The Wisest Characters In The MCU

Who? With a name like the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), you can expect them to be wise. The Ancient One was the Sorcerer Supreme and the leader of the Masters of the Mystic Arts. She protected the Earth for centuries. 

Overall Philosophy: What cannot be seen is as important as what can be. So much of the source of the Ancient One’s power is the unknown. While drawing power from the Dark Dimension to live longer was a questionable moral choice, the Ancient One does understand a lot. In Avengers: Endgame, they are able to see the issue with giving away the Time Stone and dooming their world. The key to their awareness is about focusing on what can be seen and what cannot and giving them equal weight. 

Most Profound Statement: “You think you know how the world works? You think that this material universe is all there is? What is real? What mysteries lie beyond the reach of your senses? At the root of existence, mind and matter meet. Thoughts shape reality. This universe is only one of an infinite number. Worlds without end. Some benevolent and life-giving. Others filled with malice and hunger. Dark places where powers older than time lie ravenous... and waiting. Who are you in this vast multiverse, Mr. Strange?”

Who? Vision (Paul Bettany) began as the program J.A.R.V.I.S. Tony Stark created him to serve as a computerized butler. He later evolved when he was integrated with Ultron. He eventually became the living computer Vision. With the power of the Mind Stone, he’s able to see things on a much deeper level. 

Overall Philosophy: Life is worth preserving. As a being who came to life as he did, he’s focused on the protection of it. He devotes his advanced gifts to protecting life on Earth and is even willing to sacrifice himself. 

Most Profound Statement: "Humans are odd. They think order and chaos are somehow opposites and... try to control what won't be. But there is grace in their failings. I think you missed that."

Who? Howard Stark (John Slattery/Dominic Cooper) is an inventor, scientist, engineer, businessman, and movie director. He’s one part Leonardo da Vinci and one part Walt Disney. While not the warmest father to Tony Stark, he is committed to inventing and bettering the nation.

Overall Philosophy: Keep on creating. While he describes Tony as his “greatest creation,” Howard Stark creates many things in his life. From Captain America and his vibranium shield to the many contributions of Stark Industries, Howard is always working on something new. Part of what drives his scientific spirit is the desire to create a larger legacy and a better world.

Most Profound Statement: “No amount of money ever bought a second of time.”

Who? Odin (Anthony Hopkins) is the King of Asgard. He’s made many strange choices for the sake of Asgard. He adopted Loki as a baby. He ravaged other kingdoms with his daughter Hela (Cate Blanchett). And he also took away his son Thor’s powers. These are all strange choices, but he ultimately knew what would happen. 

Overall Philosophy: His philosophy seems to be, “For the greater good.” Granted, his understanding of what is good is always changing throughout his life, but he’s not one to shy from making the choice that will serve Asgard best. That even includes his own demise. 

Most Profound Statement: "I have sacrificed much to achieve peace. So, too, must a new generation sacrifice to maintain that peace. Responsibility, duty, honor. These are not merely virtues to which we must aspire. They are essential to every soldier and to every king."

Who? King T’Chaka (John Kani) is the father of King T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) and Shuri. Having worn the mantle of Black Panther until old age, he’s been a king and the hero of Wakanda. He has the wisdom it takes to be both the king of an advanced nation like Wakanda and a diplomat in a world where his nation’s advancements are a secret. 

Overall Philosophy: He believes a king must make hard decisions. His choices are for the good of his kingdom, even if it means sacrificing his brother. His commitment to making the hard choices are part of why he was able to lead his kingdom to do such great things. 

Most Profound Statement: “Victory at the expense of the innocent is no victory at all."

Who? Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) has always been committed to being a good citizen. He’s also always wanted to help people. After he’s transformed into a super soldier, he becomes Captain America. He’s one of the most powerful Avengers not because he’s the smartest or the most powerful. It’s because he’s wise. He knows what’s worth fighting for. 

Overall Philosophy: Be a good American. He’s committed to being a good person and doing things for the right reasons. That’s part of what gets people to rally around him and devote their strengths to help him win. 

Most Profound Statement: “The strength of this country isn’t in buildings of brick and steel. It’s in the hearts of those who have sworn to fight for its freedom!”