Context

This line was spoken by Mufasa (voiced by James Earl Jones) in the movie Lion King, directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff (1994).

When you first think of the movie The Lion King, you probably think about the catchy phrase "Hakuna Matata" from the lovable Timon and Pumbaa. And after that, you think about the sun rising while the beloved song "Circle of Life" begins. And the idea of the circle of life is at the center of the entire movie.

Even though it's basically Hamlet with animals, complete with traitorous uncles and ghostly fathers putting wayward sons on track to avenge them, The Lion King is also rooted in natural science. Food chains, food webs, and stuff you forgot while you were sleeping through Intro to Biology. Lions are at the top of the food chain, and Mufasa, as leader of the pride, was responsible for making sure the natural order of things continue.

And now, Simba must fill his father's huge paws, get off his rear end, and make sure that the circle of life continues. And seeing Mufasa's ghost might be the spark that gets him going.

Where you've heard it

You've heard this from a particularly zealous yoga instructor, philosophy professor, or a biology teacher, who's super into using pop culture references in their lectures to make science fun.

Additional Notable References:

• The circle of life has gone beyond the movie and into real life through an attraction at Epcot in Disney World.
• Timon and Pumbaa teach kids (and adults) about conservation in a fun, humorous way.
• The easiest way to learn about the circle of life is from the opening song of The Lion King. It's truly a seminal moment in Disney and animation history. Plus baby Simba is super adorable.
• And the cast of Broadway's The Lion King will remind you about it as you ride on the subway. Check out this aca-awesome rendition of "Circle of Life."
• And on a more literary note, the scene where the ghost of Mufasa appears and tells Simba to remember his duty as king of the Pridelands is very similar to Hamlet's father telling him to get his act together and kill his Uncle
• Claudius before Act 5 of Hamlet. But The Lion King's ending is much more family friendly.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Unless you're Morgan Freeman or David Attenborough narrating a nature documentary, maybe save this one for meditating to yourself or singing "Circle of Life" in the shower.