There are few franchises that have shaped popular culture as much as Star Trek. Born from the mind of Gene Roddenberry, it takes place in the 23rd century, where humanity has united with other space-faring races to create the United Federation of Planets. Captain James Tiberius Kirk (William Shatner) captains the USS Enterprise, whose mission is to traverse the galaxy, explore new planets, and boldly go where no man has gone before.
The show was groundbreaking when it first aired and is fondly remembered for its innovative science-fiction themes, diverse characters, and for how silly it could be at times. It’s also full of memorable dialogue that has only gotten better with time.
1
“In a different reality, I could have called you a friend.”
Season 1, Episode 14 “Balance of Terror”
After playing a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with a cloaked Romulan ship, the Enterprise finally manages to cripple its opponent. Kirk hails the Romulan Commander (Mark Lenard) and offers to bring any survivors aboard the Enterprise, but he refuses, saying that is not the Romulan way. He then delivers this quote to Kirk before setting the ship to self-destruct.
The beauty of this quote is in how simply it conveys the vast complexities of existence and human relationships. There are many times in life when we are forced to stand against someone we would otherwise get along with, and you cannot help but wonder how things would look if one or two of those circumstances were changed. In this case, the Romulan Commander is bound by the duty of his post and an adherence to the chain of command to attack the Federation regardless of his personal feelings but comes to respect Kirk as a worthy opponent.
2
“Compassion: that’s the one thing no machine ever had. Maybe it’s the one thing that keeps men ahead of them.”
Season 2, Episode 24 “The Ultimate Computer”
A simple test of a new ship’s AI turns into a deadly fight for survival as it goes rogue and attacks other Starfleet vessels. Kirk is eventually able to regain control over his ship by telling the AI that it has acted contrary to its purpose, and fortunately for him, Commodore Robert Wesley (Barry Russo) realizes that the threat has been neutralized and doesn’t destroy the Enterprise. When Spock (Leonard Nimoy) questions how Kirk knew this would be the outcome, he says it’s because Wesley has always been a compassionate man, and Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy (DeForest Kelley) replies with the above quote.
With the rise of AI in recent years, this quote feels more relevant than ever. Not all AI use is bad: as Spock points out in the episode, computers can run most functions more efficiently than a human can, and AI has a place in sorting data and other menial tasks. However, AI cannot replace a human when it comes to making emotional decisions that require empathy and creativity, as can often be seen when people try to use AI to write stories or generate art.
3
“We can admit that we’re killers, but we’re not going to kill today. That’s all it takes, knowing that we’re not going to kill today.”
Season 1, Episode 23 “A Taste of Armageddon”
A diplomatic mission to the planet Eminiar VII has the Enterprise stumble upon a war conducted with computer simulations that selects people to be executed in theoretical attacks. However, Kirk and Spock manage to destroy the Eminian computer and urge their leader, Anar 7 (David Opatoshu), to open peace negotiations with their opponents, the planet Vendikar. Anar claims this to be impossible due to their savage nature, but Kirk rebukes his claim.
Humanity has a very long and bloody history of destructive conflicts that have shaped our history and have created weapons so powerful that they risk irreversibly damaging the planet if used. However, we have also evolved to a point where we, as a society, realize this danger and know when to show restraint rather than force. This quote can also be applied to our everyday lives by reminding us that just because we have flashes of negative emotions, we need not give into them.
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Star Trek: The Original Series
