The Most Shared Quote From The Perks Of Being A Wallflower
If you were a teen in the 2000s, Stephen Chbosky's "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" was definitely on your radar. Although Chbosky's book was released in 1999, the 2012 film adaptation — for which he also wrote the screenplay — catapulted it back into the spotlight. Starring "Harry Potter" alum Emma Watson and Ezra Miller as protagonist Charlie's friends, and Logan Lerman as the man himself, the movie led to fans discovering the book to learn more about the characters.
As of now, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" has an incredible 1.5 million, mostly gushing reviews on Goodreads, with an overall rating of 4.22 stars. Its layered premise makes for a compelling story full of touchingly emotional moments that most teens and young adults can relate to. This in turn has led to lines from the book and movie alike being shared everywhere as a result. Still, there is one particular quote from Chbosky's story that has resonated the most with fans since its release.
This quote has touched many with its sincerity
Stephen Chbosky's novel focuses on Charlie, a young teenager trying to navigate high school and all the ups and downs that come with it (via Goodreads). Marketed as a coming-of-age novel, it is set during the '90s and is written as a series of letters penned by Charlie to an unknown recipient. They detail things said by family and friends and deal with plenty of sensitive topics, making it a book that can't be put down.
Nevertheless, there is one quote in Charlie's letters that stands out amongst the rest. According to Insider, "we accept the love we think we deserve" is one of the most shared quotes from "The Perks of Being a Wallflower." In context, the line is said by Charlie's teacher in response to Charlie asking, "why do nice people choose the wrong people to date?" His teacher then responds with the famous quote, adding that "we can try" to make the people we love see that they deserve more (via YouTube).
The book spawned plenty of other famous quotes
However, it isn't just the above quote that "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" is known for. Screen Rant reports the quote "we are infinite" is another of the most memorable to come out of Stephen Chbosky's bestseller/adaptation. The line is uttered by Charlie, as he and his friends Sam and Patrick are driving through a tunnel — also a popular visual motif throughout the movie. Echoing Sam's actions from earlier in the film, this line represents Charlie finally beginning to feel free.
In the scene (via YouTube), Charle kisses Sam and then stands up in the car exactly as she did, with David Bowie's hit song "Heroes" playing in the background. The moment comes at the very end of the movie and paints Charlie as someone with an optimistic future instead of a hopeless one. Chbosky's book may be more than 20 years old at this stage, but its message about figuring yourself out and finding love and acceptance through your chosen people will never get old.