For Star Trek fans, Spock needs no introduction. He’s one of the three main characters in the Star Trek franchise, along with Captain James T. Kirk and Dr. Leonard McCoy. For decades, Spock has served as the voice of reason in Star Trek. Being a half human and a half Vulcan, his beliefs and observations make for compelling philosophical reflections.
Spock was portrayed by Leonard Nimoy in the original Star Trek series, eight of the film adaptations, and a few other Star Trek productions. In the recent film reboot that featured the central characters of the original show, Spock was played by Zachary Quinto. The latest Star Trek series, Star Trek: Discovery, has actor Ethan Peck playing the beloved role.
A science officer, Spock even inspired budding scientists and engineers during the “Spockmania” in the ’60s. From his now iconic Vulcan salute to his unforgettable dialogues that have since become words to live by, Spock remains one of the greatest fictional characters.
Here are 20 Spock quotes exploring important truths in this world and beyond.
When you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth. – Spock, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, 1991
I have never understood the female capacity to avoid a direct answer to any question. – Spock, Star Trek, Season 1, Episode 24 (“This Side of Paradise,” 1967)
It is curious how often you humans manage to obtain that which you do not want. – Spock, Star Trek, Season 1, Episode 26 (“Errand of Mercy,” 1967)
Computers make excellent and efficient servants, but I have no wish to serve under them. – Spock, Star Trek, Season 2, Episode 24 (“The Ultimate Computer,” 1968)
Live long and prosper. – Spock, First spoken in Star Trek, Season 2, Episode 1 (“Amok Time,” 1968)
I realize that command does have its fascination, even under circumstances such as these, but I neither enjoy the idea of command nor am I frightened of it. It simply exists, and I will do whatever logically needs to be done. – Spock, Star Trek, Season 1, Episode 16 (“The Galileo Seven,” 1967)
The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one. – Spock, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, 1982
Where there is no emotion, there is no motive for violence. – Spock, Star Trek, Season 1, Episode 9 (“Dagger of the Mind,” 1966)
Insufficient facts always invite danger. – Spock, Star Trek, Season 1, Episode 24 (“Space Seed,” 1968)
Fascinating is a word I use for the unexpected, in this case I would think interesting would suffice. – Spock, Star Trek, Season 1, Episode 17 (“The Squire of Gothos,” 1967)
After a time, you may find that having is not so pleasing a thing after all as wanting. It is not logical, but is often true. – Spock, Star Trek, Season 2, Episode 1 (“Amok Time,” 1968)
You find it easier to understand the death of one than the death of a million. You speak about the objective hardness of the Vulcan heart, yet how little room there seems to be in yours. – Spock, Star Trek, Season 2, Episode 18 (“The Immunity Syndrome,” 1968)
I could not deprive you of the revelation of all that you could accomplish together, of a friendship that will define you both in ways you cannot yet realize. – Spock, Star Trek, 2009
Beauty is transitory. – Spock, Star Trek, Season 3, Episode 17 (“That Which Survives,” 1969)
If there are self-made purgatories, then we all have to live in them. – Spock, Star Trek, Season 1, Episode 24 (“This Side of Paradise,” 1967)
One can begin to reshape the landscape with a single flower, Captain. – Spock, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 5, Episode 8 (“Unification II,” 1991)
If I were human I believe my response would be ‘go to hell’. If I were human. – Spock, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, 1991
I have been and always shall be your friend. – Spock, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, 1982
In critical moments, men sometimes see exactly what they wish to see. – Spock, Star Trek, Season 3, Episode 9 (“The Tholian Web,” 1968)
Without followers, evil cannot spread. – Spock, Star Trek, Season 3, Episode 5, (“And the Children Shall Lead,” 1968)
Change is the essential process of all existence. – Spock, Star Trek, Season 3, Episode 15 (“Let That Be Your Last Battlefield,” 1969)
Share these 20 Spock quotes with all your Star Trek fan friends.