108+ Best Emperor Palpatine Quotes to Make You Think

Sheev Palpatine (Sith identity – Darth Sidious; eventually, Emperor Palpatine), commonly known as the Dark Lord of the Sith, had ruled the Star Wars Galaxy for over two decades before his reign is brought to an end. In popular culture, he became the symbol of evil, wicked deception, dictatorship, tyranny, and the subversion of democracy. Emperor Palpatine’s famous quotes are packed with wisdom that can be helpful as you navigate your real life.

Sometimes the most clever quotes from fictional villains actually come out with something quite insightful. Discover greatest collection of best Darth Vader quotes, Harley Quinn’s catch phrases, famous Joker quotes, and greatest Thanos quotes.

Most Famous Emperor Palpatine Quotes

Your feeble skills are no match for the power of the dark side. ―Palpatine, to Luke Skywalker

They fear you. In time, they will destroy you. ―Palpatine

You will rule all the galaxy as the new emperor. ―Palpatine

You’re one man against a galaxy full of scoundrels. ―Palpatine

Vader! I am your master! ―Palpatine

Palpatine: “Your patience has paid off.”
Anakin: “Your guidance more than my patience.”
Palpatine: “You don’t need guidance, Anakin. In time you will learn to trust your feelings. Then you will be invincible.”

Long have I waited, and now your coming together is your undoing. ―Palpatine

Palpatine: “Remember back to your early teachings. All who gain power are afraid to lose it. Even the Jedi.”
Anakin: “The Jedi use their power for good.”
Palpatine: “Good is a point of view, Anakin.”

We are all of us, always being tested, my friend. Tests make us stronger, and strength is power, and power is the point. We must pass all the tests we face or die in the effort. ―Palpatine

Once more the Sith will rule the galaxy, and we shall have peace. ―Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, to Darth Vader

Palpatine: “I expect your best service.”
Mace Windu: “For the Order and the Republic, I will give anything and everything, including my life.”
Palpatine: “Good, we may need that, too.”

The time has come. Execute Order 66. ―Palpatine, to Commander Cody

Palpatine: You don’t need guidance, Anakin. In time, you will learn to trust your feelings. Then, you will be invincible. I have said it many times, you are the most gifted Jedi I have ever met.
Young Anakin: Thank you, Your Excellency.
Palpatine: I see you becoming the greatest of all the Jedi, Anakin. Even more powerful than Master Yoda.

Good. I can feel your anger. I am defenseless. Take your weapon. Strike me down with all of your hatred, and your journey towards the dark side will be complete. ―Emperor Palpatine, to Luke Skywalker

Power! Unlimited power! ―Palpatine, lashing out with Force lightning at Mace Windu

I want you to know that there is always a place for you with me. Once your training is complete, of course. ―Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, to Anakin Skywalker

Luke: “Your overconfidence is your weakness.”
Palpatine: “Your faith in your friends is yours.”

Palpatine: “Listen to me: If this ‘Darth Sidious’ of yours were to walk through that door right now—and I could somehow stop you from killing him on the spot—do you know what I would do? I would ask him to sit down and I would ask him if he has any power he could use to end this war!”
Anakin: “You would—you would—”
Palpatine: “And if he said he did, I’d bloody well offer him a brandy and talk it out!”

I love democracy… I love the Republic. The power you give me I will lay down when this crisis has abated. And as my first act with this new authority, I will create a Grand Army of the Republic to counter the increasing threats of the Separatists. ―Palpatine upon receiving his emergency powers at the beginning of the Clone Wars

Palpatine: “You must get help. Neither of you is any match for a Sith Lord!”
Anakin: “Tell that to the one Obi-Wan left in pieces on Naboo.”

There is a great disturbance in the force. ―Palpatine

Why, Master Yoda, what a delightful surprise! Welcome! Let me be the first to wish you Happy Empire Day! ―Palpatine, to Yoda

I don’t want this stunted slime in my sight again. ―Darth Sidious, dismissing Daultay Dofine

en thousand years of peace begins today. ―The last line of Palpatine’s Declaration of a New Order

Your Majesty, if I am elected, I promise to put an end to corruption. ―Senator Palpatine, to Padmé Amidala

The Sith and the Jedi are similar in almost every way, including their quest for greater power. ― Palpatine

Emperor Palpatine: “You want this, don’t you? The hate is swelling in you now. Take your Jedi weapon. Use it. I am unarmed. Strike me down with it! Give into your anger! With each passing moment, you make yourself more my servant.”
Luke: “No.”
Emperor Palpatine: “It is unavoidable. It is your destiny. You, like your father, are now…mine.”

And you, young Skywalker. We will watch your career with great interest. ―Chancellor Palpatine, to young Anakin Skywalker

I’m sure many of you look at this former Jedi and think, ‘Surely she cannot be this murderer or saboteur that they speak of.’ And yet think of all the times we have been fooled by the Separatists and how they have infiltrated the Republic, and ask yourself, is this yet another Separatist scheme? Another way to rip the Jedi and subsequently all of us, apart. ―Palpatine during Tano’s trial

Choose someone as a successor and you will inevitably be succeeded.
Choose someone hungrier and you will be devoured.
Choose someone quicker and you won’t dodge the blade at your back.
Choose someone with more patience and you won’t block the blade at your throat.
Choose someone more devious and you’ll hold the blade that kills you.
Choose someone more clever and you’ll never know your end.
Despite these cautions, an apprentice is essential. A Master without an apprentice is a Master of nothing. ―Palpatine, as quoted in the Telos Holocron

Captain Solo, I’ve got a bad feeling about this. You expect this court to believe that the Rodian fired upon you from a mere meter away and somehow managed to miss? What was he, a stormtrooper? ―Palpatine, to Han Solo, during his trial

Everything that has transpired has done so according to my design. ―Emperor Palpatine, to Luke Skywalker

The fear of losing power is a weakness of both the Jedi and the Sith. ― Palpatine

Do what must be done, Lord Vader. Do not hesitate. Show no mercy. ―Emperor Palpatine

Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen. ―Palpatine

He became so powerful, the only thing he was afraid of was losing his power, which, eventually, of course, he did. Unfortunately, he taught his apprentice everything he knew. Then his apprentice killed him in his sleep. It’s ironic. He could save others from death, but not himself. ―Emperor Palpatine

Luke: “I’ll never turn to the dark side. You’ve failed, Your Highness. I am a Jedi, like my father before me.”
Emperor Palpatine: “So be it… Jedi.”

We kept the skeleton of the Republic for nearly twenty years while the Death Star was constructed. Twenty years, my apprentice. All that planning is now a layer of dust orbiting around Yavin… Now, we no longer have the Senate to hold order. We do not have the Death Star to force it. Our greatest weapon is gone. Our production is in ashes. We are besieged. In all these years, we have never skirted closer to disaster. ―Darth Sidious to Darth Vader

My mentor taught me everything about the Force, even the nature of the dark side. ―Sheev Palpatine,
to Anakin Skywalker

The Dark Side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural. ― Palpatine

Palpatine: “Are you going to kill me?”
Anakin: “I would certainly like to.”
Palpatine: “I know you would.” [closes eyes] “I can feel your anger. It gives you focus, makes you stronger.”

Of all the monsters I have created, I still regard Darth Vader as something of a minor masterpiece. No, he was not an entirely alchemical creation, but he was my monster nevertheless. Even though he failed to live up to his full potential, there was much pleasure in transforming Anakin Skywalker from a bright-eyed, tousle-headed youth into the greatest Jedi killer of all time. Yes, he ultimately turned against his Master, as monsters sometimes do, but that was my fault, not his. Given the opportunity to create Vader again, I would, and with zeal. ―Palpatine

Enter the bureaucrats, the true rulers of the Republic, and on the payroll of the Trade Federation, I might add. This is where Chancellor Valorum’s strength will disappear. ―Palpatine to Queen Amidala

A scavenger girl is no match for the power in me! ― Palpatine

Palpatine: “Get help. You’re no match for him. He’s a Sith Lord.”
Obi-Wan: “Chancellor Palpatine, Sith Lords are our speciality.”

Even death kneels before me! ―Palpatine

Only through me can you achieve a power greater than any Jedi. ― Palpatine

Are you threatening me, Master Jedi? ―Palpatine, to Mace Windu

Emperor Palpatine: “The son of Skywalker must not become a Jedi.”
Vader: “If he could be turned, he would become a powerful ally.”
Emperor Palpatine: “Yes. Yes. He would be a great asset. Can it be done?”
Vader: “He will join us or die, my master.”

I was intrigued by the scientists. What could they achieve if unfettered by the hypocritical morality of the Old Republic? We would see. For is it not my duty to chart the possibilities? […] Cylo grew powerful. His tendrils were deep in Tarkin’s Initiative. His cancer was one with its flesh. If I simply tore him free, I would risk a schism of the Empire’s great minds. While the Death Star was being constructed, that was unthinkable. After its destruction, it was even more so. I had to make him overplay his hand. ― Darth Sidious to Darth Vader about Cylo

I will not go down in history as the last Chancellor of the Republic. ―Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, during the Separatist Crisis

She will draw her weapon… she will come to me… she will take her revenge… and with a stroke of her saber… the Sith are reborn! ― Palpatine

Good. I can feel your anger. I am defenseless. Take your weapon. Strike me down with all your hatred, and your journey towards the dark side will be complete. ― Palpatine

Sidious: “I have waited a long time for this moment, my little green friend. At last, the Jedi are no more.”
Yoda: “Not if anything to say about it I have!”

And if I ever need your services again, I will not hesitate to clone you. ―Palpatine, to Garrbo V’Droz

I love democracy. ―Palpatine, after being handed emergency powers by the Galactic Senate

He has grown strong, only together can we turn him to the dark side of the Force. ― Palpatine

You will go back to Jakku. The spot there in the dirt where my droids were operating is precious. Not just to me, but to the galaxy at large. It is significant… You will go back there and you will monitor my droids excavating the ground. Then I will send more droids and they will build something there below the ground. I want you to guard this space. Can you do that? ―Palpatine’s first order to Galli

Do not underestimate how much you disappointed me on Mustafar. I saved you, but you showed how much off the mark you fell. […] The dark side is strength. If they defeat you, they are stronger. If you defeat them, you prove you are. This is the way of the Sith. I named you “Vader” after you pledged yourself to the Sith. You proved yourself worthy of it then. I am certain you will prove yourself worthy now. ―Darth Sidious

Young fool. Only now, at the end, do you understand. Your feeble skills are no match for the power of the dark side. You have paid the price for your lack of vision. Now, young Skywalker, you will die. ―Palpatine

Now witness the power of this fully armed and operational battle station. Fire at will, commander. ― Palpatine

Let the hate flow through you. ―Emperor Palpatine, to Luke Skywalker

Curse you, Skywalkers, both of you! I’ll tell you the truth about your father! The great Darth Vader was a sick man in an iron mask! Yes, that mask inspired terror throughout the galaxy, but the feeble heart within was forever possessed by the impotent side of the Force! ―Palpatine, to Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa Solo

From here you will witness the final destruction of the Alliance and the end of your insignificant rebellion. ―Emperor Palpatine, to Luke Skywalker

There is no civility, only politics. ―Palpatine

Emperor Palpatine: “I’m looking forward to completing your training. In time you will call me master.”
Luke: “You’re gravely mistaken. You won’t convert me as you did my father.”
Emperor Palpatine: “Oh, no, my young Jedi. You will find that it is you who are mistaken, about a great many things.”

I have no doubt the Jedi are doing their very best to ensure the safety of every citizen in the Republic. The accusations that the Jedi created the Clone War to give themselves more power over the government is absurd, and I will not stand for it. ―Chancellor Palpatine

Palpatine: “Do you recall what I told you about the relationship between power and understanding, Lord Vader?”
Vader: “Yes, Master. Where the Jedi gained power through understanding, the Sith gain understanding through power.”

Anakin: “You know the Dark Side?”
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.”

Those who do not serve my ends, no matter how powerful they are, will be eliminated. ―Emperor Palpatine

Good! Your hate has made you powerful. Now, fulfill your destiny and take your father’s place at my side! ― Palpatine

Dr. Boll: “The fact remains that the beast is indestructible.”
Palpatine: “Nothing is truly indestructible, Doctor.”

Grievous: “You’re mine, old man.”
Palpatine: “I’m not afraid of you. You wouldn’t dare harm the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic. Whatever would your master say?”
Grievous: “You are lucky they want you alive.”

Now, you will experience my full potency. I live as energy. I am the dark side! ―Palpatine

Oh, no, my young Jedi. You will find that it is you who are mistaken, about a great many things. ― Palpatine

Sidious: “Now is the time to strike. Now is the time to launch our final operation. Is everything ready for your special mission?”
Grievous: “Yes, Lord Sidious. The unsuspecting fools know not what awaits.”

Mace Windu: “You’re a Sith Lord!”
Palpatine: “Am I? Even if true, that’s hardly a crime. My philosophical outlook is a personal matter. In fact—the last time I read the Constitution, anyway—we have very strict laws against this type of persecution. So I ask you again: what is my alleged crime?”

We must move quickly. The Jedi are relentless. If they are not all destroyed, it will be civil war without end. ―Palpatine

Padmé: “The Chancellor’s right, Senator. We’ll be quite safe. He won several cups for airspeeder racing back on Naboo.”
Bail: “He did? I don’t recall that being mentioned in the Senate.”
Palpatine: “Oh yes, what a useful recommendation for my candidacy. Likes to drive dangerous machines very fast.”

If you will not be turned, you will be destroyed! ―Emperor Palpatine, to Luke Skywalker

Maul: “The Neimoidians are greedy and weak-willed. I find them unworthy.”
Sidious: “You left out duplicitous and sniveling.”

Vader: “My liege… there is much you should know…”
Palpatine: “There is little I don’t, my able apprentice.”

You must break through the fog of lies the Jedi have created around you. Let me help you to know the subtleties of the Force. ―Palpatine, to Anakin Skywalker

This will be the final word in the story of Skywalker. ―Palpatine

Palpatine: “Anakin, Anakin. I embarrassed you, didn’t I?”
Anakin: “No, sir, I—”
Palpatine: “Yes, I did. You can say it. I won’t bite.”

Valorum: “You’re a good friend, Senator.”
Palpatine: “My interests are the interests of the Republic, Supreme Chancellor.”

Valorum: “Just think where we might be without the Jedi.”
Palpatine: “I can only imagine.”

Palpatine: “Vader! I am your master!”
Darth Vader: “Darth Vader’s master! But not Anakin Skywalker’s!”

Cosinga: “Murder has always been in your thoughts, hasn’t it? You’ve merely been waiting for someone to grant you permission to act.”
Palpatine: “I don’t need anyone’s permission.”
Cosinga: “Precisely. You’re an animal at heart.”
Palpatine: “King of the beasts, Father.”

Palpatine: “Please sit. Make yourself comfortable. You see we allowed you to keep your weapon. A lightsaber… how interesting. And here I thought you were a former Jedi.”
Ferus: “Former apprentice, actually.”
Palpatine: “I could hardly expect you to admit to being a Jedi, seeing that they were traitors who tried to bring down the Republic.”
Ferus: “I’m confused. I thought it was you who brought down the Republic. Didn’t you declare an Empire a couple of months ago?”

Sidious: “Master Yoda. You survived.”
Yoda: “Surprised?”
Sidious: “Your arrogance blinds you, Master Yoda. Now you will experience the full power of the dark side.”

Though you are wise beyond your years, I would not be dismayed if you do not recognize my simulacrum. You see, I have chosen to appear before you not as I have come to be, but as I was long ago, when I was young. A vanity, perhaps, but I know from experience that a much older teacher, no matter how gifted, can appear antiquated, or even obsolete, and I would be remiss to encourage you to believe I am or ever was your superior. After all, you are full of life, and I…Well, because the Holocron is now in your hands, I must assume I am but a whisper from the past. So please forgive my youthful facade, which I hope will only serve you to more readily accept me as an equal, an ally, and as a friend. ―Palpatine

Oh, I’m afraid the deflector shield will be quite operational when your friends arrive! ―Palpatine

Palpatine: “The Jedi Council want control of the Republic. They’re planning to betray me.”
Anakin: “I don’t think that—”
Palpatine: “Anakin. Search your feelings. You know… don’t you?”
Anakin: “I know they don’t trust you.”
Palpatine: “Hmm. Or the Senate, or the Republic, or democracy, for that matter.”

Palpatine: “I think I begin to understand the reasons for your secrecy. The Jedi are attempting to expose Sidious.”
Yoda: “In pursuit of clues, we are.”
Palpatine: “Might the capture of Sidious end the war?”
Mace: “Hasten the end.”
Palpatine: “Then I trust that you will accept my apologies. Do whatever you must to hunt Sidious down.”

Palpatine: “I don’t want to live as ordinary beings live.”
Plagueis: “Do you fancy yourself extraordinary?”
Palpatine: “I only meant that I want to live an extraordinary life.”
Plagueis: “Make no apologies for your desires.”

Sidious: “The Sith Lords who follow us will pay tribute to your wisdom, Master.”
Plagueis: “No, Lord Sidious. Because we are the end of the line. Everything done here has been for a single purpose: to extend our reign indefinitely.”

Dooku: “I’ve half a mind to join your cause.”
Palpatine: “My cause?”
Dooku: “I understand politics, my friend. I know that you have to be circumspect about what you say and to whom. But that the disenfranchised worlds of the Outer Rim enjoy any support at all is largely due to you. You speak honestly and you champion the underprivileged, and you may be the only one capable of bringing the Republic back from the brink. Unless, of course, you have been lying to me all these years.”
Palpatine: “Perhaps a few lies of omission.”

Teem: “Are you ready to make history, Senator?”
Palpatine: “Rather than be a casualty of it.”

Gunray: “I demand to see your face.”
Sidious: “You have yet to earn the privilege of seeing me.”
Gunray: “Privilege? Who do you think you are?”
Sidious: “Are you certain you want to know?”
Gunray: “I demand to know.”
Sidious: “Even better, then. I am a Sith Lord.”
Gunray: “Sith Lord?”
Sidious: “You have permission to refer to me as Darth Sidious.”
Gunray: “I’ve not heard of Darth Sidious.”
Sidious: “Ah, but now that you have, our partnership is forged.”

Palpatine: “Senator Amidala, is that not the droid Jedi Skywalker constructed?”
Padmé: “Yes, it is.”
C-3PO: “I am honored that you remember me, Your Majesty!”
Palpatine: [laughs] “A title more fit for a king or emperor.”

Luke: “I’ll never turn to the dark side. You’ve failed, Your Highness. I am a Jedi, like my father before me.”
Emperor Palpatine: “So be it… Jedi.”

As you can see, my young apprentice, your friends have failed. Now witness the firepower of this fully armed and operational battle station. ―Emperor Palpatine, to Luke Skywalker

Soon, he will seek you out and when he does, you must bring him before me. – Palpatine

Dooku: “I declined to be a member of the Council in order to devote myself to diplomacy, and look how that has turned out. The Republic is sliding deeper into chaos.”
Palpatine: “You’re one man against a galaxy full of scoundrels.”
Dooku: “One man should be able to make a difference if he is powerful enough.”

Legends never die, and the insightful from Star Wars will overflow with important themes and lessons. Between greatest Obi-Wan Kenobi quotes, best quotes from Yoda quotes, most memorable Luke Skywalker quotes and famous Princess Leia quotes, all of them will help enrich your perspective.