MOVIES & TV

10 essential teachings from Spock

Channing King
channing.king@indystar.com
Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in 'Star Trek.'

Leonard Nimoy has died. Between his role as the host of the long-running "In Search Of…" anthology show that ran in the late '70s his turn as makeup master Paris on "Mission: Impossible," he managed to secure a place in TV history.

Oh, and 'Star Trek.' As the half-Vulcan/half-human first officer Spock of the USS Enterprise, he and William Shatner's Kirk saved the galaxy/existence/each other many, many times over the three seasons of the original series, the animated show and six movies. (They also spawned the curious – and highly NSFW – phenomenon known as "slash fic." Trust me: NSFW.)

Growing up nerdy in the '70s and '80s, it was impossible to avoid 'Star Trek,' and as the show's most eminently quotable character, Nimoy's Spock had an impact on lives that was outweighed only by family, friends and (arguably) Han Solo.

Here are 10 quotes from both the original show and the movies that are as relevant in the early 21st century as they will be in the late 23rd:

Kirk: "Is that the logical thing to do, Spock?"
Spock: No, but is the human thing to do."

"The fact that my internal arrangement differs from yours, doctor, pleases me no end."

"I'm frequently appalled by the low regard you earthmen have for life."

"Jim, Edith Keeler must die."

"After time, you may find that 'having' is not so pleasing a thing, after all, as wanting."

T'Pau: "Live long and prosper, Spock."
Spock: "I shall do neither. I have killed my captain...and my friend."

"Insults are effective only where emotion is present."

Spock: "Fortunately this bark has suitable tensile cohesion."
Kirk: "You mean it makes a good bow string?"
Spock: "I believe I said that."

"Tell her (mother)...I feel fine."

"I have been and ever shall be your friend."