The vast expanse of the Star Trek universe features the thrilling adventures of Captain James T. Kirk, Captain Jean-Luc Picard, and Spock to see strange new worlds and seek out new civilizations.
As we commemorate the historic flight of William Shatner, the legendary Captain Kirk himself, aboard the New Shepard spacecraft, we pay homage to the timeless wisdom and wit found in the iconic lines of Star Trek.
To revisit this interstellar voyage, where the final frontier meets the human spirit, here are some of the best Star Trek quotes to inspire and entertain the fans.
Top 30 Quotes & Lines From Star Trek
1. "We Work To Better Ourselves And The Rest Of Humanity." - Captain Jean-Luc Picard
Fans hail "Star Trek: First Contact" (1996) as the best standalone movie featuring the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" crew. Patrick Stewart, as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, delivers memorable speeches.
When he describes the 24th century to Lily (Alfre Woodard), he embodies Trek's ideals of selflessness and humanity's enrichment.
2. "In his quest to be more like us, he helped show us what it means to be human." - Captain Jean-Luc Picard
In Star Trek: Nemesis (2002), Data saves Captain Picard and sacrifices himself to stop the Romulan threat.
Later, Picard talks to B-4, saying, "I wanted you to know what kind of man he was." This quote shows Data's impact on the crew and honors his dream of the future and humanity.
3. "Of All The Souls I've Encountered In My Travels, His Was The Most Human." - Admiral James T. Kirk
Spock's death in "Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan" deeply touches fans. Kirk praises the humanity of Spock despite his mistakes and being Vulcan.
4. "Life Must Be Worn Gloriously." - Captain Christopher Pike
2022's "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" nails the essence of Star Trek [1], delving into humanity's depths.
Facing an inevitable tragedy, he intervenes in a planetary conflict, advocating for life's value amid chaos.
5. "Risk Is Our Business." - Captain James T. Kirk
1968's Star Trek: The Original Series showed the dangers of space exploration. In "Return to Tomorrow," Captain James Kirk lives life highlights the necessity of risk for growth.
6. "Spock, You Want To Know Something? Everybody's Human." - Captain James T. Kirk
In 1991's "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country," the original Enterprise crew, led by Kirk (William Shatner), celebrated 25 years of exploration. Kirk and Spock shared moments amid thrills.
Kirk reflects on age, and Spock understands the sentiment, highlighting Star Trek's theme of unity.
7. "I Dare You To Do Better." - Captain Christopher Pike
When J.J. Abrams directed the 2009 Star Trek reboot [2], Star Trek fans doubted if the new Kirk and crew could match the original series.
In a key scene, Captain Pike acknowledged this pressure while urging a hesitant James T. Kirk to join Starfleet. It challenged both Kirk and the franchise to uphold their ideals.
8. "A Starship Also Runs On Loyalty." - Spock
In the 1986 Star Trek series, "The Ultimate Computer," Captain James Kirk often risks himself for his crew's safety. Loyalty defines the USS Enterprise [3] crew.
When Starfleet tests a computer to control all operations, Spock sees its potential. But Kirk values human loyalty over automation.
9. "We Are Searching, Not Just For Answers To Our Questions. But For New Questions." - Commander Benjamin Sisko
In the beginning episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, "Emissary," the series stood out with fresh elements. However, its dedication to explore strange galaxies for new life remained unchanged.
Commander Benjamin Sisko, facing the enigmatic Prophets, encapsulates Starfleet's mission: exploring for discovery, freedom, and understanding.
10. "Let's Make Sure History Never Forgets The Name Enterprise." - Captain Jean-Luc Picard
In "Yesterday's Enterprise," episode, Captain Picard and the Enterprise-D are thrust into a timeline of a prolonged war with the Klingons.
Picard warns his men head-on for the final battle, highlighting the significance of their iconic ship.
11. "Logic Clearly Dictates That The Needs Of The Many Outweigh The Needs Of The Few." - Spock
Spock's famous line in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" highlights that prioritizing the needs of many over a few is a recurring theme in the franchise.
Starfleet's goal to explore new space resonates with this nature, emphasizing loyalty, freedom, and sacrifice. This is one of the best quotes from Star Trek that echoes timeless moral dilemmas.
See Star Trek vs Star Wars here.
12. "I don't believe in a no-win scenario." - Captain James T. Kirk
Kirk, the only cadet to beat the tough Kobayashi Maru simulation, earned praise for his clever approach.
In "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," he rejects the idea of unwinnable situations, which sets the stage for future challenges.
13. "Better to die saving lives than to live with taking them. That's what I was born into." - Captain James T. Kirk
In "Star Trek Beyond" (2016), Chris Pine's Captain Kirk reaches a turning point. This moment includes a journey tied to his father's legacy. Pine delivers the line with depth, enriching the film's logic.
14. "Space is disease and danger wrapped in darkness and silence." - Dr. Leonard McCoy
In J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek" (2009), Karl Urban's performance captures McCoy's gruff yet warm personality.
Sitting beside James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), McCoy reveals his discomfort with space, beginning their lifelong friendship.
15. "I have been and always shall be your friend." - Spock
"Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" features Captain Spock's (Leonard Nimoy) death in a poignant moment.
Despite James Kirk's grief, Spock's logic prevails, affirming their friendship. In "Star Trek (2009)," (Prime) Spock recognizes young Kirk, recalling their enduring friendship across universes.
Read: Top Star Trek Gifts
16. "The line must be drawn here! This far, no further! And I will make them pay for what they have done. - Captain Jean-Luc Picard
"Star Trek: First Contact" features Captain Jean returning with his crew in time to stop the Borg from altering Earth's future.
Despite his past assimilation trauma, Jean-Luc refuses to sacrifice his ship, symbolizing a stand against compromise and embracing individuality and moral courage.
17. "We will find hope in the impossible." - Spock
In "Star Trek Beyond," the Enterprise crew faces danger when ambushed by hostile ships on Altamid.
Stranded, they unite to save each other from Krall and his forces. Despite doubts, Kirk and Spock find strength together, believing in hope even in the toughest times.
Other Notable Star Trek Quotes
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"Computers make excellent and efficient servants, but I have no wish to serve under them." - Commander Spock
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“I would gladly risk feeling bad at times if it also meant that I could taste my dessert. — Data
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"Change is the essential process of all existence.” – Spock
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"Improve a mechanical device, and you may double productivity. But improve man, you gain a thousandfold." - Khan Noonien Singh
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"One man cannot summon the future." - Spock
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"Compassion: that’s the one things no machine ever had. Maybe it’s the one thing that keeps men ahead of them.” – Dr. McCoy
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"But one man can change the present.” - Kirk
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“It is possible to commit no errors and still lose. That's not a weakness. That's life.” – Captain Jean-Luc Picard
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"Insufficient facts always invite danger.” – Spock
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"You can use logic to justify almost anything. That’s its power. And its flaw.” – Captain Cathryn Janeway
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"Confidence is faith in oneself. It can’t easily be given by another.” — Deanna Troi
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"A lie is a very poor way to say hello.” — Edith Keeler
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"When governments murder those who speak the truth, it is time to get new governments.” — Diane Duane
FAQs
What is Captain Kirk's famous saying?
Captain Kirk's (William Shatner) famous saying is, "Beam me up, Scotty!" It has become an iconic line associated with the character and the Star Trek franchise [4].
What is the Star Trek motto?
The Star Trek motto is "To boldly go where no one has gone before." This phrase embodies the spirit of deep space discovery and adventure that defines the series created by Gene Roddenberry.
What phrase was made famous by Star Trek?
The phrase "Live long and prosper" was made famous by Captain Spock of Star Trek. It has become a well-known greeting and symbol of goodwill.
What was the last line of Star Trek?
The last line of Star Trek: The Original Series is "To boldly go where no man has gone before." This line reflects the show's theme of exploration and uncovering an undiscovered country.
What is Captain Picard's catchphrase?
Captain Picard's catchphrase is "Make it so." He often uses this phrase to give orders and commands to his efficient servants aboarding the starship Enterprise.
Final Thoughts
One thing that makes Star Trek an iconic series? It's the iconic quotes, plus the memorable characters, giving color to the storytelling.
From exploring strange new worlds to facing moral dilemmas, Star Trek quotes reflect the franchise's enduring themes of exploration, humanity, and loyalty.
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References:
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/Star-Trek-series-1966-1969
- https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/10-years-ago-jj-abrams-star-trek-reboot-fueled-the-modern-geek-universe
- https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/USS_Enterprise_(NCC-1701-A)
- https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Franchise/StarTrek
