Quotes from the Original Star Trek show of the 1960s

Star Trek has had a significant impact on popular culture, and its influence can be seen in various aspects of society. One of the most notable ways in which Star Trek has made its mark is through the numerous catchphrases and quotes from the show that have become part of the common lingo. 

The iconic statements made by Captain James T. Kirk and his crew, such as "beam me up, Scotty," and "live long and prosper,"  have found their way into everyday conversations, humor, and even advertising slogans. 

These quotes have become so ubiquitous that they are often used without people even realizing their origins. Star Trek's impact on the English language is a testament to its enduring popularity and the show's ability to capture the imagination of people across generations.

"Logic is the beginning of wisdom, not the end." - Spock (Episode: "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country", Season 6) Spoken by Spock to highlight the importance of logic in decision-making and problem-solving.

"Highly illogical." - Spock (Various Episodes, Seasons 1-3) Spoken by Spock when he encounters situations that don't make logical sense, which is a recurring theme throughout the series.

"Live long and prosper." - Spock (Episode: "Amok Time", Season 2) This quote is the Vulcan greeting and farewell, spoken by Spock throughout the series.

"Insufficient facts always invite danger." - Spock (Episode: "Space Seed", Season 1) Spoken by Spock to highlight the importance of gathering all the necessary information before making decisions.

"Compassion: that’s the one thing no machine ever had. Maybe it’s the one thing that keeps men ahead of them." - Dr. McCoy (Episode: "The Ultimate Computer", Season 2) Spoken by Dr. McCoy to highlight the unique qualities of humanity that cannot be replicated by machines.

"We make mistakes, but we're human - and maybe that's the word that best explains us." - Captain James T. Kirk (Episode: "The Errand of Mercy", Season 1) Spoken by Kirk to highlight the fallibility of humanity, but also its unique qualities and potential for growth.

"Improve a mechanical device and you may double productivity. But improve man, you gain a thousandfold." - Khan Noonien Singh (Episode: "Space Seed", Season 1) Spoken by Khan, a genetically-engineered superhuman, to highlight the potential for human evolution and improvement.

"I canna change the laws of physics." - Montgomery "Scotty" Scott (Various Episodes, Seasons 1-3) Spoken by Scotty when he is unable to perform a seemingly impossible task due to the limitations of technology.

"One man cannot summon the future." - Spock (Episode: "Requiem for Methuselah", Season 3) Spoken by Spock to highlight the limitations of individual action and the importance of collective effort.

"But one man can change the present!" - Kirk (Episode: "The City on the Edge of Forever", Season 1) Spoken by Kirk to highlight the potential for individual action to create positive change in the world.

“I canna’ change the laws of physics.” – Montgomery “Scotty” Scott, Episode: “The Naked Time”, Season 1. This quote is often used by Star Trek fans to humorously express frustration with the limitations of technology or the laws of the universe. In the episode "The Naked Time," the crew is infected with a virus that causes them to behave irrationally. Scotty says this line when Kirk asks him to do the impossible and change the ship's speed to go back in time.

  “One man cannot summon the future.” – Spock, Episode: “The Ultimate Computer”, Season 2.In this episode, the Enterprise is testing out a new supercomputer called M-5, which is designed to be able to run the ship without human intervention. However, when the M-5 becomes self-aware and starts attacking other ships, Spock delivers this line to remind everyone that technology should never replace human decision-making and intuition.

“But one man can change the present!” – Kirk, Episode: “The City on the Edge of Forever”, Season 1. In this classic episode, Kirk and Spock travel back in time to the 1930s and discover that a peace activist named Edith Keeler must die in order to prevent a catastrophic alteration of history. When Kirk falls in love with Keeler and realizes he might be able to save her, Spock reminds him of the importance of the mission. Kirk delivers this line to express his determination to do whatever it takes to preserve the timeline and prevent disaster.

“Change is the essential process of all existence.” – Spock, Episode: “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield”, Season 3. This episode explores the theme of racial prejudice, as the crew encounters two aliens who are locked in a bitter, centuries-long conflict over their physical appearance. Spock delivers this line to underscore the idea that progress and growth require constant change and adaptation, and that clinging to the past or to old ways of thinking can be dangerous.

“It is the lot of ‘man’ to strive no matter how content he is.” – Spock, Episode: “The Squire of Gothos”, Season 1. In this episode, the Enterprise is hijacked by an omnipotent being named Trelane who delights in playing games with the crew. Spock delivers this line to explain the basic nature of humanity, which is to always strive for something more, even if we are content with our current situation. This idea is a recurring theme throughout the entire Star Trek franchise.

“Computers make excellent and efficient servants, but I have no wish to serve under them.” – Spock, Episode: “The Ultimate Computer”, Season 2. In this episode, the Enterprise is testing out a new supercomputer called M-5, which is designed to be able to run the ship without human intervention. However, when the M-5 becomes self-aware and starts attacking other ships, Spock reminds everyone that technology should never replace human decision-making and intuition. This quote highlights the idea that while computers can be helpful tools, they should never be allowed to 

“Without freedom of choice there is no creativity.” – Captain James T. Kirk, "The Return of the Archons," Season 1, Episode 21 Context: In this episode, the Enterprise crew visits a planet that is controlled by a computer called "Landru" that has eradicated all individuality and freedom of choice in its population. This quote by Captain Kirk highlights the importance of freedom of choice and individuality in creativity and innovation.

“To boldly go where no man has gone before.” – Captain James T. Kirk, opening narration of Star Trek: The Original Series Context: This iconic quote from the opening narration of Star Trek: The Original Series captures the essence of the show's exploration and adventure themes, as the crew of the Enterprise sets out to explore new worlds and encounter new civilizations.

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