' repetitions, because I felt it was a bit clunky. I suppose, in Narnish, it rolled smoothly off the tongue, but, in English... Well, many textual translations from original languages, past and present, often lose syntax and nuance, and are coloured by those from other cultures' expectations. I think G'Kar realised this and wrote something better. It's a pity that we never heard it - it might have been a world-class game-changer for us. But, yes - we ARE one!

[@SMAXZO]

@@WayneMcDougall "Embiggens? Huh..I never heard that word before I moved to Babylon 5"

[@WayneMcDougall]

@@SMAXZOReally? Embiggens is a perfectly cromulent word in sector 83 by 9 by 12

[@goofyiest]

J. Michael S. is an amazing writer.

[@XtrovertedHermit]

gathering wisdom for the best story told

[@itchyisvegeta]

One of the best writers ever.... except the retcon of Gwen Stacy sleeping with Norman Osborne, but no one can bat at 1.000.

[@cathymoss6985]

He co wrote thor

[@CKHoofTalk]

MJS gets all my respect and gratitude for SOMEHOW finding a way to channel G'kar's wisdom in addition to Londo, Delenn, Lennier, and Sheridan. How one man can find so many voices and say such great things is beyond me. And thank you to Andreas for giving such an amazing voice to such a complex and wise character.

[@mattmacd2009]

I forget how good B5 really was, G'Kars story arc from Villian to Prophet is amazingly written, a much loved character too often abused, we actually felt for him. His appearance is only topped by Deleen defending B5 against earth ships. "Babylon 5 is under our protection, withdraw or be destroyed"....

[@michaelweigel8253]

If you value your life, be somewhere else.

[@daanvos194]

​@@michaelweigel8253negative we have authority here

[@FutureReverberations]

RIP Andreas. Still missed.

[@Hyunckel]

So much wisdom in those words

[@HarryMudd]

One of the deepest thoughts to come from B5. And Andreas was incredibly eloquent when reading it

[@EdricLysharae]

This is a work of beauty. I come back to this video in times of despair. It reminds me of what truly matters in one's life and legacy.

[@radagastaddams3703]

beautiful B5 still feels as fresh & poignant today as when it was first shown. rather than making episodes to fill up a streaming service B5 had a story to tell. without a story it's just souless "content" so many B5 actors are gone now but the story & universe they bought to life remains as enthralling as ever...

[@SteliosStylianou]

This scene is pure genius no words can describe how brilliant this monologue is nothing can do it justice as the words are the words of truth as is based in scripture and the laws of the universe.

[@iindium49]

Timeless

[@platylobiumobtuseangulum1607]

G'kar is spot on. Love this.

[@Laurantalasah]

This speech makes me cry every time.

[@Kartissa]

Yeah. Me too....

[@frostburn195]

So I am not the only one! This is so beautiful... Damn, I miss Andreas.

[@miafillene4396]

Amen.

[@JaySheer]

B5 was, by far, the most intelligent science fiction series ever.

[@richardrodriguez3210]

The Paragon of Animals [Both read aloud from the opening of the Alliance's Declaration of Principles, written by G'Kar.] John Sheridan: The Universe speaks in many languages but only one voice. A language which is not Narn or Human or Centauri or Gaim or Minbari. It speaks in the language of hope. G'Kar: It speaks in the language of trust. It speaks in the language of strength and the language of compassion. It is the language of the heart and of the language of the soul; but always it is the same voice; it is the voice of our ancestors speaking through us, and the voice of our inheritors waiting to be born; it is the small still voice that says: "We are one." No matter the blood, no matter the skin, no matter the world, no matter the star. We are one. No matter the pain, no matter the darkness, no matter the loss, no matter the fear. We are one. Here, gathered together in common cause we agree to recognize this singular truth and this singular rule: that we must be kind to one another. Sheridan: Because each voice enriches us and ennobles us, and each voice lost diminishes us. We are the voice of the universe, the soul of creation, the fire that will light the way to a better future. We are one. G'Kar: We are one. TRULY INSPIRING

[@gnajra]

"So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth." "The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch."

[@phyroukann3764]

That is beautiful. It is always getting me in the heart, and soul.

[@XtrovertedHermit]

emotionally beautiful and heartfelt , if only reality could realize this for all to feel

[@michaelweigel8253]

I wanted to recite this for my wedding vows.

[@jrsanders1212]

I must say one of the most beautiful things a woman you love can ask of you is simply to read to her.

[@ServantOfOdin]

We are One. A timeless speech...

[@JaimeWulf]

Although the character of G'Kar did not start out that way, in the end, he was the wisest of them all... To all those who helped bring this story to life and that we have lost along the way here I TY...

[@KurtWagner011]

I have seen Andreas in many different productions.... if he is playing a bad guy, a good guy, or an alien.... he speaks with such confidence and authority, you buy everything he says.... exceptional actor. Everytime he talks, I am amazed that someone can portray that much emotion, with few words, and their entire face covered in rubber! An even better example is the elevator scene with Vir in which he repeats the word 'dead'.

[@moralityisnotsubjective5]

He was a stage actor before he was a screen one. You have to emote large enough to be seen from a distance on a stage. thus portraying emotions through thick rubber wasn't much more of a problem for him.

[@Philip02K]

Kurt Wagner exceptional writer

[@JungleBoi9]

He was exceptional.

[@whatqnavry]

which episode is that?

[@whatqnavry]

I found the clip (kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqCrpX-jn7CFmKc, I see that you commented there too!) but couldn't remember the exact episode. A truly remarkable show, remarkable script and remarkable actors.

[@robertlamb7513]

Their are a lot of people today that sadly need to hear this but would not hear it even if it was blasted into their ears

[@lunitariaprime]

One of the most moving things I have ever heard, from any source.

[@michaelweigel8253]

I was going to used this for my wedding vows.

[@oldmanfromscenetwentyfour8164]

Andreas Katsulas ranks up along with other Great Voices, Richard Burton, James Earl Jones, John Hurt, Vincent Price, powerful and unmistakable.

[@CCB5er34]

AS WE ALL FACE THIS CORONAVIRUS CRISIS, REMEMBER THIS, TAKE IT TO YOUR HEART.

[@DeltaPi314]

Until somebody fudges the data on the Rt indicator forcing a three week lockdown in an entire State (Lombardy). Then it all flies out the window.

[@darrinwebber4077]

"I'm not as good of a speaker as G'kar is...," This from the guy that does all the great inspiring motivating speeches on the show...lol

[@coyotedreaming]

Thank you for posting this clip. I've been looking for a clip of just this piece, so this is perfect. Thank you!

[@Devin-O]

I miss this show so much and so many of the cast now passed to the great beyond I will cherish all the good memories they gave us all.

[@edthejester]

And this is why Babylon 5 is the best scifi out there by leagues.

[@tinachandler3091]

I have this as a personal quote and for all that we are trying to destroy ourselves for one reason or another, we still have that one thing, hope.

[@SecondRook]

Ha! Fantastic scene. I love the part right after it when G'Kar storms in with a 'better' new draft! G'Kar is hands down my favorite B5 character.

[@dehdeh55]

Deep and rings of truth. What TV could be.

[@SCP-POOL]

I graduated high school in 1995 & I was a diehard B5 nerd, now I'm 46 & still am. These actors played their roles so well that it honestly is hard to separate the character from the actor. They each brought their characters to life & made us feel for them. If you look at certain shows you'll see it's very rare that certain people just happen to be in the right place for the right role & the right show for it all to work like absolute magic & B5 was a Hallmark of this! Stargate SG-1, Atlantis, Star Trek: TNG, DS9, Voyager, Battlestar Galactica (reboot), are all examples of this...

[@Coolman13355]

The way it changes from Bruce and Andreas.

[@lunitariaprime]

We Are One.

[@weldonwin]

As we are, The One Seems like kind of a theme in B5

[@marcelmoreau2733]

And in many ways they did set the world on fire.

[@fgdj2000]

Very underrated fifth season. I thought it was awesome, even though it had some mediocre episodes early on. But even then there were still great moments in each of them. (Londo and G'Kar in "A View from the Gallery").

[@dagwood00049]

A view from the gallery is one of my favorite episodes.

[@fgdj2000]

@@dagwood00049 It's an unpopular episode.... for some reason. I actually quite like it myself, although it's not one of my favorites. Star Trek has done similar episodes better imo, TNG "Lower Decks", VOY "Good Shepherd" and of course built an entire animated series around the concept. Even B5 itself has done similar episodes (highlighing the POV of ordinary "nobodies" more successfully with "By any means necessary", imo). With "A View from the gallery" I actually had a great moment with my grandma, who didn't speak English at all, who still reacted to London and G'Kar and their chemistry in the episode. So, the episode gave me one of my favorite B5-related memories.

[@saberiandream316]

I also liked "Day of the Dead." The various specters that appear to our heroes. Even sheds new light on Lochley's backstory. And ofc, Mr. Morden's appearance before Lennier is a warning. Remember the words he was so famous for in life: "What do you want?" and how Lennier has spoken about doing the right thing for the wrong reasons...

[@celicynd]

I still wish the audio of Andreas reading the entire thing would turn up.

[@shootybaking]

Probably the best part ever written for an actor.

[@edthejester]

I hope every day that today is when we as humans at least catch up to this notion articulated in a tv show that way too few people ever watched. And at the end of every day I hope that maybe tomorrow, then, will be the day. Hope. It's what will make us one, one day.

[@Snowdragon.]

Everyone on this rock needs to watch this, and just maybe there won’t be anymore wars !!

[@jamesedwards171]

I work with a large number of people that I love with all my heart. They are what I call my Work Family. Cool thing is, that even though we each come from our several backgrounds, when we are at work at least, we are one, of one accord, of one company, of one mind filled with hopes and dreams in which we support each other. Are we perfect. Come on, get a grip! If you knew me, you would see how intensely imperfect we are. But do we support each other, do we back each other, do we forgive each other, you bet. Why, because we are one. It really is not that difficult a concept to get into our heads.

[@lunitariaprime]

We are one.

[@ronhilliard8863]

simply brilliant

[@fracturedempiricist]

When I fill out the census these three words are what I write under Religion.

[@lamaahruloma4270]

So beautiful and perfect

[@Gibsoneer]

Deeply touched …

[@douglassmith3119]

This is wonderful. It feels like something out of Khalil Gibran's poems. I went through the video, and transcribed the text, in case anyone want to print this out and hang it on your wall. The universe speaks in many languages but only one voice. The language is not Narn or Human or Centauri or Gayyem or Minbari. It speaks in the language of hope. It speaks in the language of trust. It speaks in the language of strength and the language of compassion. It is the language of the heart and the language of the soul. But always it is the same voice. It is the voice of our ancestors speaking through us. The voice of our inheritors waiting to be born. It is a small still voice that says: we are one. No matter the blood, no matter the skin, no matter the world, no matter the star. We are one. No matter the pain, no matter the darkness, no matter the loss, no matter the fear. We are one. Here gathered together in common cause, we agree to recognize this singular truth and this singular rule: That we must be kind to one another. Because each voice enriches us and enobles us, and each voice lost diminishes us. We are the voice of the universe, the soul of creation, the fire that will light the way to a better future. We are one.

[@beaker2257]

Such a brilliant speech. It might just have easily been spoken by Maitreya.

[@moralityisnotsubjective5]

We are one you and I We are like the earth and sky One family under the sun

[@ethenallen1388]

Kosh would have been proud.

[@thedragon133]

*Sheridan reads the new version* "... He's right. It IS better." ...I still wonder how he could have made this better!

[@richardcarscadden5321]

Right up there with Sagan's Pale Blue Dot

[@altha-rf1et]

Just watch this today, good speech, I'm a big star trek fan, this speech is better the Captain Picard Speeches

[@MyZk089]

All I can say about this is: Holy fuck what a good speech.

[@HDmarmar]

I concur

[@tilasole3252]

Was this before or after G'kar left his eyeball on the nightstand...

[@NorthForkFisherman]

G'Kar was wise in many ways.

[@gregjhill]

Beautiful!!

[@MrDuncanMike]

I'd forgotten this piece.... and I don't know how.

[@JoaoSoares-rs6ec]

Well said.

[@lameshane1]

Amazing writing for this show

[@car296rd]

Between G'kar Londo Delenn Ivanovna lennier and Vir the best monologues ever to be said both in depth and meaning never be another series like B5 and the depth to which it went with mankind and the universe so well said

[@zapcos80]

One is the beginning.

[@chrisbingley]

"Be kind to one another." "Love thy neighbour." We've been trying this for 2000 years, and it doesn't work. Sheridan's father said it best, "Never start a fight, but always finish it."

[@Chrisiant]

What gives us hope, what makes us who we could be, is that we keep trying.

[@pokerphil1st]

Why B5 was the best show ever.

[@007wetz]

We always ask god what is my purpose. We need to ask what is the human race purpose. We are one.

[@NateSean]

I wish I could see our species not having to wait two hundred some odd years to get this through our heads.

[@edwina.acevedo3705]

Nathanielle Crawford Wishful thinking.

[@DeltaPi314]

Utopistic at best, immature thinking at worst. People = Shit anyway so why bother.

[@jaredrobinson7071]

So does he.

[@mrThomasHansen1981]

Yes.... So right

[@junito1957]

wow your so right !! from lighteyes

[@Slyfox102]

we should ask our selves that question. Every person makes that decision right up to the point when that person passes away. Our purpose in the universe is what ever we choose it to be. Whether it be good or bad, that decision is ours and ours alone. And if god does exist and if he/she did create our race as the bible says, then i am sure his/her proudest moment will be when he/she can look down and know that his/her children can find their own way in the universe and choose their own purpose :)

[@slitor]

and because that uniqueness you would diminish the other uniqueness? We are one... Because ours uniqeness our indivuality srings from our hope, our dreams and respect of theroff. We need a compass...we need a collectiveness.. And that is...the respect for the sentient life....no matter what...

[@metadietz8606]

We miss you G'Kar, RIP

[@YaoiSupporter000]

I got this exact monologue to say in drama class, so nervous!

[@funkmystar]

Poison~Kimchi how did your class go ? How did the declaration of principles get into a drama class, was it a remake word for word or something completely different? Just curious to know if you don’t mind

[@cylonraider1971]

Gkar speaks the truth

[@irrevenant3]

Funny that even the show itself thinks that G'kar would be better reading it than Sheridan. xD

[@warmandan2006]

make's me think of world of warcraft so much.. we need to come as one for the legion

[@treyriver5676]

it was a document of Hope calling forth the better angels of our character the difference between it and the functional governing document is that we do not always follow the better angels of our character and the system must be made to correct the imbalance when that happens.

[@jedilasombra]

This needs a SO SAY WE ALL! at the end.

[@julieeverett7442]

oh no it doesnt, Galactica, in both forms is preteen fanfic compared to B5, it will never be its equal, NEVER!!!!!

[@HiopX]

I think at that point in time it is Citizen G'Kar.

[@BrianWolters2112]

Season 5 of Babylon is sorely misunderstood...so many poignant and awesome moments...once the "telepath war" is over, it really rakes off but make no mistale: a lot of it is set up during those episodes...

[@Aivottaja]

Are Narn and Centauri one?

[@DeltaPi314]

That is the subtle hypocrisy behind this speech which really makes this scene speech so interesting.

[@Argumemnon]

Huh. I just realised that the bit with Dr Franklin is in reverse.

[@Argumemnon]

Huh. I just came here to post the exact same thing. So weird.

[@osaka35]

No man is an island...Therefore, send not to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee. I like babylon 5's version better.

[@theemrx]

Except when he's in the bath.