Stargirl Wisdom and Knowledge Quotes

How we cite our quotes:

Quote #1

The old professor often talked to Señor Saguaro—and to us. He was not certified to teach in Arizona, but that did not stop him. Every Saturday morning his house became a school. Fourth-graders, twelfth-graders—all are welcome. No tests, no grades, no attendance record. Just the best school most of us had ever gone to. He covered everything from toothpaste to tapeworms and somehow made it fit together (7.5).

Archie is a teacher by his very nature. He doesn't have to be in a school following a curriculum; he sees those teachable-moments everywhere and thoroughly enjoys imparting his knowledge and wisdom to anyone, specifically young people, who is willing to learn. We kind of wish he were our neighbor, too.

Quote #2

"I want to put her on Hot Seat. Dorko Borlock here doesn't want to."

Archie studied me through the smoke. I thought I saw approval, but when he spoke, he merely said, "Work it out, men" (7.48-49).

Leo is very perceptive. He often knows things, but then he second-guesses himself or is just too cowardly and messes things up. It is most likely true that Archie does agree with Leo. He wouldn't want Stargirl on their mean-spirited show. However, he knows that sometimes, we have to figure things out for ourselves. It is much more important for them to learn to resolve their conflicts without adult interference.

Quote #3

"You'll know her more by your questions than by her answers. Keep looking at her long enough. One day you might see someone you know" (7.50).

Like a true sage, Archie is full of cryptic and confusing advice. Of course these instructions eventually become totally clear. So why not be clear in the first place? Well, like most good teachers, Archie knows that the way to help people learn is to help them understand that questions can be even more important than answers. Instead of wanting answers all the time, Leo should probably spend some time thinking about why he's asking these questions in the first place.