star trek scotty sayings

• Character Quotes
• Star Trek (2009)

Scotty Quotes in Star Trek (2009)

Scotty quotes:.

Scotty : I like this ship! You know, it's exciting!

Spock Prime : What if I told you that your transwarp theory was correct, that is is indeed possible to beam onto a ship that is traveling at warp speed?

Scotty : I think if that equation had been discovered, I'd have heard about it.

Spock Prime : The reason you haven't heard of it, Mr. Scott, is because you haven't discovered it yet.

Scotty : I'm s... Wha... It... Are you from the future?

James T. Kirk : Yeah, he is. I'm not.

Scotty : Well, that's brilliant. Do they still have sandwiches there?

Spock Prime : You are, in fact, the Mr. Scott who postulated the theory of transwarp beaming?

Scotty : That's what I'm talking about! How do you think I wound up here? Had a little debate with my instructor on relativistic physics and how it pertains to subspace travel. He seemed to think that the range of transporting something like a... like a grapefruit was limited to about 100 miles. I told him that I could not only beam a grapefruit from one planet to the adjacent planet in the same system - which is easy, by the way - I could do it with a life form. So, I tested it out on Admiral Archer's prized beagle.

James T. Kirk : Wait, I know that dog. What happened to it?

Scotty : I'll tell you when it reappears. Ahem. I don't know, I do feel guilty about that.

Scotty : Except, the thing is, even if I believed you, right, where you're from, what I've done - which I don't, by the way - you're still talking about beaming aboard the Enterprise while she's traveling faster than light, without a proper receiving pad.

Scotty : [ to Keenser ] Get off there! It's not a climbing frame!

Scotty : [ back to Spock Prime ] The notion of transwarp beaming is like trying to hit a bullet with a smaller bullet whilst wearing a blindfold, riding a horse.

[ Spock writes on a paper ]

Scotty : What's that?

Spock Prime : Your equation for achieving transwarp beaming.

Scotty : [ to himself ] He's out of it

Scotty : [ reads the equation ] Imagine that! It never occurred to me to think of SPACE as the thing that was moving!

[ the U.S.S. Enterprise is being sucked into a black hole, seconds away from doom ]

Scotty : I'm giving her all she's got, Captain!

[ the bridge ceiling begins to crack as the ship's drawn closer ]

James T. Kirk : All she's got isn't good enough! What else ya got?

Scotty : Um... Okay, if we eject the core and detonate, the blast could be enough to push us away! I cannae promise anything, though!

[ the viewing window starts to rupture ]

James T. Kirk : DO IT, DO IT, DO IT!

Spock : We are traveling at warp speed. How did you manage to beam aboard this ship?

James T. Kirk : Hey, you're the genius. You figure it out.

Spock : As acting captain of this vessel, I order you to answer the question.

James T. Kirk : Well, I'm not telling, "Acting Captain." What, did...?

[ Kirk smiles ]

James T. Kirk : What, now, that doesn't frustrate you, does it? My lack of cooperation? That-that doesn't make you angry...

Spock : [ Spock turns to Scotty ] Are you a member of Starfleet?

Scotty : I, um, yes. Can I get a towel, please?

Spock : Under penalty of court martial, I order you to explain to me how you were able to beam aboard this ship while moving at warp.

Scotty : Well...

James T. Kirk : Don't answer him.

Spock : You will answer me.

Scotty : [ pause ] I'd rather not take sides.

[ Spock Prime and Kirk arrive at a derelict Starfleet outpost, and discover... ]

Scotty : You realize how unacceptable this is?

Spock Prime : Fascinating!

Scotty : Okay, I'm sure you're just doing your job, but could you not have come a wee bit sooner? Six months I've been here, living off Starfleet protein nibs and the promise of a good meal! And I know exactly what's going on here, okay? Punishment, isn't it? Ongoing! For something that was clearly an accident!

Spock Prime : [ pleased ] You are Montgomery Scott.

James T. Kirk : You know him?

Scotty : Aye, that's me. You're in the right place. Unless there's another hardworking, equally starved Starfleet officer around.

Keenser : Me.

Scotty : Get aff! Shut up! You don't eat anything! You can eat, like, a bean, and you're done. I'm talking about food. REAL food!

Scotty : I've never beamed three people from two targets onto one pad before!

Scotty : So, the Enterprise has had its maiden voyage, has it? She is one well-endowed lady. I'd like to get my hands on her "ample nacelles," if you pardon the engineering parlance.

James T. Kirk : Scotty, how we doin'?

Scotty : Dilithium chamber at maximum, Captain.

Scotty : [ noticing Keenser straddling a console ] GET DOWN!

Scotty : If it isn't Captain James Tiberius Perfect-Hair!

[ to Keenser ]

Scotty : Did you hear that? I called him "Perfect-Hair".

James T. Kirk : Where are you?

Scotty : Where are you?

James T. Kirk : Are you drunk?

Scotty : What I do on my private time is my business, Jim.

Scotty : Wait. Jim, if we go in there, we'll die! Do you hear me? The radiation will kill us! Will you listen to me? Look, what the hell are you doing?

James T. Kirk : I'm opening the door. I'm going in.

Scotty : The door's there to stop us from getting irradiated! We'd be dead before making the climb!

James T. Kirk : [ quietly ] You're not making the climb.

[ Kirk knocks out Scotty and enters the chamber ]

Scotty : [ Kirk and Bones return to the Enterprise on Nibiru ] Do you have any idea how ridiculous it is to hide a starship on the bottom of the ocean?

James T. Kirk : [ asking Scotty to investigate the coordinates Khan gave him ] I'm not exactly sure what you're looking for, but I have a feeling you'll know it when you see it. You may have been right about those torpedoes.

Scotty : [ surprised at Jim's admission ] I will consider that an apology. And I will consider that apology.

Scotty : Welcome aboard.

James T. Kirk : It's good to see you too, Scotty.

Scotty : [ to Khan ] Are you crazy? Whoever you are.

James T. Kirk : Just listen to him, Scotty. It's gonna be alright.

[ from trailer ]

Scotty : The ship's dead, sir! She's gone!

James T. Kirk : No, she's not...

Scotty : [ gesturing to the warp core ] Do you know what this is, Captain?

James T. Kirk : I don't have time for a lecture, Scotty!

Scotty : [ more forcefully ] Do you know what this is?

James T. Kirk : [ sighs ] It's a warp core.

Scotty : It's a radioactive catastrophe waiting to happen. A subtle shift in magnetic output from, say, firing one or more of six dozen torpedoes with an unknown payload could set of a chain reaction which would kill every living thing on this ship, letting these torpedoes on the Enterprise is the last straw!

James T. Kirk : What was the first straw?

Scotty : What was the...

Scotty : -there are plenty of straws, how about Starfleet confiscating my transwarp equation, and now some madman is using it to hop across the galaxy! Where'd you think he got it from!

James T. Kirk : We have our orders, Scotty.

Scotty : That's what scares me... this is clearly a military operation. Is that what we are now? Cause I thought we were explorers. I thought we...

James T. Kirk : Sign for the torpedoes. That's an order.

Scotty : Right. Well you leave me no choice but to resign my duties.

James T. Kirk : Oh come on, Scotty.

Scotty : You're giving me no choice, sir!

James T. Kirk : You're not giving me much of a choice!

Scotty : I will not stand by and...

James T. Kirk : You're just making exceptions, sign for the...

Scotty : [ forcefully ] Do you accept my resignation or not?

James T. Kirk : I DO!... I do. You are relieved Mr. Scott.

Scotty : [ after a long pause ] Jim... for the love of God, do not use those torpedoes.

[ hands Kirk his PADD and walks away, Keenser does the same ]

Scotty : No! I'm not signing anything! Now get these bloody things off my ship!

[ sees Kirk ]

Scotty : Captain!

James T. Kirk : Is there a problem, Mr. Scott?

Scotty : Aye, sir! I was just explaining to this gentlemen that I cannae authorize any weapons on board this ship without knowing what's inside them!

Spock : Mr. Scott raises yet another point that le...

James T. Kirk : Report to the bridge.

Spock : Captain.

[ leaves the engineering room ]

James T. Kirk : Mr. Scott, I understand your concerns but we need these torpedoes on board!

Scotty : Due respect, sir, but photo torpedoes run on fuel, now I cannae detect the type of fuel that's in the compartments on these torpedoes because it's shielded. Now I asked for the specifications but he says...

[ gestures to Torpedo Security ]

Torpedo Security : It's classified.

Scotty : [ repeating exasperatedly ] It's classified. So I said; no specs, no signature!

Sulu : [ from deck above ] Captain, flight checks complete, we're good to go, sir.

James T. Kirk : Thank you, Mr. Sulu.

Sulu : Yes, sir.

Scotty : Now if you'll excuse me, sir, I have a warp core to prime.

[ walks away ]

Scotty : [ to Keenser ] Get down!

Bones : Jim, your vitals are way off...

James T. Kirk : Report to the medbay.

[ follows Scotty to the warp core ]

James T. Kirk : Scotty! I need you to approve those weapons.

Scotty : It's been upgraded to a 10.9 by the guys at Harvard.

Adrian Helmsley : What does Caltech have to say?

Professor West : The whole city of Pasadena was wiped out just a few minutes ago.

Ark Communications Officer : The capital's been hit by a 9.4.

Ark Communications Officer : We've lost communication with the White House, sir.

Adrian Helmsley : Where's it centered?

Scotty : North Chesapeake Bay.

McCoy : [ Kirk runs in to the engine room and sees Spock inside the reactor compartment. He rushes over but McCoy and Scotty hold him back ] No! You'll flood the whole compartment!

Kirk : He'll die!

Scotty : Sir! He's dead already.

McCoy : It's too late.

[ They let go and Kirk walks to the glass and pushes the intercom button ]

Kirk : Spock!

[ Spock slowly walks over to the glass and pushes the intercom ]

Spock : The ship... out of danger?

Kirk : Yes.

Spock : Do not grieve, Admiral. It is logical. The needs of the many, outweigh...

Kirk : The needs of the few.

Spock : Or the one. I never took the Kobayashi Maru test until now. What do you think of my solution?

Kirk : Spock.

[ Spock sits down ]

Spock : [ Gasping ] I have been... and always shall be... your friend.

[ he places a Vulcan salute on the glass ]

Spock : [ Gasping ] Live long... and prosper.

[ Spock dies ]

Scotty : The energizer's bypassed like a Christmas tree, so don't give me too many bumps.

Preston : I believe you'll find everything ship-shape, Admiral.

Kirk : Oh, do you? Do you have any idea, Midshipman Preston, how many times I have had to listen to Mr. Scott on the comm, telling me his trouble? Do you have any idea of the ribbing I've had to endure in the officers' mess... to the effect that the Enterprise is a flying death trap?

Preston : Oh, no sir! Wha... this is the finest engine room in the whole Starfleet! If the Admiral can't see the facts for himself, then, with all due respect, he's as blind as a Tiberian bat!

Scotty : Ahem!

Preston : Sir!

Kirk : Midshipman, you're a tiger.

Scotty : My sister's youngest, Admiral. Crazy to get to space.

Kirk : Every young man's fantasy. Seem to remember it myself.

[ Kirk is invited to give a command to the new Enterprise-B ]

Kirk : Take us out.

Chekov : Very good, sir.

Scotty : Brought a tear to my eye.

Kirk : Oh, be quiet.

Scotty : Finding retirement a little lonely, are we?

Kirk : You know, I'm glad you're an engineer. With tact like that, you'd make a lousy psychiatrist.

Scotty : Loser.

Lou : Cat person.

Kirk : What are we all doing here?

McCoy : Maybe they're throwing us a retirement party.

Scotty : That suits me. I just bought a boat.

Uhuru : This had better be good. I'm supposed to be chairing a seminar at the Academy.

Chekov : Captain, isn't this just for top brass?

McCoy : If we're all here, where's Sulu?

Kirk : *Captain* Sulu, on assignment. Where's Spock?

[ their first look at the USS Excelsior ]

Uhura : Would you look at that.

Kirk : My friends, the great experiment: The Excelsior. Ready for trial runs.

Sulu : She's supposed to have transwarp drive.

Scotty : Aye. And if my grandmother had wheels, she'd be a wagon.

Kirk : Come, come, Mr. Scott. Young minds, fresh ideas. Be tolerant.

Kirk : How much refit time before we can take her out again?

Scotty : Eight weeks, sir. But ye don't have eight weeks, so I'll do it for ye in two.

Kirk : Mr. Scott. Have you always multiplied your repair estimates by a factor of four?

Scotty : Certainly, sir. How else can I keep my reputation as a miracle worker?

Kirk : [ over the intercom ] Your reputation is secure, Scotty.

Kirk : Scotty, you're as good as your word.

Scotty : Aye, sir. The more they overthink the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain.

[ giving McCoy a handful of computer chips ]

Scotty : Here, Doctor, souvenirs from one surgeon to another. I took them out of her main transwarp computer drive.

McCoy : Nice of you to tell me in advance.

Kirk : That's what you get for missing staff meetings, Doctor. Gentlemen, your work today has been outstanding and I intend to recommend you all for promotion... in whatever fleet we end up serving.

Scotty : All systems automated and ready. A chimpanzee and two trainees could run her.

Kirk : Thank you, Mr. Scott. I'll try not to take that personally.

Captain Styles : Ah, Mr. Scott. Calling it a night?

Scotty : Uh, yes sir.

Captain Styles : Turning in myself, looking forward to breaking some of the Enterprise's speed records tomorrow.

Scotty : Ah, yes sir.

[ behind his back, frowning ]

Scotty : Good night.

Elevator voice : Level, please.

Scotty : Transporter room.

Elevator voice : Thank you.

Scotty : [ under breath ] Up your shaft.

Scotty : [ studying the Klingon Bird-of-Prey's helm ] Where's the damn antimatter inducer?

Chekov : This?... no, *this*!

Scotty : That or nothing.

Sulu : If I read this right, sir, we have full power.

Kirk : [ exasperated ] Go, Sulu!

[ the Enterprise is approaching the closed Spacedock doors ]

Kirk : And... *now*, Mr. Scott.

Scotty : Sir?

Kirk : The doors, Mr. Scott!

Scotty : Aye, sir, I'm working on it!

Elevator voice : Level please.

Scotty : Up your shaft.

Kirk : Mr. Scott, you're amazing!

Scotty : There's nothing amazing about it. I know this ship like the back of my hand.

[ walks into low-hanging beam, knocks himself out cold ]

Kirk : Stand by to execute emergency landing plan... "B."

[ a brief pause ]

Chekov : What's emergency landing plan "B?"

Scotty : I don't have a clue.

Kirk : [ on Comm system ] "B" as in Barricade.

Scotty : He can't be serious.

Scotty : [ to Kirk about ship status ] Ah. All I can say is they don't make them like they used to.

Kirk : You told me you could get this ship operational in two weeks, I gave you three, what happened?

Scotty : I think you gave me too much time, Captain.

Kirk : Very well, Mr Scott. Carry on.

Scotty : Aye, sir.

[ Spots a junior engineer nearby ]

Scotty : How many times do I have to tell you, the right tool for the right job!

McCoy : [ laughs ] I don't think I've ever seen him happier.

[ They enter the turbolift ]

Computer : Le-le-level?

Kirk : Bridge... I hope. I could use a shower.

Spock : [ looks at Kirk ] Yes.

Kirk : [ responds to a tapping within the wall ] What's that noise?

Spock : [ tapping continues ] I believe it is a primitive form of communication known as morse Code.

Kirk : You're right. I'm out of practice.

[ tapping ]

Kirk : That's an "S".

Spock : "T".

Kirk : "A"... "N"... "D", end of word.

McCoy : "Stand".

Kirk : New word... "B"... "A"...

Spock : "C"... "K".

McCoy : "Back". "Stand back".

Kirk ,  Spock ,  McCoy : "Stand back"?

[ the wall explodes ]

Scotty : [ on the other side of the wall ] What are you standing around for? Do you not know a jailbreak when you see one?

[ Chief Engineer Scott making a log entry ]

Scotty : USS Enterprise, shakedown crew's report. I think this new ship was put together by monkeys. Oh, she's got a fine engine, but half the doors won't open, and guess whose job it is to make it right.

Scotty : [ cursing, on his back trying to fix a computer console ] "Let's see what she's got," said the captain. And then we found out, didn't we?

Uhura : [ walking in ] I know you'll whip her into shape, Scotty, you always do.

Scotty : [ getting up ] Uhura, I thought you were on leave.

Uhura : And I thought we were supposed to be going together.

Scotty : Oh, I can't leave her now when she needs me the most.

Uhura : [ stroking Scotty's cheek ] I had a feeling you would say something like that, so I brought us...

[ whipping up two packages ]

Uhura : dinner.

Scotty : [ grabbing a package ] Oh, lassie. You're the most understanding woman I know.

Starfleet Officer : [ transmission on a malfunctioning computer ] Red-Red-Red Alert. Red Alert. Red-Red-Red Alert.

Scotty : I just fixed that damn thing! Turn it off, will you?

McCoy : Jim... if you ask me, and you haven't, I think this is a terrible idea. We're bound to bump into the Klingons, and they don't exactly like you.

Kirk : The feeling's mutual. Engine room.

Scotty : [ over the intercom ] Scotty here.

Kirk : We'll need all the power you can muster, mister.

Scotty : Don't you worry, Captain. We'll beat those Klingon devils, even if I have to get out and push.

Kirk : I hope it won't come to that, Mr. Scott.

Captain Doyle : Cappuccino? Espresso?

[ tries to dispense some, but the coffee machine flies sparks ]

Captain Doyle : Hey Scotty, can you get this machine to work?

Scotty : I'm givin' it all she's got, Captain! If I push it any farther, the whole thing'll blow!

Scotty : The aerodynamics work! He's breaking wind at 90!

[ faced with a 20th century computer ]

Scotty : Computer! Computer?

[ He's handed a mouse, and he speaks into it ]

Scotty : Hello, computer.

Dr. Nichols : Just use the keyboard.

Scotty : Keyboard. How quaint.

[ Kirk has just spoken very abruptly to Mr. Scott ]

Scotty : He's in a wee bit of a snit, isn't he?

Spock : He is a man of deep feelings.

Scotty : Aye, what else is new?

Scotty : Admiral, there be whales here!

McCoy : You, ah, realize of course that if we give him the formula we're altering the future.

Scotty : Why? How do we know he didn't invent the thing?

[ the crew is on a shuttlecraft pondering what their new starship will be ]

Sulu : ...I'm counting on the *Excelsior*.

Scotty : The *Excelsior*? Why in God's name would you want that bucket of bolts?

Kirk : A ship is a ship.

Scotty : Whatever you say so.

Scotty : Thy will be done.

[ the new starship USS *Enterprise* 1701-A emerges into view ]

Kirk : My friends.

Kirk : We've come home.

Scotty : Damage control is easy. Reading Klingon - that's hard.

[ Kirk is pacing back and forth, considering a below-decks room in the Klingon ship for possible whale transport ]

Kirk : Scotty, how long is this bay?

Scotty : About sixty feet, Admiral.

Kirk : Can you enclose it to hold water?

Scotty : [ laughs ] I suppose I could. You planning to take a swim?

McCoy : [ sourly ] Off the deep end, Mr. Scott!

Kirk : We got to find some humpbacks.

Scotty : Humpbacked... people?

Kirk : Whales, Mr. Scott, whales!

Scotty : [ over the intercom ] I'm ready, Spock! Let's go find George and Gracie!

Soren : Good heavens!

[ as he enters the dorm room ]

Soren : I thought you had to be convicted of a crime before you lived somewhere like this.

Eddie : Well it's not that bad. Plus, we haven't seen the rest of it yet.

[ opens closet door ]

Soren : Apparently, this is the rest of it.

Eddie : Well I like it. And I'll even let you have first choice of the beds.

Soren : Ooo, heavens, which stained mattress shall I choose?

Scotty : [ enters, coughing, sniffling, and clearing throat ] You the new guys? I'm Scotty. All right, all my food's labeled, so I'll know if you ate anything. I'm allergic to dairy, shellfish, red meat, melon, nuts, and kiwi, so don't bring any of that stuff around here.

[ sits down at computer ]

Scotty : The X-box is off limits. If you screw up any of my high scores, I'll blind you with my laser pointer.

Soren : [ Eddie enters the dormroom where Soren is hooked playing the XBox ] Whoa.

Scotty : [ to Eddie ] He's been like this since I got here yesterday.

Soren : Whoa.

Scotty : [ jumps to take back the console ] Give it back!

Soren : Back off Clearisil!

[ Scotty jumps backs to where he was ]

Scotty : [ Soren slaps Scotty's hand which was directing toward Soren's last royally-paid-for breakfast ] Hey, you cheap Swede!

Scotty : [ Scotty just realizing that Paige is present in the dormroom who has been there for a minute or so ] Dude. Dude, there's a chick in our room!

Paige : Where's Eddie?

Scotty : Oh, you mean, prince-who-ate-my-triscuits-and-didn't-replace-them?

Ens. Frank Pulver : You mean after everything I've told you, you think I *could* be a doctor?

Scotty : By rights, you should be a good one. You have more people to prove yourself to than anyone I ever heard of. You should cash in on that. My family's in business. They say the big trick is to turn liabilities into assets.

Bea : If I were a man, I wouldn't be a lapdog tied to any woman's apron strings.

Scotty : I might surprise you.

Bea : You probably won't.

Scotty : You're gonna realise, marriage is an idea whose time has come and gone.

Blu : [ Watching Belinda on tape ] What about her?

Scotty : For the inside man?

Blu : For you, she'd be perfect.

Scotty : Perfect? She only has nine fingers.

Scotty : [ Finds footage of Belinda stepping out of her dress ] Look what I found.

Ellie : You can't watch this.

Blu : Au contrare, it's our duty to watch this.

Scotty : This is evidence of a crime.

Ellie : It's a crime alright.

Blu : She'd be a nice girl for you.

Scotty : I'm not going out with any girl you've seen naked.

Blu : She's not naked.

Scotty : She will be in a minute.

Blu : [ Watching Chester Robb on tape ] What's with Barn here?

Scotty : He's lost in thought.

Blu : That's a place where he'd be lost.

Scotty : I'm a fuggin' idiot. I'm a fuggin' idiot. Fuggin' idiot, fuggin' idiot, fuggin' idiot...

Scotty : Leroy, did you know this is Chance Wayne... the famous Hollywood and Broadway celebrity?

Leroy : Really?

Bud : Sure. All bartenders become movie stars. Right, Chance?

Chance Wayne : Oh, well. What he's trying to say is that I had your job for too long.

Scotty : [ everyone is looking into the cellar after it flies open ] An animal? An animal? That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard.

Scotty : [ Taunting Cheryl by whispering ] Dead bodies in the cellar. Dead bodies in the...

Cheryl : Will you stop it!

Ash : Linda's still asleep. I don't know what else to do for her. It'll be dawn in a few hours so...

Scotty : I can't wait. I'm getting out of here... now!

Ash : Scotty, we can't take Linda anywhere with her leg like that. We don't even know if there is any other way back besides the bridge.

Scotty : Well... maybe there's an old road or a hiking trail or something. I mean, there must be another away around the cliff.

Ash : Listen to me. Linda cannot walk with her leg like that. She can't even stand up.

Scotty : So, we'll leave her here until we can send somebody back.

Ash : What, are you crazy? I'm not...

Scotty : [ interupting ] Look, I'm getting out of here! I don't care what happens to her! She's your girlfriend, you take care of her!

[ first lines ]

Scotty : Hey, Ash, where are we?

Ash : Well we just crossed the Tennessee border...

Scotty : I'm gonna break your face!

[ to Ash, after picking up a ceremonial dagger adorned with skulls ]

Scotty : This kinda looks like your old girlfriend! Ha ha ha.

Billy Buvanny : Scotty, you don't understand. I'm in love.

Scotty : Oh, you're in love.

Billy Buvanny : Yes, Scotty, I'm in love.

Scotty : Well, kiss me.

Billy Buvanny : Oh, shut up.

Scotty : Hey, listen, all dames are alike. There's no difference in any of 'em.

Billy Buvanny : Yeah, well Dee is different.

Scotty : Oh, yeah? Well, what's different about Dee?

Billy Buvanny : I'll tell ya. In the first place, she doesn't drink. And in the second place, she doesn't smoke.

Scotty : Oh, I see, she's like an old fashioned lamp. She don't smoke or drink, but, she goes out at nights.

Billy Buvanny : You think you're a wise guy.

Dave : Hey, Scotty, you're not Scotch, are you?

Scotty : No.

Dave : Then, why do they call you Scotty?

[ Scotty thinks ]

Scotty : Cause I'm Irish.

Scotty : Room?

Ross Haney : The best you got.

Scotty : Take your pick - there'll all bad.

Scotty : You know, I've only had three close friends in my day.

Ross Haney : Oh? Who were they?

Scotty : Two guns and a horse.

Scotty : Payne and Reynolds ran all the little ranchers off the range and they kept 'em off with lead. What do you plan to use for ammunition?

Ross Haney : Water.

Browse more character quotes from Star Trek (2009)

You may also like:

Characters on star trek (2009).

• Spock Prime
• James T. Kirk
• Vulcan Council President
• Christopher Pike
• Lt. Nyota Uhura
• Transport Chief
• Pavel Chekov
• Hikaru Sulu
• Test Administrator
• Burly Cadet #1
• Flight Officer
• Admiral Richard Barnett
• Young Spock
• Vulcan Bully #1
• Vulcan Bully #2
• Captain Robau
• George Kirk
• Amanda Grayson
• Simulator Tactical Officer
• Winona Kirk
• Security Officer
• Nurse Chapel
• Enterprise Communiations Officer
• Communication Operator
• Kelvin Crew Member
• Starfleet Base
• Chief Engineer Olson
• All Character Quotes:

Best star trek scotty quotes

Home » Quotes » Best star trek scotty quotes

Star Trek is a beloved science fiction franchise that has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. One of the most iconic characters in the series is Montgomery Scott, also known as Scotty, the chief engineer of the starship Enterprise. Scotty is known for his wit, charm, and problem-solving skills, often saving the day with his technical expertise. Throughout the series, he has delivered some memorable quotes that have become fan favorites. In this article, we will explore some of the best Star Trek Scotty quotes that showcase his unique personality and cleverness.

Scotty’s character is famous for his ability to fix anything and get the ship out of dangerous situations. His quotes demonstrate his determination and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. Whether it’s repairing the warp core or finding a way to save the crew, Scotty always has a solution up his sleeve.

From his catchphrase “I’m giving her all she’s got, Captain!” to his witty comebacks, Scotty’s quotes provide moments of humor and inspiration. These quotes have become timeless and continue to resonate with fans of the Star Trek franchise. Let’s dive into some of the most memorable Scotty quotes that will surely bring a smile to your face.

Read these Star Trek Scotty Quotes

“I’m givin’ her all she’s got, Captain!”

“We’re going to have to go right through the middle of them.”

“I cannae change the laws of physics!”

“The more they overthink the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain.”

“I’m just givin’ her a little more time, Captain.”

“Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.”

“I like this ship! You know, it’s exciting!”

“It’s like trying to hit a bullet with a smaller bullet, whilst wearing a blindfold, riding a horse.”

“Do ye mind? I’m tryin’ to work here!”

“It’ll take a miracle to save us now!”

“I’ve always found that when I got angry enough, I could do anything.”

“The best diplomat I know is a fully activated phaser bank.”

“I’m givin’ her all she’s got, but I don’t know how long she can last.”

“Sometimes, a man’ll tell his bartender things he’ll never tell his doctor.”

“I’m not a magician, I’m an engineer.”

“The Enterprise feels like a house with all the children gone.”

“I’ve never been able to break the laws of physics.”

“You may find that having is not so pleasing a thing as wanting.”

“The more complicated the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain.”

“I’m givin’ her all she’s got, Captain! If I push it any harder, the whole thing will blow!”

“I’m an engineer, not a miracle worker!”

These Star Trek Scotty quotes represent the ingenuity, wit, and determination of the beloved character. Scotty continues to inspire fans with his problem-solving skills and unwavering dedication to his role as the chief engineer. These quotes remind us that even in the face of seemingly impossible challenges, there is always a way to overcome them. So, the next time you find yourself in a tricky situation, remember Scotty’s wise words and channel your inner engineer.

Related Post:

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Best wfs payoff quotes

Best unspoken prayers quotes

Best united we stand quotes

Best unique birthday quotes for self

Best unhealthy friendship quotes

Best ufo quotes

© the narratologist 2024

Montgomery Scott

• View history

Captain Montgomery Scott – often referred to as " Scotty " by his shipmates – was a male Human Starfleet officer who lived during the 23rd and 24th centuries .

For a period of nearly thirty years, he served as the chief engineer of both the USS Enterprise and the USS Enterprise -A , both under the command of Captain James T. Kirk . ( TOS : " Where No Man Has Gone Before "; Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country ; TNG : " Relics ", et al.)

With his reputation as a " miracle worker ", he was a man of superior technical and engineering skill, experience, and ingenuity. ( TOS : " The Doomsday Machine "; Star Trek III: The Search for Spock , Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home ; TNG : " Relics "; SNW : " Hegemony ")

• 1 Early life
• 2.1 Starfleet Academy
• 2.2.1 Service aboard the Stardiver
• 2.3.1 The five-year mission
• 2.3.2 Refitting the Enterprise
• 2.3.3 Battle with Khan
• 2.3.4 Stealing the Enterprise
• 2.4 Traveling back to 1986
• 2.5.1 The Sybok incident
• 2.5.2 Stopping a conspiracy
• 2.6.1 Maiden voyage of the Enterprise -B
• 2.6.2 En route to the Norpin colony
• 2.6.3 Reemergence in the 24th century
• 3.1 Klingon attack destroys Enterprise
• 3.2 Party on the Enterprise
• 4.1 Friendships
• 4.2 Romantic relationships
• 5 Holograms
• 6 Alternate timeline
• 7 Key dates
• 8 Memorable quotes
• 9.1 Appearances
• 9.2 Background information
• 9.3 Apocrypha
• 9.4 External links

Early life [ ]

Montgomery Scott was born in Scotland on Earth in 2222 . ( TNG : " Relics ") He spent part of his life in Aberdeen , once referring to himself as an "old Aberdeen pub-crawler." ( TOS : " Wolf in the Fold ") After having time travelled to 1986 , Scott was introduced in a cover story as being from Edinburgh . ( Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home ) Upon being asked how he adjusted to space travel, Scott once admitted, " I was practically born to it. " ( TOS : " The Lights of Zetar ")

Starfleet career [ ]

Starfleet academy [ ].

Scott joined Starfleet and began his engineering career in 2241 . ( TNG : " Relics ")

During his time at Starfleet Academy , he had Professor Pelia as an instructor, who considered him to be one of her best students. Nevertheless, he received some of the worst grades in her course, something he would remain embarrassed about well into his Starfleet career. ( SNW : " Hegemony ")

Early postings and assignments [ ]

Scott was commissioned as a Starfleet officer with the serial number SE 19754 T. ( TOS : " Wolf in the Fold ")

During his fifty-one-year career, he served on a total of eleven ships , including various freighters , cruisers and starships . ( TNG : " Relics ")

Over his career, Scott had experience working with PXK pergium reactors . The last time he had even seen one was in 2247 , that was, until he attempted to repair the reactor at the Janus VI colony twenty years later . ( TOS : " The Devil in the Dark ") For a time in his career, he had also served as an engineering advisor for the freighting-line base established in the Deneva system that operated between the Deneva colony and the outlying asteroid belts . ( TOS : " Operation -- Annihilate! ")

During the course of his career, Scott wrote several technical manuals , including one titled Operating Protocol - Flow Sensors . A copy of this manual was stored in the Engineering Systems Database aboard the USS Enterprise -D in 2366 . ( TNG-R : " Booby Trap ") He was also responsible for writing Starfleet Regulation 42/15 , entitled "Pressure Variances in IRC Tank Storage", which was part of the basic operational specifications for impulse engines . These specifications were admittedly written "a wee bit" conservatively. ( TNG : " Relics ")

Service aboard the Stardiver [ ]

As a lieutenant junior grade , Scott was stationed aboard the USS Stardiver when the Stardiver was attacked by the Gorn in the Shangdi system . As the sole survivor , he escaped by constructing a transponder using parts from the Stardiver 's Hubble K7C Stellar Assessment Array , which fooled the Gorn vessels into seeing his shuttle as one of their own. However, the shuttle had been damaged and Scott was forced to land on Parnassus Beta , in the adjacent system. Scott created a "Gorn trap" using faked human bio-signs and force fields to ensnare any Gorn in the area. Scott was later beamed aboard the Enterprise , where he was reunited with his former instructor Pelia . ( SNW : " Hegemony ")

Service aboard the Enterprise [ ]

The five-year mission [ ].

Lt. Commander Montgomery Scott in 2265

By 2265 , Scott was assigned to the USS Enterprise where he served as chief engineer under Captain James Kirk . ( TOS : " Where No Man Has Gone Before ") The Enterprise was the first ship on which he was the chief engineer. ( TNG : " Relics ")

Scott in 2266

His duties also included maintenance and operation of the Enterprise 's transporter systems. Three of his top engineers included Lieutenants Kyle , Leslie , and Gabler . He was understandably upset when Harper , an assistant engineer who was one of only twenty crewmembers selected to remain aboard the Enterprise during the M-5 multitronic unit test mission, was killed by an energy transfer beam used by the insane supercomputer to draw power directly from the ship's warp engines. ( TOS : " The Ultimate Computer "; TAS : " One of Our Planets Is Missing ", " The Terratin Incident ")

Scott also served as the ship's second officer , and often assumed command when both Kirk and Spock left the ship, or they both were incapacitated. Thus, he often faced critical diplomatic and military situations. ( TOS : " A Taste of Armageddon ", " Journey to Babel ", " Friday's Child ", " Bread and Circuses ", " A Piece of the Action ") In 2268 , Kirk noted him to commendation for his outstanding command performance without disobeying the Prime Directive and saving the landing party on planet 892-IV . ( TOS : " Bread and Circuses ") However in 2267 , Kirk jokingly "fired" Scott when he couldn't repair the ship's engines and break out of orbit around Gamma Trianguli VI . After the destruction of Vaal Kirk immediately "re-hired" him. ( TOS : " The Apple ") Despite being a capable command officer he never pursued his own command post because he "…never wanted to be anythin' else but an engineer." ( TNG : " Relics ")

By the late 2260s , Scott knew more about the warp engines aboard a Constitution -class starship than even the men who designed them. ( TOS : " The Apple ") Furthermore, Scott was diligent in keeping his professional skills up to date considering he was an avid reader of technical journals , which he considered his idea of relaxing. ( TOS : " The Trouble with Tribbles ") This knowledge and ability to save the ship in a jam eventually led to his reputation aboard the Enterprise as a "miracle worker." This was brought about by his reputation for being able to effect starship repairs faster than usually required. Scott later admitted that he often padded his estimates of time needed for repairs by a factor of four in order to appear that much faster. ( Star Trek III: The Search for Spock ; TNG : " Relics ") As he said to Geordi La Forge in the 24th century, " A good engineer needs to be a wee bit conservative, at least on paper. "

Scott aboard the SS Botany Bay

In 2268, Scott stated that he knew the Enterprise better than Larry Marvick , the man who designed the starship. When Marvick visited the ship, escorting the Medusan Ambassador Kollos , Scott made a bet, that he wouldn't find his way around the engine room. When Scott allowed him access to the warp engine controls, Marvick, under the madness brought on by the sight of the Medusan, attempted to take over the vessel and hurled it into the void surrounding our galaxy . ( TOS : " Is There in Truth No Beauty? ")

Scott is pronounced dead by McCoy on the bridge of the Enterprise

In 2267, Scott was attacked and killed by Nomad , a probe originally launched from Earth in the early 21st century . Kirk was distraught by the death of his valued chief engineer, but Nomad informed Kirk that Scott could be "repaired" and the probe revived Scott in sickbay. Later, Scott assisted Kirk and Spock in beaming Nomad out into open space before it exploded from Kirk talking it to death . ( TOS : " The Changeling ")

Later in 2267, Scott was thrown against a bulkhead of the Enterprise during an explosion caused by a female crewmember . This resulted in a severe concussion and possible amnesia . He was ordered to take time off for therapeutic shore leave on the planet Argelius II . While on Argelius he got into "a wee bit of trouble," as he later described it, when he was accused of murdering an Argelian woman named Kara . Scott's situation worsened when he was accused of two more murders, those of another Argelian, Sybo , and fellow officer Karen Tracy . Scott was later acquitted of the murder charges, following the discovery of a non-humanoid lifeform called Redjac in the form of Mr. Hengist , who was found to be responsible for the murders, and who admitted to being Jack the Ripper and other serial killers in previous incarnations. ( TOS : " Wolf in the Fold "; TNG : " Relics ")

Kirk amused by Scott's beaming the tribbles aboard the Klingon ship

" Well, it's green . "

Scott was extremely proud of the Enterprise . In fact, he was so proud that he once started a bar fight aboard Deep Space Station K-7 when a Klingon named Korax suggested that the ship should be hauled away as garbage. As a result, he was confined to his quarters by Kirk. Scott smiled and told Kirk the punishment would give him a chance to catch up on technical journals he had not had time to read. Shortly after the incident at K-7, Scott managed to rid the Enterprise of the tribbles which had infested the ship. Much to the pleasure of Captain Kirk, Scott, in collaboration with Spock and McCoy , beamed the tribbles aboard the IKS Gr'oth where they would be " no tribble at all ". ( TOS : " The Trouble with Tribbles ")

In 2268, Scott helped Kirk, Spock and McCoy regain control of the Enterprise after the ship was invaded by agents of the Kelvan Empire and set on a course to the Andromeda Galaxy . Before leaving the Milky Way Galaxy , Scott and Spock devised a plan to destroy the Enterprise at the galactic barrier , but Kirk decided against it. Later Scott tried to incapacitate the Kelvan agent Tomar by drinking various alcoholic beverages with him. He got Tomar so drunk that the alien passed out, but his plan was foiled when Scott himself passed out before he could leave his quarters. ( TOS : " By Any Other Name ")

Repairing his bairns

In the same year the Enterprise was hurled hundreds of light years away from a Kalandan outpost, and sabotage accelerated the ship to dangerously high warp speeds. Scott risked his life by entering the access crawlspace to the matter-antimatter reaction chamber to repair the fused matter-antimatter integrator , a procedure so dangerous that it was not to be undertaken while the integrator was in operation. When a faulty magnetic probe nearly ruined the procedure, Scott demanded that Spock eject him from the chamber into space, but Spock risked critical seconds to allow the engineer to successfully complete his task. ( TOS : " That Which Survives ")

Scott helplessly watching Kara aim a phaser at Kirk

In 2268 , Scott's position as second officer and chief engineer required him to participate in executing the auto-destruct sequence to prevent Bele from hijacking the Enterprise to return Lokai to the planet Cheron . ( TOS : " Let That Be Your Last Battlefield ") Scott also threatened the female Romulan Commander that he would use the auto-destruct to destroy the Enterprise and "as many of you as we can take with us" when it was surrounded by Romulan vessels during its espionage mission to appropriate the Romulans ' cloaking device . ( TOS : " The Enterprise Incident ")

Scott examining the Enterprise 's dilithium crystal

Also, in 2268, Scott prevented Garth of Izar from escaping the Elba II asylum to board the Enterprise when he challenged Garth, who, in the guise of Kirk, had attempted to order Scott to transport him to the ship, by requiring Garth to provide the countersign to the prearranged chess problem . ( TOS : " Whom Gods Destroy ")

Scott was romantically involved with Starfleet sciences division specialist Lieutenant Mira Romaine at least when she was aboard the Enterprise during its mission to Memory Alpha . Scott figured prominently in the successful attempt to prevent Romaine's body from being appropriated by the Zetarians . In carrying her occupied person to McCoy's decompression chamber , Scott insisted to Kirk, " Mira will not hurt me. " Nevertheless, he was thrown across the room by their influence. ( TOS : " The Lights of Zetar ")

Scott complained to Kirk that "one of those barefoot whaddyacallems " had entered engineering and "tried to incite my crew to disaffect". ( TOS : " The Way to Eden ")

In 2268, Scott was present in the transporter room along with Kirk, Spock and Lieutenant Dickerson when Presidential honors were rendered to the Excalbian who had taken the form of US President Abraham Lincoln . He scoffed in suggesting sarcastically that "Lincoln" would be followed by " …[King] Louis of France and [fourteenth-century King of Scots] Robert the Bruce ! " ( TOS : " The Savage Curtain ")

Refitting the Enterprise [ ]

Scott in 2273

In 2270 , Scott was promoted to the rank of commander and played a leading role in the massive eighteen- month Constitution II -class redesign and refit of the USS Enterprise while serving under Captain Will Decker . ( Star Trek: The Motion Picture )

Battle with Khan [ ]

In March 2285 , Scott was a participant in Saavik 's Kobayashi Maru scenario at Starfleet Training Command . Though not present on the bridge simulator , his voice was heard on speakers . After the scenario, he served aboard the Enterprise under the command of Captain Spock. He was the ship's chief engineer for a three week training cruise. Upon receiving a call for help from Regula I , Starfleet Command ordered an investigation by the Enterprise . With Rear Admiral Kirk assuming command, the cruise was cut short. The Enterprise became involved with Project Genesis and Khan Noonien Singh's attempt to steal the Genesis Device . Eventually, Kirk was able to stop Khan, but not before the latter had wrought extensive damage upon the Enterprise , requiring Captain Spock to sacrifice his life to save the ship. One of the casualties was Scott's nephew Peter Preston . Scott played the bagpipes at Spock's funeral. ( Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan )

Stealing the Enterprise [ ]

With the Enterprise safely at Spacedock One , Scott was promoted to captain and reassigned to the USS Excelsior as Captain of Engineering during the ship's early test runs. Scott detested his assignment aboard the Excelsior, citing the ship as little more than a "bucket of bolts" and didn't particularly care for Captain Lawrence H. Styles either. When Admiral Kirk resolved to steal the Enterprise and take it to the Genesis Planet without authorization to retrieve Spock's body, Scott was instrumental in their successful escape. He sabotaged Excelsior 's transwarp computer system by removing critical components, rigged an automation system that would allow Enterprise to be operated by only a handful of bridge officers, and hacked the space doors of Spacedock into opening.

When arriving at the Genesis planet, a Klingon Bird-of-Prey ambushed the Enterprise and opened fire, disabling Scott's automation system and leaving the ship as "a sitting duck". Scott, along with Kirk and Chekov, initiated the Enterprise 's auto-destruct sequence to prevent it from falling into Klingon hands. The crew beamed down to the planet, where they watched their beloved ship burn up in the atmosphere. This would have a lasting impact on Scott in later life, as Enterprise was "his home and where he had a purpose". ( Star Trek III: The Search for Spock ; TNG : " Relics ")

Traveling back to 1986 [ ]

Scott in 2286

In 2286 , Scott traveled back in time to 1986 along with the rest of the Enterprise crew to find a pair of humpback whales . In order to construct a water tank for them, he visited the Plexicorp facility as "Professor Scott" from Edinburgh . Making a deal with plant manager Nichols he gave him the formula of transparent aluminum in exchange for a sheet of plexiglass . When Dr. McCoy objected against "changing the future," Scott pointed out " How do we know he didn't invent the thing? ".

Chief engineer of the USS Enterprise -A [ ]

The sybok incident [ ].

After returning home, he was reassigned as chief engineer of the newly commissioned USS Enterprise -A. ( Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home ) For three weeks, after a shakedown cruise, the flaws in the starship's systems were being identified and repaired under the supervision of Scott. During this time, he regained his rank of captain, after temporarily reverting to a commander following the incident of stealing the original starship Enterprise . ( Star Trek V: The Final Frontier )

Stopping a conspiracy [ ]

Scott firing his phaser at Colonel West on Khitomer

In 2293 , after seven years of serving aboard the Enterprise -A, Scott, along with the rest of the Enterprise -A crew, were due to stand down. Scott played a role in exposing the Khitomer conspiracy . Upon beaming down to the surface of Khitomer , he shot Colonel West , who was about to assassinate the Federation president and kill Lieutenant Valeris , out of a window and several stories to his death. ( Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country )

Retirement [ ]

In 2293 , Scott obtained a boat in anticipation of his retirement from the Enterprise -A. ( Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country )

Maiden voyage of the Enterprise -B [ ]

Scott in 2293

Scott appeared as a " guest of honor " along with his former commanding officer , James T. Kirk, and his old crewmate, Commander Pavel Chekov , for the maiden voyage of the new Excelsior -class USS Enterprise -B , commanded by John Harriman . When the Enterprise -B responded to the distress call from two El-Aurian transports , Scott assisted in beaming a small group of survivors on board – 47 out of a total of 150. When the Enterprise became trapped in the energy ribbon the transports were in, Scott formulated a theory to use an antimatter discharge to disrupt the ribbon long enough for the vessel to break away. After Captain Kirk modified the deflector relays to emit a resonance burst , Scott and Hikaru Sulu 's daughter Demora were able to get the Enterprise clear. However, a hull breach was created on the secondary hull by the ribbon on the ship's way out and Kirk was presumed to be blown out into space . Upon being asked by Commander Chekov if anyone was in the deflector control room on Deck 15 when it was hit, Scott stared out the breach into space and solemnly stated " Aye ". ( Star Trek Generations )

En route to the Norpin colony [ ]

In 2294 , following his retirement from Starfleet, Scott traveled aboard the USS Jenolan to the Norpin colony , where he planned to spend his retirement. The Jenolan , however, encountered a Dyson sphere en route, and while attempting to investigate it, the transport crashed on its surface. Scott and Ensign Matt Franklin were the only survivors. Knowing that they didn't have enough supplies to wait for the ship's distress call to be picked up, Scott rigged the Jenolan 's transporter systems, and existed for seventy-five years in the ship's transporter buffer . ( TNG : " Relics ")

Reemergence in the 24th century [ ]

Scott in 2369 saying farewell to the crew of the Enterprise -D

In 2369 , Montgomery Scott was rescued by the USS Enterprise -D , but due to phase inducer failure, Franklin's pattern was too degraded to be recovered.

After Scott helped rescue the Enterprise -D from the Dyson sphere, Captain Picard rewarded him with the Enterprise 's shuttlecraft Goddard . ( TNG : " Relics ")

Sometime before 2387 , Montgomery Scott discovered the necessary formulas enabling transwarp beaming , which Spock later gave to a younger Scott in 2258 of the alternate reality . ( Star Trek )

Anything but canon scenarios [ ]

Klingon attack destroys enterprise.

Scott with Arex during the Klingon attack

In an anything but canon account, a fleet of D7-class battle cruisers once attacked the USS Enterprise . Scott was present on the bridge of the ship when this was happening. The captain was attempting to give the crew orders that would help save them from the Klingon 's continuous assault , but unfortunately, he continued using figures of speech that angered various crewmembers .

As a result, the Enterprise exploded due to continuous bombardment from disruptor blasts . ( VST : " Skin a Cat ")

Party on the Enterprise

Scotty playing the drums

In another anything but canon account, in a nonsensical setting in which the crew of the USS Enterprise and the USS Cerritos were actors in cartoon shows ; a party honoring the fiftieth anniversary of Scotty and the TOS era crew's cartoon was being celebrated . D'Vana Tendi of the Cerritos was present.

Although there was brief argument between the old cartoon and the new cartoon, but as William T. Riker and Hikaru Sulu left the turbolift and walked onto the bridge to join the party, the tension settled down and the party resumed, and the crew used their singing voices and musical instruments to play a song in the style of a music genre that Riker called Post Mainframe Acid-Cardassian Ten Forwardcore . By the end, Scotty told Tendi that he loved her and her crewmates on her ship , and he apologizes for arguing with her, and he admited she was cool because she got to use all the newest tech . Tendi even told him that she thought he was " hot ." While they were still playing in the band , the ship was attacked by a fleet of D7 class battle cruisers , which causes an explosion on the bridge to occur. ( VST : " Walk, Don't Run ")

Family and personal life [ ]

Scott had at least one sister , whose youngest child, Peter Preston , served aboard the Enterprise in 2285 as a midshipman during a Starfleet Academy training cruise. Preston was killed when the Enterprise was attacked and severely damaged by the USS Reliant in a surprise attack by Khan Noonien Singh . Scott was grief-stricken after the tragedy. ( Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan )

Scott enjoying a glass of Scotch

Scott had a love for good Scotch whisky , often making references to drinking or frequenting drinking establishments on more than one planet, even referring to himself once as an "old Aberdeen pub-crawler." ( Star Trek V: The Final Frontier ; TOS : " Wolf in the Fold ") He considered Scotch a drink for real men as opposed to, for instance, vodka which he referred to as "soda pop" and "milk diet". ( TOS : " The Trouble with Tribbles "). He did not like synthehol Scotch. ( TNG : " Relics ")

He took shore leave reluctantly and ran into trouble during shore leave on at least three occasions: a fistfight on Deep Space Station K-7, ( TOS : " The Trouble with Tribbles ") an arrest for murder on Argelius, ( TOS : " Wolf in the Fold ") and a "wee bout" requiring Dr. McCoy's attention. ( Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan )

He wore his Scottish Clan kilt on three occasions. ( TOS : " Is There in Truth No Beauty? ", " The Savage Curtain "; Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan ) He also played bagpipes, most notably playing " Amazing Grace " at the funeral for Captain Spock in 2285 . ( Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan ) Scott was fascinated to be handling an old-fashioned Scottish claymore . ( TOS : " Day of the Dove ")

Friendships [ ]

Despite his superior talents as an engineer, he was often the source of comic relief among the Enterprise crew , due to his use of the Scots language . ( TOS : " The Trouble with Tribbles ", " The Savage Curtain "; Star Trek III: The Search for Spock ; Star Trek V: The Final Frontier )

Romantic relationships [ ]

Although a gentleman at heart, life as an engineer for Scott was often lonely, as he often attempted to pursue hopeless relationships with much younger female officers that were often perceived as being out of his league.

Scott was first attracted to Carolyn Palamas and reacted bitterly to the Greek god Apollo 's infatuation with her. ( TOS : " Who Mourns for Adonais? ")

Scott was interested in Kara , prior to her murder . ( TOS : " Wolf in the Fold ")

While under the influence of Harry Mudd 's love potion crystals , Scott briefly became interested in M'Ress . After the effects wore off, he snapped at her during his hangover . ( TAS : " Mudd's Passion ")

Scott and Romaine

Scott later became infatuated with the newly transferred Mira Romaine in 2269 . ( TOS : " The Lights of Zetar ")

Years later, Commander Uhura began to show some romantic interest in Scott while she was under Sybok 's influence. Scott politely declined her advances, mindful of her condition. ( Star Trek V: The Final Frontier )

Holograms [ ]

Holographic Scott

During Dal 's many attempts at the Kobayashi Maru scenario , he requested that the computer select a new chief engineer for the recently departed Jankom Pog . He was given a holographic Scott as a replacement. Scott was the rank of captain and appeared as he did during the early 2290s . ( PRO : " Kobayashi ")

Alternate timeline [ ]

In an alternate timeline in which Captain Christopher Pike remained in the command of the Enterprise and avoided the accident that exposed him to delta radiation , Scott was serving aboard the Enterprise during the Neutral Zone Incursion . When he and Spock were working on restoring to phaser control to working order, he stated to Spock that he was "an engineer, not a miracle worker.". ( SNW : " A Quality of Mercy ")

Key dates [ ]

Scott and his engineering staff on the Enterprise -A

• 2222 : Montgomery Scott was born in Scotland, Earth
• 2242 : Began his Starfleet career
• 2259 : Rescued from Parnassus Beta by Christopher Pike and taken aboard the USS Enterprise ; rank: lieutenant junior grade
• 2265 : Assigned as chief engineer of the USS Enterprise ; rank: lieutenant commander
• 2270 : Assigned to refit crew of the USS Enterprise ; rank: commander
• 2285 : Promoted to captain while assigned to the USS Excelsior ; remained the rank of captain following theft of the Enterprise and hijacking of HMS Bounty
• 2286 : Assigned as chief engineer of the USS Enterprise -A
• 2293 : Guest of honor aboard the newly-commissioned USS Enterprise -B
• 2294 : Retired from Starfleet with the rank of captain ; lost aboard USS Jenolan on Dyson sphere
• 2369 : Discovered by the crew of the USS Enterprise -D

Memorable quotes [ ]

" I cannae change the laws of physics! I've got to have thirty minutes! " ( TOS : " The Naked Time ")

" Of course I could treat them to a few dozen photon torpedoes. " ( TOS : " A Taste of Armageddon ")

" Diplomacy! [derisive snort] The best diplomat I know is a fully activated phaser bank! " ( TOS : " A Taste of Armageddon ")

" Aye, the haggis is in the fire for sure. " ( TOS : " A Taste of Armageddon ")

" It's armed now. Press this one – thirty seconds later, poof. Once it's activated, there's no way to stop it. "

" Before they went into warp I transported the whole kit 'n' kaboodle into their engine room… where they'll be no tribble at all. " ( TOS : " The Trouble with Tribbles ")

" You mind your place, mister, or you'll be wearing concrete galoshes. " ( TOS : " A Piece of the Action ")

" It's… uh… [sniffs contents of bottle] Well, it's green . " ( TOS : " By Any Other Name ")

" All right, you lovelies. Hold together. " ( TOS : " The Paradise Syndrome ")

" That Vulcan won't be satisfied until these panels are a puddle of lead! " ( TOS : " The Paradise Syndrome ")

" Oh, my bairns! My poor, poor bairns… " ( TOS : " The Paradise Syndrome ")

" The Enterprise takes no orders, except those of Captain Kirk. And if you make any attempt to board or commandeer the Enterprise , it will be blown to bits along with as many of you as we can take with us! " ( TOS : " The Enterprise Incident ")

" I'll not take that, Mr. Spock! That transporter was functioning perfectly! Transport me down right now and I'll explain to those… gentlemen… " ( TOS : " The Mark of Gideon ")

" President Lincoln indeed! No doubt to be followed by Louis of France and Robert the Bruce. " ( TOS : " The Savage Curtain ")

" Mad! Loony as an Arcturian dogbird! " ( TOS : " The Savage Curtain ")

" Admiral, we have just finished eighteen months redesigning and refitting the Enterprise . How in the name of hell do they expect me to have her ready in twelve hours?! " ( Star Trek: The Motion Picture )

" It's borderline on the simulator, captain. I cannae guarantee that she'll hold up! " ( Star Trek: The Motion Picture )

" Give the word, admiral! " " Mr. Scott, the word is given. " " Aye, sir! "

" The more they overthink the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain. " ( Star Trek III: The Search for Spock )

" Up your shaft… "

" Hello, computer! " ( Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home )

" A keyboard. [in disgust] How quaint. " ( Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home )

" Why? How do we know he didn't invent the thing ? "

" Give me one more day, sir. Damage control's easy – reading Klingon, that's hard! "

" Admiral! There be whales here! "

" Don't you worry, captain. We'll beat those Klingon devils, even if I have to get out and push! " ( Star Trek V: The Final Frontier )

" I know this ship like the back o' me hand! " (at which point Scott knocks himself out cold on a low hanging pipe) ( Star Trek V: The Final Frontier )

" Whattaya standing around for?! Ye not know a jailbreak when ye see one?! "

" Borgus Frat! 'Let's see what she's got,' said the captain! And then we found out, didn't we? "

" USS Enterprise shakedown cruise report. I think this 'new' ship was put together by monkeys. Oh, she's got a fine engine, but half the doors won't open, and guess whose job it is to make it right? "

" That suits me, I just bought a boat. " ( Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country )

" Mr. Scott? " " Aye, sir? " " Did you find the engine room? " " Right where I left it, sir. "

" I'll bet that Klingon bitch killed her father! " ( Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country )

" Synthetic scotch, synthetic commanders… "

" N-C-C 1-7-0-1. No bloody A, B, C, or D. " ( TNG : " Relics ")

" I have spent my whole life trying to figure out crazy ways of doing things. " ( TNG : " Relics ")

" Starship captains are like children. They want everything right now and they want it their way. The secret is to give them what they need, not what they want. "

" The tank can't handle that much pressure. " " Where'd you get that idea? " " It's in the impulse specifications. " " Regulation 42/15: 'Pressure Variances in IRC Tank Storage'? " " Right. " " Oh, that. Forget it. I wrote it! "

" A good engineer is always a wee bit conservative, at least on paper. "

" I may be captain by rank… but I never wanted to be anything else but an engineer. " ( TNG : " Relics ")

Appendices [ ]

Appearances [ ].

• " Where No Man Has Gone Before "
• " The Corbomite Maneuver "
• " Mudd's Women "
• " The Enemy Within "
• " The Man Trap " (voice only; uncredited)
• " The Naked Time "
• " Balance of Terror "
• " The Galileo Seven "
• " The Menagerie, Part I "
• " The Squire of Gothos "
• " Tomorrow is Yesterday "
• " The Return of the Archons "
• " A Taste of Armageddon "
• " Space Seed "
• " The Devil in the Dark "
• " The City on the Edge of Forever "
• " Operation -- Annihilate! "
• " Catspaw "
• " Metamorphosis "
• " Friday's Child "
• " Who Mourns for Adonais? "
• " The Doomsday Machine "
• " Wolf in the Fold "
• " The Changeling "
• " The Apple "
• " Mirror, Mirror "
• " The Deadly Years "
• " I, Mudd "
• " The Trouble with Tribbles "
• " Bread and Circuses "
• " A Private Little War "
• " The Gamesters of Triskelion "
• " Obsession "
• " The Immunity Syndrome "
• " A Piece of the Action "
• " By Any Other Name "
• " Return to Tomorrow "
• " Patterns of Force "
• " The Ultimate Computer "
• " Assignment: Earth "
• " Spectre of the Gun "
• " Elaan of Troyius "
• " The Paradise Syndrome "
• " The Enterprise Incident "
• " And the Children Shall Lead "
• " Spock's Brain "
• " Is There in Truth No Beauty? "
• " The Empath "
• " The Tholian Web "
• " For the World is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky "
• " Day of the Dove "
• " Plato's Stepchildren "
• " Wink of an Eye "
• " That Which Survives "
• " Let That Be Your Last Battlefield "
• " Whom Gods Destroy "
• " The Mark of Gideon "
• " The Lights of Zetar "
• " The Cloud Minders "
• " The Way to Eden "
• " Requiem for Methuselah "
• " The Savage Curtain "
• " All Our Yesterdays " (voice only)
• " Turnabout Intruder "
• " Beyond the Farthest Star "
• " Yesteryear "
• " One of Our Planets Is Missing "
• " The Lorelei Signal "
• " More Tribbles, More Troubles "
• " The Survivor "
• " The Infinite Vulcan "
• " The Magicks of Megas-Tu "
• " Once Upon a Planet "
• " Mudd's Passion "
• " The Terratin Incident "
• " The Time Trap "
• " The Ambergris Element "
• " The Eye of the Beholder "
• " The Jihad "
• " The Pirates of Orion "
• " The Practical Joker "
• " Albatross "
• " How Sharper Than a Serpent's Tooth "
• " The Counter-Clock Incident "
• Star Trek: The Motion Picture
• Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
• Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
• Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
• Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
• Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
• Star Trek Generations
• Star Trek Beyond (picture only)
• " Trials and Tribble-ations " (archive footage)
• " Kobayashi " (hologram)
• " A Quality of Mercy " (voice only)
• " Hegemony "
• " Skin a Cat "
• " Walk, Don't Run "

Background information [ ]

Montgomery Scott was played by actor James Doohan in all of the character's television and cinematic appearances set in the "prime" universe. An alternate timeline version of Scott was voiced by Matthew Wolf in SNW : " A Quality of Mercy " and portrayed by Martin Quinn in SNW : " Hegemony ".

The character of Montgomery Scott mostly originated from James Doohan himself. Doohan was asked by Director James Goldstone , to whom he had auditioned for another role only ten days prior, to come in and read a few lines from the script of TOS : " Where No Man Has Gone Before " for him, Gene Roddenberry , Robert H. Justman , Joseph D'Agosta , and Morris Chapnick . The role he was proposed for was an unnamed Chief Engineer. When Goldstone asked him to do some accents, Doohan did several ones, including Irish, Scottish, English, Russian, etc. Roddenberry asked him which one he would choose, and he said Scottish, due to Scotsmen being renowned for having great engineering skills. Thus, the character became Scottish, and it was apparently Doohan who named him "Scotty". ( The World of Star Trek ), [3]

Gene Roddenberry nearly dropped Scott from the series after the second pilot. He informed Doohan's agent, Paul Wilkins, that "we don't think we need an engineer in the series." Wilkins became irate and met with Roddenberry that day, and insisted on returning Doohan to the Enterprise , which turned out to be a favorable decision. ( Inside Star Trek: The Real Story , pp. 152-153)

NBC 's early- 1966 press brochure about Star Trek described Scott thus:

In the final draft script of TOS : " Mudd's Women " (dated 26 May 1966 ), Scott was described as "40… very military type." This suggests he was born in 2226 .

Although Scott does not appear in "The Menagerie, Part II", he did feature in the script for that episode. At the end of the teaser , he accompanied McCoy into the Enterprise 's hearing room, without having any lines of dialogue, eager to help Captain Kirk but unable to. Then, when the hearing-room screen abruptly came on in the first act of the script, Scott was ordered, by a Talosian projection of Commodore Mendez , to turn the screen off. Despite trying to do so with a remote control , he found that the screen wouldn't go off. Scott also appeared in a deleted scene from "The Menagerie, Part II". In it, after again accompanying McCoy into the hearing room, he announced that, thanks to McCoy, they had managed to determine which computers Spock had jammed in order to lock the ship on a course to Talos IV. As Scott explained, this discovery would allow the Enterprise officers to " safely cross-circuit that series out, return the vessel to manual control. " [4]

The series writer's guide (third revision, dated 17 April 1967 ) described Scott thus:

Although Doohan had lost the middle finger on his right hand during the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day, Scott had a right middle finger within the Star Trek storyline; any time a closeup was seen of Scott's right hand (working the transporter controls, etc.), someone else's hands were used, and when Scott appeared in wide shots, he usually hid his right hand from the camera. His loss was most evident in TNG : " Relics ", where the missing finger can be clearly seen in wide shots while talking to Captain Picard on the holodeck recreation of the original Enterprise bridge and in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier , when Scott is holding a bag of food. There is also a scene in TOS : " The Trouble with Tribbles " in which his missing digit is briefly seen as he holds a giant armful of tribbles. Star Trek: The Animated Series 's animation also depicted Scott as having all his fingers.

There was much debate, especially in Scotland, as to which Scottish city Montgomery Scott was born in. The character once described himself as an "Aberdeen pub crawler" in TOS : " Wolf in the Fold ". Confusing the matter was a 1970s interview with James Doohan in which he stated his belief that Scott came from Elgin, a town forty miles west of Aberdeen. Linlithgow, twenty miles west of Edinburgh has also been vocal in its claim, citing D.C. Fontana 's novel Vulcan's Glory . If either of these claims were correct, it would imply Scott had a relatively genteel upbringing, as the regional accent of Aberdeenshire was far more coarse and Gaelicised than Scott's. On the death of James Doohan, the local West Lothian Council announced plans to open a memorial exhibition for James Doohan in Linlithgow to commemorate his contribution to the Star Trek universe and make the town's claim to be the future birthplace of Montgomery Scott concrete. The exhibition, held at Annet House, Scott's "official" future childhood home opened in the summer of 2007. It was worth noting that in the non-canon story published in the UK comic magazine TV21 & Joe 90 #21 in 1970, Scott described his ancestors as " highlanders ". According to Who's Who in Star Trek #2 (DC Comics, April 1987), Scott was born in Glasgow. His actual accent implied he was raised in or near Edinburgh.

Simon Pegg , who portrayed Scott's alternate self in 2009 's Star Trek and its sequels (and was a Star Trek fan long before being cast in the role), concocted his own backstory for the character to settle the debate over the character's accent. [5]

One inconsistency that involved Scott was that, when the USS Enterprise -D rescued him from the transporter buffer of the USS Jenolan in "Relics", Commander William T. Riker said that he was from the "USS Enterprise ". Hearing this, Scott assumed "Jim Kirk himself" had arrived to find him; however, the film Star Trek Generations established that, before Scott embarked on his trip on the Jenolan , he witnessed Kirk get blown off the Enterprise -B, and though not known to him, into the Nexus , so he should have known Kirk wasn't alive to be able to find him. This was caused by the fact that the movie Star Trek Generations was filmed after "Relics", causing a retcon . (In what may have been an attempt to address the discrepancy, in the novel Star Trek Generations , Guinan tells Chekov that Kirk is , in fact, alive within the Nexus, though this information may not have reached Scott.) According to Ronald D. Moore , who wrote both "Relics" and Generations , Scott was included in the latter, despite the inconsistency, out of affection for the character. ( Star Trek Chronology )

Another minor inconsistency could be spotted in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home , where Scott wears uniforms with commander's insignia instead of captain's.

In an ultimately omitted line of dialogue from the final draft script of "Relics", Scott remarked, " Even starships are retired… some are just lucky enough to die in action. "

Evidently, Scott was obliquely referred to in the final draft script of ENT : " Fallen Hero ". A statement made by Charles Tucker III , regarding the warp reactor aboard Enterprise , was attributed to him in the scripted stage directions. The dialogue was, " I've given you all she's got, Captain! There's no more power! " A scene description about this section remarked, " His words foreshadow another fabled Starfleet engineer. "

In the unfilmed Star Trek: The First Adventure script, Scott was depicted as working with George Kirk on an experimental dilithium-fuelled warp jump before his disappearance.

Apocrypha [ ]

The nineteenth issue of the IDW comics series Star Trek: Ongoing reveals the alternate reality Scott's full name to be Montgomery Christopher Jorgensen Scott. Since Scott was born before the timeline split, he would therefore have the same full name in the prime universe.

With the introduction of Scott's origin story in the alternate reality , several novels set in the prime reality detail Scott's origins there:

According to Star Trek II: Biographies , Scott was born in 31 August 2121 in Aberdeen, Scotland to parents Robert Burns Scott and Mary Darnley. He has a brother named James McNeil Scott and a sister named Mary Darnley Scott.

According to Who's Who in Star Trek 2 , Scott was born in Glasgow, Scotland and has a sister named Fran. He spent a year working aboard the SS Deirdre before applying to Starfleet Academy. He became the Enterprise 's chief engineer after the previous chief engineer Hoyt retired.

The short story Bum Radish: Five Spins on a Turquoise Reindeer names his mother Arlyne Jorgensen Scott and his sister Kristen Scott.

The video game Star Trek: Starship Creator gives his parents' names as Mary and Vaughn Scott. His sister is named Linda Preston.

In the novel The Kobayashi Maru , Cadet Scott less-than-voluntarily entered the Command School at Starfleet Academy , but was reassigned to engineering after a Kobayashi Maru attempt in which he defeated a Klingon squadron using a tactic which he knew the the computer would believe to be viable even though field testing that he had participated in had disproved the theory on which the tactic was based. His position as captain in the scenario was arranged by an instructor who knew that Scott wanted to be in Engineering rather than Command to justify transferring Scott to engineering school.

In the D.C. Fontana novel Vulcan's Glory , in 2253 , Lieutenant Scott signed aboard the Enterprise as a junior engineer under Lieutenant Commander Caitlin Barry. In his early days aboard the ship, he set up a still in main engineering for producing Engine Room Hooch . Despite the popularity of the beverage, it was produced by an illegal still, and Scott along with the other engineers were warned never to produce the beverage again.

In the novel Enterprise: The First Adventure , by 2264 , Scott assumed the responsibilities of being chief engineer and was promoted to lieutenant commander under the command of Captain James T. Kirk . Scott was fiercely loyal to Captain Christopher Pike and initially he did not warm up to Kirk as he felt that the young captain could place the ship in jeopardy. Over time, the two officers put their initial differences behind them and became close friends.

In the comic issue Retrospect , Scott had an on-again, off-again relationship with a woman he'd known all his life named Glynnis Campbell ( β ). The comic tells the story of how they met and fell in love, went their separate ways, and eventually got married years later. They married shortly before the events of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan , and she died in a shuttle accident during the Enterprise crew's period of exile on Vulcan . The Star Trek: Department of Temporal Investigations novel Forgotten History gives her credit for inspiring him to grow a mustache.

By the novel Ship of the Line , Scott has become a teacher at Starfleet Academy , but stands in as a temporary chief engineer aboard the USS Enterprise -E for its inaugural voyage under Morgan Bateson .

The novel Star Trek has Spock revealing that the Prime Scott was also stationed at Delta Vega , which Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman stated on the film's audio commentary were meant to be for the same reasons.

In the Starfleet Corps of Engineers novels , Scott was given command of the unit sometime after his retrieval from the Jenolan .

In Star Trek Online , players encountered Scott on Drozana Station in the year 2265 , helping him protect the station from an infestation of Devidians . He plays a major role in the "Agents of Yesterday" expansion pack, in which he is voiced by James Doohan's son Christopher Doohan , who had previously played the role in the fan series Star Trek Continues . 23rd century Starfleet characters first encounter him on the Enterprise during the time of the Babel Conference , where he discovers a temporal transponder left behind by an older Pavel Chekov . In the mission "Ragnarok", Scott finds himself in the 26th century , arriving aboard the USS Enterprise -J during the Battle of Procyon V ; he explains that he still carried Chekov's transponder at the time he was rescued from the Jenolan . Working together with Chekov, Scott installs the Tox Uthat aboard the Enterprise -J, which allows the Federation and its allies to defeat the Sphere-Builders . After the battle, Chekov returns Scott to the 24th century, but not before going back to the 23rd to see "their" Enterprise one last time.

In Star Trek Cats , Scott is depicted as a Scottish Fold cat .

In the novel Indistinguishable from Magic , Captain Scott commanded an SCE testbed ship, the USS Challenger . His crew included Lieutenant Commander Reginald Barclay , Lieutenant Commander Nog (chief of security), Dr. Alyssa Ogawa (CMO) and Dr. Leah Brahms as a civilian adviser. When called on to investigate the disappearance and reappearance of the starship Intrepid two hundred years prior, he requested a temporary transfer to his crew: Commander Geordi La Forge. The crew fought off an attempt by former DaiMon Bok of the Ferengi to hijack the Intrepid and use it to time travel and prevent his son from being killed by Captain Picard and solved the Intrepid mystery by discovering a powerful lifeform capable of traveling easily between galaxies and drawing starships with it. Scott was severely injured during the mission and developed a fatal condition. With his first officer dead, Scott named La Forge as his successor as captain. He stayed behind in the other galaxy that they were drawn to in order to ensure that the rest of the Challenger crew (and some Romulans who were also pulled there) got home. As the Challenger exploded, he set the transporter to potentially send himself to safety. His current fate is unknown.

External links [ ]

• Montgomery Scott at StarTrek.com
• Montgomery Scott at Memory Beta , the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
• Montgomery Scott at Wikipedia
• Montgomery Scott at the Star Trek Online Wiki
• 2 ISS Enterprise (NCC-1701)

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

• Backchannel
• Newsletters
• WIRED Insider
• WIRED Consulting

Star Trek Week: 28 Universally Known Star Trek One-Liners

Every corner of fandom has one-liners that have seeped into the consciousness of society, becoming universally recognizable. Of course, Star Trek is no different.

Here is a list of 28 Star Trek one-liners of which most people are aware. Some of these quotes have made their way into other areas of pop-culture. Some of these quotes have been paraphrased. Some have been used by judges when giving verdicts. There may be one, or two, on the list that escape some people.

1. Space: the final frontier. – Captain James T. Kirk and Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the opening title sequence for Star Trek: The Original Series and Star Trek: The Next Generation

2. KHAAANNN! –Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

3. What does God need with a starship? –Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier

4. Fascinating. – Mr. Spock in numerous episodes and movies.

5. Highly illogical. –Mr. Spock in numerous episodes and movies.

6. Live long and prosper. –Mr. Spock in numerous episodes and movies.

7. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one. –Mr. Spock in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

8. I have been and always shall be your friend. –Mr. Spock in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

9. He's dead, Jim! – Doctor Leonard “Bones” McCoy in many episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series

10. I am a doctor, not a brick layer. * –Doctor Leonard “Bones” McCoy in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode The Devil in the Dark

11. I'm a doctor, not an escalator. –Doctor Leonard “Bones” McCoy in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode Friday's Child

12. I'm a doctor, not a mechanic. –Doctor Leonard “Bones” McCoy in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode The Doomsday Machine

13. I'm a doctor, not an engineer. –Doctor Leonard “Bones” McCoy in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode Mirror, Mirror

14. I'm a doctor, not a coal miner. –Doctor Leonard “Bones” McCoy in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode The Empath

15. I'm not a magician, Spock, just an old country doctor. –Doctor Leonard “Bones” McCoy in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode The Deadly Years

16. Dammit, Jim! –Doctor Leonard “Bones” McCoy in many episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series and the movies.

17. Treat her like a lady, and she'll always bring you home. –Doctor Leonard “Bones” McCoy in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode Encounter at Farpoint

18. I canna' change the laws of physics. – Montgomery “Scotty” Scott in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode The Naked Time

Lauren Goode

Charlie Wood

19. I've giv'n her all she's got captain, an' I canna give her no more. –Montgomery “Scotty” Scott in many episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series

20. There be whales here! –Montgomery “Scotty” Scott in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

21. Engage! –Captain Jean-Luc Picard in many episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation

22. Make it so! –Captain Jean-Luc Picard in many episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation

23. Shut up, Wesley! –Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode Datalore

24. There are four lights! –Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode Chain of Command

25. Inquiry. – Data in many episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation

26. I am not a merry man! – Worf in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode Qpid

27. It is a good day to die/ Perhaps today is a good day to die! –Worf says variation of “a good day to to die” a number of times. “It is a good day to die” was said in the Star Trek: The Next Generataion episode Sins of the Father . Worf says, “Perhaps today IS a good day to die!” in Star Trek: First Contact

28. Resistance is futile. – The Borg in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Voyager , and Star Trek: First Contact

The most misquoted popular one-line from Star Trek is, “Beam me up, Scotty.” Variations of this line are spoken, but not once was that actual line used.

What are some of your favorite one-liners?

__*__The “I'm a doctor” meme is also used by Doctor Julian Bashir in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , The Doctor (EMH) in Star Trek: Voyager, and Doctor Phlox in Star Trek: Enterprise .

Angela Watercutter

Scott Gilbertson

Jennifer M. Wood

Stephen Clark, Ars Technica

David Gilbert

Star Trek: The Original Series

Quick navigation:.

• Show Spoilers
• Night Vision
• Sticky Header
• Highlight Links

Follow TV Tropes

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Quotes/ScottyTime

Quotes / Scotty Time

Edit locked.

Castor: I have obtained what you wanted. I'll need a couple of days for testing still, it's not quite ready yet. C: I don't have a couple of days. Castor: Rush this, and we risk a spatial collapse within The Consortium. C: If you want to restore the former glory of your family, I'd hurry. Make haste and remember; don't fail. — ANNO: Mutationem

Scotty: Do you mind a little advice? Starfleet captains are like children. They want everything right now and they want it their way. But the secret is to give them only what they need, not what they want. Geordi: Yeah, well, I told the Captain I'd have this analysis done in an hour. Scotty: How long would it really take? Geordi: An hour. Scotty: Oh, you didn't tell him how long it would really take, did you? Geordi: Well of course I did. Scotty: Oh, laddie, you have a lot to learn if you want people to think of you as a miracle worker! — Star Trek: The Next Generation , " Relics "

"My crew has managed to do in 48 hours what would've taken the armory team at Jupiter Station at least a week. To say that I'm proud of them would be an understatement ." — Captain Archer , Star Trek: Enterprise , " Silent Enemy "

Kirk: Scotty, progress report? Scotty: I'm almost done, sir. You'll be fully automated by the time we dock. Kirk: Your timing is excellent, Mr. Scott. You've fixed the barn door after the horse has come home. How much refit time till we can take her out of here? Scotty: Eight weeks, sir. But you don't have eight weeks so I'll do it for ya in two. Kirk: Mr. Scott, have you always multiplied your repair estimates by a factor of four? Scotty: Certainly, sir. How else can I keep my reputation as a miracle worker? Kirk: Your reputation is secure, Scotty. — Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

Rutherford: You never admit the actual amount of time it takes to finish a job. If you did, your days would be packed. Tendi: Isn't that lying? Rutherford: No. It's "creative estimating". When you get an assignment, you exaggerate how long it's gonna take, then you're a hero when it's done early. — Star Trek: Lower Decks , " Temporal Edict "

Kermit: Sam! Are you about ready?! Sam: Yes, it is a glorious three-hour finale— Kermit: You got a minute and a half! — Muppet*Vision 3D

Teddy: Let's assume Miss Park didn't miss anything, so Mark's not going to Ares IV. Yet. But he's smart enough to figure out that's his only chance. Bruce, what's the earliest we can get a pre-supply there? Bruce: Well, with the positions of Earth and Mars, it'll take nine months. And it'll take six months to build it in the first place. Teddy: Three months. Bruce: Three? That's- Teddy: You're going to say it's impossible, and then I'm gonna make a speech about the blinding capabilities of the JPL team, and then you're going to do the math in your head and say something like "the overtime alone will be a nightmare." Bruce: The overtime alone will be a nightmare. Teddy: Get started. I'll find you the money. — The Martian

Dr. Eggman: There's been an unexpected delay on my end. There's no more time to waste! Set the timer for 15 minutes! Let's go, Rouge! Rouge: 5 minutes should be plenty! Here I got! — Sonic Adventure 2

• Scott The Woz
• « Quotes »
• SCP Foundation

Important Links

• Action Adventure
• Commercials
• Crime & Punishment
• Professional Wrestling
• Speculative Fiction
• Sports Story
• Animation (Western)
• Music And Sound Effects
• Print Media
• Sequential Art
• Tabletop Games
• Applied Phlebotinum
• Characterization
• Characters As Device
• Narrative Devices
• British Telly
• The Contributors
• Creator Speak
• Derivative Works
• Laws And Formulas
• Show Business
• Split Personality
• Truth And Lies
• Truth In Television
• Fate And Prophecy
• Edit Reasons
• Isolated Pages
• Images List
• Recent Videos
• Crowner Activity
• Un-typed Pages
• Recent Page Type Changes
• Trope Entry
• Character Sheet
• Playing With
• Creating New Redirects
• Cross Wicking
• Tips for Editing
• Text Formatting Rules
• Handling Spoilers
• Administrivia
• Trope Repair Shop
• Image Pickin'

Advertisement:

The Origins of 11 Famous Star Trek Lines

By rick marshall | nov 6, 2015.

Few franchises have had the cultural impact of the various Star Trek television series and movies, and nowhere is that more evident than in the snippets of dialogue that have become a part of the American vernacular—and in some cases, found their way abroad, too. Here are 11 of the most notable Star Trek catchphrases, as well as a little more information about their origins.

1. "Live Long and Prosper"

The Vulcan greeting and the finger-separating hand gesture that accompanies it first appeared in the second season of Star Trek: The Original Series , during an episode titled “Amok Time.” Spock himself (actor Leonard Nimoy) has made no secret of the fact that the gesture and phrase were his idea, and that he based them on Orthodox Jewish blessings he remembered from his childhood. In the Jewish blessing, the position of the fingers forms the Hebrew letter “Shin,” which represents the name “Shaddai” (Almighty God). Nimoy put his own spin on the traditional gesture by holding up just one hand (instead of both) and changing up the verbal blessing slightly.

2. "Highly Illogical..."

While Spock never shied away from questioning the logic of those around him—usually Kirk—it wasn't until the second season that he took things up a notch and deemed the actions of the native inhabitants of planet Omega IV “highly illogical” in the episode titled “The Omega Glory.” Previously, it had always just been “illogical” or, in rare cases, “most illogical,” but it took a pair of natives attacking Kirk in a jail cell for Spock to pair his trademark raised-eyebrow reaction with the term “highly illogical.” The phrase would then be repeated in several more episodes, as well as the subsequent films and J.J. Abrams' reboot of the franchise.

Bonus: “Highly Illogical” was also the name of Leonard Nimoy's 1993 music album featuring several songs he recorded in the 1960s (including “The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins”) as well as a few new tunes.

3. "Beam Me Up, Scotty"

One of the most interesting aspects of this phrase—a request directed at Chief Engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott for transport back to the USS Enterprise—is that it was never actually uttered in any of the Star Trek television series or movies. More often than not, the command was akin to “Three to beam up” or more directly, “Beam them up,” with the closest approximation being “Beam us up, Scotty” in a few episodes of the Star Trek animated series. However, William Shatner did say this line while reading the audio version of his novel Star Trek: The Ashes of Eden .

4. "I'm A Doctor, Not A..."

Everyone knows that Dr. Leonard McCoy is not an engineer, a coal miner, or an escalator, but that never stopped him from reminding his fellow crew members. The first time DeForest Kelley uttered his famous catchphrase as we know it was in a first-season episode titled “The Devil in the Dark.” In that episode, McCoy saw fit to let Kirk know that he was a doctor, not a brick-layer. It's worth noting that an earlier episode, “The Corbomite Maneuver," had him asking Capt. Kirk, “What am I, a doctor or a moon-shuttle conductor?” but it wasn't until much later in the season that we got the full line that would later be heard in just about every subsequent series, as well as the Star Trek films. The line even made it into J.J. Abrams' 2009 reboot, with Karl Urban (as McCoy) exclaiming, “I'm a doctor, not a physicist!”

5. "Make It So"

Captain Jean-Luc Picard's signature line was a part of Star Trek: The Next Generation from the very start, with actor Patrick Stewart uttering what would become his character's most memorable catchphrase in the pilot episode, “Encounter at Farpoint.” The episode was written by Gene Roddenberry himself, so it's likely that he wrote the line for Picard, though the phrase has been in use for quite a while in military circles as a way to tell someone to proceed with a command.

6. "To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before..."

The infinitive-splitting opening narration for each episode of Star Trek: The Original Series (with the exception of the pilot episodes) was famously recited by William Shatner, but the actual origins of the line are uncertain at best. Some reports suggest that it was inspired by a 1958 White House press booklet promoting the space program, though some have speculated that it came from a statement made by explorer James Cook following an expedition to Newfoundland. Writer Samuel Peeples, who authored the pilot episode “Where No Man Has Gone Before,” is often credited with the decision to make the phrase such a significant part of the series. The line was eventually repeated—with a few minor tweaks—in each iteration of the series and films.

7. "Khaaannnn!"

Possibly the most meme-friendly line of dialogue ever to come out of the Star Trek universe, this scream of rage originated in (no surprise here) Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan . Left marooned on a dead planet by the evil villain Khan then taunted about his predicament, Kirk let loose with a primal roar—and the rest was viral-video history.

8. "I'm Givin' Her All She's Got, Captain!"

Much like “Beam me up, Scotty,” this famous catchphrase often associated with USS Enterprise Chief Engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott in Star Trek: The Original Series was never said in this exact form by actor James Doohan in the series or subsequent films. The closest approximation is a line in the second-season episode “The Changeling,” when Kirk asks Scotty to divert more power to the ship's shields. Scotty responds with, “Giving them all we got.” However, Doohan did utter every word of the famous line as part of a cameo in 1993's Loaded Weapon , in which he turns up as a panicky police officer trying to fix a coffee machine. Similarly, Simon Pegg used the same line “I'm givin' her all she's got, Captain!” in 2009's Star Trek reboot, in which he plays a young Montgomery Scott.

9. "Nuclear Wessels"

Russian crew member Pavel Andreievich Chekov's inability to pronounce the letter “V” became a recurring joke after the character was introduced in the second season of Star Trek: The Original Series as the ship's navigator. While it made for some funny moments throughout the series and subsequent movies, one of the most memorable pronunciation gaffes occurred during Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home , when Chekov begins asking passers-by in 1980s San Francisco where he can find “nuclear wessels.” Even though Walter Koenig had been playing the character for almost 20 years before The Voyage Home hit theaters, the two-word line soon became indelibly connected with his portrayal of the character.

10. "Resistance Is Futile"

This famous line was first uttered by robotic aliens The Borg in the epic third-season finale of Star Trek: The Next Generation , titled “Best of Both Worlds, Part 1.” Not only did the 1990 episode offer up one of the greatest cliffhangers in television history, but it also coined a phrase that would live forever in the nightmares of fans—mainly because it was recycled for use in countless other series and films down the road.

11. "Set Phasers To Stun"

It was established early on in Star Trek: The Original Series that the phasers used by the crew of USS Enterprise had a “stun” setting (as mentioned in “The Man Trap” episode), and both Kirk and Spock often found themselves instructing their crewmates to use the non-lethal capabilities of their standard-issue weapons. However, it wasn't until the second season of Star Trek: The Animated Series that we first heard Kirk issue the command “Set phasers to stun.” The line eventually became an oft-repeated order in subsequent series, turning up in both Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: The Next Generation , as well as many of the movies (including 2009's reboot).

This article originally appeared in 2013.

Star Trek (2009)

Simon pegg: scotty.

• Photos (11)
• Quotes (10)

Photos 

Quotes 

Spock Prime : What if I told you that your transwarp theory was correct, that is is indeed possible to beam onto a ship that is traveling at warp speed?

Scotty : I think if that equation had been discovered, I'd have heard about it.

Spock Prime : The reason you haven't heard of it, Mr. Scott, is because you haven't discovered it yet.

Scotty : I'm s... Wha... It... Are you from the future?

James T. Kirk : Yeah, he is. I'm not.

Scotty : Well, that's brilliant. Do they still have sandwiches there?

Scotty : I like this ship! You know, it's exciting!

Scotty : Except, the thing is, even if I believed you, right, where you're from, what I've done - which I don't, by the way - you're still talking about beaming aboard the Enterprise while she's traveling faster than light, without a proper receiving pad.

Scotty : [to Keenser]  Get off there! It's not a climbing frame!

Scotty : [back to Spock Prime]  The notion of transwarp beaming is like trying to hit a bullet with a smaller bullet whilst wearing a blindfold, riding a horse.

[Spock writes on a paper] 

Scotty : What's that?

Spock Prime : Your equation for achieving transwarp beaming.

Scotty : [to himself]  He's out of it

Scotty : [reads the equation]  Imagine that! It never occurred to me to think of SPACE as the thing that was moving!

Spock Prime : You are, in fact, the Mr. Scott who postulated the theory of transwarp beaming?

Scotty : That's what I'm talking about! How do you think I wound up here? Had a little debate with my instructor on relativistic physics and how it pertains to subspace travel. He seemed to think that the range of transporting something like a... like a grapefruit was limited to about 100 miles. I told him that I could not only beam a grapefruit from one planet to the adjacent planet in the same system - which is easy, by the way - I could do it with a life form. So, I tested it out on Admiral Archer's prized beagle.

James T. Kirk : Wait, I know that dog. What happened to it?

Scotty : I'll tell you when it reappears. Ahem. I don't know, I do feel guilty about that.

Spock : We are traveling at warp speed. How did you manage to beam aboard this ship?

James T. Kirk : Hey, you're the genius. You figure it out.

Spock : As acting captain of this vessel, I order you to answer the question.

James T. Kirk : Well, I'm not telling, "Acting Captain." What, did...?

[Kirk smiles] 

James T. Kirk : What, now, that doesn't frustrate you, does it? My lack of cooperation? That-that doesn't make you angry...

Spock : [Spock turns to Scotty]  Are you a member of Starfleet?

Scotty : I, um, yes. Can I get a towel, please?

Spock : Under penalty of court martial, I order you to explain to me how you were able to beam aboard this ship while moving at warp.

Scotty : Well...

James T. Kirk : Don't answer him.

Spock : You will answer me.

Scotty : [pause]  I'd rather not take sides.

[the U.S.S. Enterprise is being sucked into a black hole, seconds away from doom] 

Scotty : I'm giving her all she's got, Captain!

[the bridge ceiling begins to crack as the ship's drawn closer] 

James T. Kirk : All she's got isn't good enough! What else ya got?

Scotty : Um... Okay, if we eject the core and detonate, the blast could be enough to push us away! I cannae promise anything, though!

[the viewing window starts to rupture] 

James T. Kirk : DO IT, DO IT, DO IT!

[Spock Prime and Kirk arrive at a derelict Starfleet outpost, and discover...] 

Scotty : You realize how unacceptable this is?

Spock Prime : Fascinating!

Scotty : Okay, I'm sure you're just doing your job, but could you not have come a wee bit sooner? Six months I've been here, living off Starfleet protein nibs and the promise of a good meal! And I know exactly what's going on here, okay? Punishment, isn't it? Ongoing! For something that was clearly an accident!

Spock Prime : [pleased]  You are Montgomery Scott.

James T. Kirk : You know him?

Scotty : Aye, that's me. You're in the right place. Unless there's another hardworking, equally starved Starfleet officer around.

Keenser : Me.

Scotty : Get aff! Shut up! You don't eat anything! You can eat, like, a bean, and you're done. I'm talking about food. REAL food!

Scotty : I've never beamed three people from two targets onto one pad before!

Scotty : So, the Enterprise has had its maiden voyage, has it? She is one well-endowed lady. I'd like to get my hands on her "ample nacelles," if you pardon the engineering parlance.

James T. Kirk : Scotty, how we doin'?

Scotty : Dilithium chamber at maximum, Captain.

Scotty : [noticing Keenser straddling a console]  GET DOWN!

Release Dates | Official Sites | Company Credits | Filming & Production | Technical Specs

• Full Cast and Crew
• Release Dates
• Official Sites
• Company Credits
• Filming & Production
• Technical Specs
• Plot Summary
• Plot Keywords
• Parents Guide

Did You Know?

• Crazy Credits
• Alternate Versions
• Connections
• Soundtracks

Photo & Video

• Photo Gallery
• Trailers and Videos
• User Reviews
• User Ratings
• External Reviews
• Metacritic Reviews

Related Items

• External Sites

Related lists from IMDb users

Recently Viewed

• Movie quotes

“Star Trek” quotes

“- Scotty: I told him that I could not only beam a grapefruit from one planet to the adjacent planet in the same system, which is easy, by the way, I could do it with a life form. So, I tested it out on Admiral Archer's prized beagle. - James T. Kirk: Wait, I know that dog. What happened to it? - Scotty: I'll tell you when it reappears. Ahem. I...” (continue) (continue reading) Simon Pegg - Scotty Chris Pine - James T. Kirk

“Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise . Her ongoing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life-forms and new civilizations; to boldly go where no one has gone before.” Leonard Nimoy - Spock Prime

“- Scotty: [to Spock Prime] Are you from the future? - James T. Kirk: Yeah, he is. I'm not. - Scotty: Well, that's brilliant. Do they still have sandwiches there?” Simon Pegg - Scotty Chris Pine - James T. Kirk

“- James T. Kirk: My mouth is itchy. Is that normal? - Bones: Well, those symptoms won't last long. I'm going to give you a mild sedative. - James T. Kirk: Oh, I wish I didn't know you.” Chris Pine - James T. Kirk Karl Urban - Bones

“The purpose is to experience fear, fear in the face of certain death, to accept that fear, and maintain control of oneself and one's crew . This is the quality expected in every Starfleet captain.” Zachary Quinto - Spock

“Space is disease and danger wrapped in darkness and silence.” Karl Urban - Bones

“- James T. Kirk: Now, what is it with you, Spock? Hm? Your planet was just destroyed, your mother murdered, and you're not even upset! - Spock: If you are presuming that these experiences in any way impede my ability to command this ship, you are mistaken. - James T. Kirk: And yet you were the one who said fear was necessary for command .” Chris Pine - James T. Kirk Zachary Quinto - Spock

“I got nowhere else to go. The ex-wife took the whole damn planet in the divorce. All I got left is my bones.” Karl Urban - Bones

“- Burly Cadet: Hey, farm-boy, maybe you can't count, but there are four of us and one of you. - James T. Kirk: So go get some more guys and then it'll be an even fight .” Jason Matthew Smith - Burly Cadet Chris Pine - James T. Kirk

“If you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” Zachary Quinto - Spock

“- Spock: We are traveling at warp speed. How did you manage to beam aboard this ship? - James T. Kirk: Hey, you're the genius. You figure it out. - Spock: As acting captain of this vessel , I order you to answer the question.” Zachary Quinto - Spock Chris Pine - James T. Kirk

“What is necessary is never unwise.” Ben Cross - Sarek

“- Young Spock: I presume you've prepared new insults for today. - Vulcan Bully: Affirmative. - Young Spock: This is your thirty-fifth attempt to elicit an emotional response from me.” Jacob Kogan - Young Spock Colby Paul - Vulcan Bully

“- Uhura: Gaila, who is he? - Gaila: Who's who? - Uhura: The mouth- breather hiding under your bed? - James T. Kirk: [comes out from under Gaila's bed] You can hear me breathing?” Zoe Saldana - Uhura Rachel Nichols - Gaila Chris Pine - James T. Kirk

“Coming back in time, changing history... that's cheating.” Chris Pine - James T. Kirk

“- Flight Officer: You need to get back in your seat, now. - Bones: I suffer from aviophobia, it means fear of dying in something that flies! - Flight Officer: Sir, for your own safety, sit down or else I'll make you sit down!” Darlene Tejeiro - Flight Officer Karl Urban - Bones

“- James T. Kirk: I'm coming with you. - Spock: I would cite regulation, but I know you will simply ignore it. - James T. Kirk: See? We are getting to know each other.” Chris Pine - James T. Kirk Zachary Quinto - Spock

“- Spock: Cadet Kirk, you somehow managed to install and activate a subroutine in the programming code, thereby changing the conditions of the test. - James T. Kirk: Your point being? - Admiral Richard Barnett: In academic vernacular, you cheated.” Zachary Quinto - Spock Chris Pine - James T. Kirk Tyler Perry - Admiral Richard Barnett

“- Uhura: I'm impressed. For a moment there, I thought you were just a dumb hick who only has sex with farm animals. - James T. Kirk: Well, not only.” Zoe Saldana - Uhura Chris Pine - James T. Kirk

- Spock: I feel anger for the one who took Mother's life… an anger I cannot control. - Sarek: I believe ... that she would say, "do not try to". You asked me once why I married your mother. I married her because I loved her. Zachary Quinto - Spock Ben Cross - Sarek

“- Spock: In the face of extinction, it is only logical that I resign my Starfleet commission and help rebuild our race. - Spock Prime: And, yet, you can be in two places at once. I urge you to remain in Starfleet. I have already located a suitable planet on which to establish a Vulcan colony. Spock, in this case, do yourself a favor: put aside...” (continue) (continue reading) Zachary Quinto - Spock Leonard Nimoy - Spock Prime

• impossibility
• self-control

MovieQuotes.com © 1998-2024 | All rights reserved

Inspirationfeed

Inspiring and educating bright minds.

Warp Speed Your Inspiration: 55 Iconic Star Trek Quotes for Fans

Last Updated on February 25, 2024

The Star Trek universe is full of wisdom and brilliant one-liners that are impressive for learning and food for thought. There are bound to be hundreds of amazing quotes to choose from with so many seasons, both new and old, to watch! Everyone has their favorites, so there is a classic quote here for you somewhere, whether it be Spock, Jean Luc Picard, Leonard McCoy, Scotty, or James T Kirk.

You could almost say it would be “highly illogical” not to read on! (If you know, you know). Before we give you 55 Quotes that will be sure to keep you wanting more Star Trek, let’s quickly discuss what Star Trek is (for those that have been living under a rock for 40 years!)

What is Star Trek?

Star Trek is an American science fiction program that Gene Roddenberry created. The very first series debuted over 50 years ago in 1966! Since then, a host of different spin-offs, mini-series, animated movies, cartoons, toys, games, and books/comics have been released. A cult following has developed around the movie, and many fans dress up as characters for conventions and even go as far as to do a V-shaped hand sign, whilst saying the classic catchphrase “live long and prosper”. Ironically, the Star Trek series continues to prosper, even 50+ years after its debut, long may it continue!

• “Logic is the beginning of wisdom, not the end.” — Spock
• “Madness has no purpose. Or reason. But it may have a goal.” — Spock
• “You mind your place, mister, or you’ll be wearing concrete galoshes.” — Scotty
• “ Confidence is faith in oneself. It can’t easily be given by another.” — Deanna Troi
• “Engage!” — Jean-Luc Picard
• “I have been and always shall be your friend.” — Spock
• “A lie is a very poor way to say hello.” — Edith Keeler
• “Live now; make now always the most precious time . Now will never come again.” — Jean-Luc Picard
• “Could you please continue the petty bickering? I find it most intriguing.” — Data
• “You may find that having is not so pleasing a thing as wanting. This is not logical, but it is often true.” — Spock
• “Please, Mrs. Troi! … and it’s Worf, not Woof.” — Lt. Worf
• “Insufficient facts always invite danger.” — Spock
• “I am a doctor, not a bricklayer.” — Dr. McCoy
• “Make it so!” — Jean-Luc Picard
• “Perhaps man wasn’t meant for paradise. Maybe he was meant to claw, to scratch all the way.” — Captain Kirk
• “Well, I know this much: We can’t avoid the future .” — William T. Riker
• “Respect is earned, not bestowed.” — Deanna Troi
• “Just before they went into warp, I beamed the whole kit and kaboodle into their engine room, where they’ll be no tribble at all.” — Scotty
• “I’m a doctor, not an escalator.” — Dr. McCoy
• “Yes, sir. I am attempting to fill a silent moment with non-relevant conversation.” — Data
• “Flair is what marks the difference between artistry and mere competence.” — William T. Riker
• “The only person you’re truly competing against is yourself.” — Jean-Luc Picard
• “Dammit, Jim!” — Dr. McCoy
• “You can use logic to justify almost anything. That’s its power. And its flaw.” — Captain Cathryn Janeway
• “Without followers, evil cannot spread.” — Spock
• “They used to say that if man was meant to fly, he’d have wings. But he did fly. He discovered he had to.” — Captain Kirk
• “When governments murder those who speak the truth, it is time to get new governments.” — Diane Duane
• “To all mankind: May we never find space so vast, planets so cold, heart and mind so empty, that we cannot fill them with love and warmth.” — Garth
• “I am not a merry man.” — Lt. Worf
• “Emotions are alien to me. I’m a scientist.” — Spock
• “Fear is the true enemy. The only enemy.” — William T. Riker
• “In critical moments, men sometimes see exactly what they wish to see.” — Spock
• “Compassion: That’s the one thing no machine ever had. Maybe it’s the one thing that keeps men ahead of them.” — Dr. McCoy
• “Sharing an orbit with God is no small experience.” — Deanna Troi
• “I would gladly risk feeling bad at times if it also meant that I could taste my dessert. — Data
• “I have been told that patience is sometimes a more effective weapon than the sword.” — Lt. Worf
• “Change is the essential process of all existence.” — Spock
• “Sometimes a feeling is all we humans have to go on.” — Captain Kirk
• “I cannae change the laws of physics! I’ve got to have thirty minutes!” — Scotty
• “If we’re going to be damned, let’s be damned for what we really are.” — Jean-Luc Picard
• “Live long and prosper!” — Spock
• “What does God need with a starship?” — Captain Kirk
• “Computers make excellent and efficient servants, but I have no wish to serve under them.” — Spock
• “Leave bigotry in your quarters; there’s no room for it on the bridge.” — Captain Kirk
• “Baby needs a new pair of shoes.” — Data
• “The prejudices people feel about each other disappear when they get to know each other.” — Captain Kirk
• “Things are only impossible until they are not.” — Jean-Luc Picard
• “I’m a doctor, not a mechanic.” — Dr. McCoy
• “If we resist, we die. If we don’t resist… we die.” — William T. Riker
• “A species that enslaves other beings is hardly superior, mentally or otherwise.” — Captain Kirk
• “Curious, how often you humans manage that which you do not want.” — Spock
• “A man either lives life as it happens to him, meets it head-on and licks it, or he turns his back on it and starts to wither away.” — Dr. Boyce
• “Humans do have an amazing capacity for believing what they choose — and excluding that which is painful.” — Spock
• “It’s not safe out here. It’s wondrous, with treasures to satiate desires both subtle and gross; but it’s not for the timid.” — Q
• “With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censored, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably.” — Jean-Luc Picard

Posted by: Igor Ovsyannnykov

Igor is an SEO specialist, designer, photographer, writer and music producer. He believes that knowledge can change the world and be used to inspire and empower young people to build the life of their dreams. When he is not writing in his favorite coffee shop, Igor spends most of his time reading books, taking photos, producing house music, and learning about cinematography. He is a sucker for good coffee, Indian food, and video games.

Star Trek Scotty Quotes

I canna’ change the laws of physics, but I can work miracles within them.

Ye canna’ break the laws of physics, but ye can certainly bend ’em.

If somethin’s broke, I can fix it. If it ain’t broke, I’ll make it better.

The laws of physics may be absolute, but I’m the genius who can find loopholes.

Scotty is always ready to give it all she’s got, even when she’s on her last leg.

I don’t believe in no-win scenarios, I believe in miracles.

Some engineers push the limits, I break ’em and then fix ’em.

If something can go wrong, I’m the man who can make it go right.

Engineering isn’t just about logic, it’s about daring to dream.

Engineers don’t just solve problems, we create solutions that nobody else thought possible.

Aye, I can make this ship run faster than the speed of light, if ye give me enough miracle matter.

If ye don’t have faith in me, ye don’t have faith in miracles.

Beam me up, Scotty? More like, beam me up and amaze ’em, Scotty!

A true engineer sees complications as opportunities for innovation.

The impossible is only impossible until a stubborn engineer comes along.

I’m not just an engineer, I’m a wizard with a wrench.

If there’s a problem, I’ll give you not one solution, but a multitude of possibilities.

A true engineer can turn a pile of scraps into a masterpiece.

I don’t just fix things, I improve them beyond imagination.

My tools may be old-fashioned, but my ideas are lightyears ahead.

I don’t believe in limitations, I believe in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

I don’t just work with machines, I dance with them.

The secret to great engineering is a dash of inspiration and a whole lot of perspiration.

I don’t just think outside the box, I build a whole new box.

I’m not just a miracle worker, I’m a dream maker.

I can make this ship do things even the manual didn’t know it could do.

I’m not just an engineer, I’m a magician of technology.

The laws of physics tremble in fear of what I can accomplish.

I don’t just build machines, I breathe life into them.

I’m not just an engineer, I’m a hero in a jumpsuit.

I’m not afraid of the unknown, I revel in it.

When you need a miracle, I’m the man who can make it happen.

I don’t have limits, I have possibilities.

There’s no problem that can’t be solved with a little ingenuity and a lot of Scotch.

I don’t just see problems, I see elegant solutions.

I may be an engineer, but I’m also a magician of the impossible.

The laws of physics may be strict, but I’m the master of bending the rules.

The difference between a good engineer and a great engineer is the willingness to take risks.

I’m not just a genius, I’m a miracle worker with a Scottish accent.

I don’t just succeed, I excel.

I’m not just an engineer, I’m a visionary with a toolkit.

Success is not always about logic, sometimes it’s about creativity.

The boundaries of engineering are set by those who dare to surpass them.

Failure is not an option, it’s just a temporary setback on the road to success.

I don’t just fix problems, I obliterate them.

Engineering is not just a profession, it’s a way of life.

I’m not just a technician, I’m an artist of machines.

The impossible exists to be conquered by those who dare to dream.

I don’t just see the pieces, I see the grand design.

I’m not just an engineer, I’m a miracle worker in a red shirt.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You may like

Unforgettable aladdin genie quotes, i can quotes, our latest posts.

I canna’ change the laws of physics, but I can work miracles within them. Ye canna’ break the laws of

I can show you the world, shining, shimmering, splendid. Why, if it isn’t my old friends Genie and Magic Carpet.

I can do anything I set my mind to. I can overcome any obstacle in my path. I can achieve

Christian Athlete Quotes

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13 In every victory, give glory to God.

Most popular posts

Hate liar quotes.

The truth may hurt, but lies destroy. Honesty is the language of the soul. Lies may deceive once, but the

Heartwarming Love Mom Quotes to Express Your Appreciation

A mother’s love knows no bounds. A mother’s love is like a beacon guiding us through life. A mother’s love

Pentecost quotes

May the flames of the Holy Spirit ignite your heart and guide you on your journey. On this day of

Railroad Quotes

Life is like a train journey; enjoy the ride and embrace the unknown. Railroads connect more than just destinations; they

Write for Us

TheThingsWeSay

Personality Quizzes

ILikeToQuote

Unsubscribe

[email protected]

Star Trek: Best Captain Kirk Quotes, Ranked

Star Trek's Captain Kirk is an iconic character in television history who has delivered some truly quotable lines over the course of his adventures.

Being a captain can't be easy. There are hundreds of people counting on them to make the right decisions that will keep them alive. Being the captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise – the flagship of the United Federation of Planets – must come with even more stress. But fans of Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek would rarely see that pressure get to him.

Along with his decisive thinking, strategic planning, and sense of humor, Captain Kirk often kept his ship and his crew alive with nothing more than his words. The boy from Iowa lived by the ideals of the future, using his beliefs not only to navigate the universe but to deal with the dangers he and the crew faced. With his confidence and words, Captain Kirk showed us all just how great humanity could be.

Updated on September 13, 2023 by Joshua M. Patton: William Shatner is the iconic originator of Captain James Tiberius Kirk, the first captain of the USS Enterprise that Star Trek fans fell in love with. However, in the nearly 60 years of history behind Gene Roddenberry's created universe, he's not the only actor to portray the character. With Chris Pine donning the signature gold shirt in the film trilogy set in "the Kelvin Timeline," and Paul Welsey taking on the role in Strange New Worlds, Kirk's wit and wisdom continues to expand.

RELATED: A Complete Guide to Scotty From Star Trek

20 “Hang On Tight And Survive. Everybody Does.”

[T]here are a million things in this universe you can have and a million things you can't have. It's no fun facing that, but that's the way things are.... Hang on tight and survive. Everybody does.

The first season episode "Charlie X" saw the Enterprise welcome a young man named Charlie aboard the ship who had spent years surviving alone. Charlie had been modified by aliens to survive their harsh planet, which gave him incredible abilities like telepathy that he used to force the crew into uncomfortable situations.

Charlie struggled with acclimating to his new way of life onboard the Enterprise where he didn't get everything he wanted, and despaired about going on with his life. Kirk was able to make him see that he could push through, surviving one day at a time like the rest of humanity.

19 "Either We're Going Down or They Are"

Attention crew of the Enterprise, this is James Kirk. Mr. Spock has resigned commission and advanced me to acting captain. I know you are all expecting to regroup with the fleet, but I'm ordering a pursuit course of the enemy ship to Earth. I want all departments at battle stations and ready in ten minutes. Either we're going down... or they are. Kirk out.

The mission of Starfleet is one of peaceful exploration and curiosity, but no matter which actor is playing Captain James T. Kirk, he's always read to fight when its necessary. In 2009's Star Trek when Earth is threatened by the time-traveling Romulan villain Nero, he takes command of the USS Enterprise to save the planet.

The version of Kirk in this film is much different than the one fans know, yet even after living a life of loss and aimlessness, once Kirk ended up where he belonged -- in the Captain's chair -- he became the man fans know and love. He will avoid a fight whenever he can, but if he can't? No one can stop him from saving the day.

18 "Don't Skip Good Hot Dogs"

My advice? Don't skip good hot dogs when you can get them.

Strange New Worlds Season 2 featured another time-travel romp, this time offering an alternate future version of James T. Kirk who wasn't part of Starfleet or the Federation, but rather the United Earth Fleet. His timeline was one of devastation and war. While La'an Noonien Singh, Khan's descendant , and the Enterprise Chief of Security, is trying to puzzle out their mission in the past, Kirk reminds her to take advantage of the good things that come her way.

17 “What Is a Man?"

What is a man but that lofty spirit, that sense of enterprise, that devotion for something that cannot be sensed, cannot be realized, but only dreamed, the highest reality?

The crew of the Enterprise was faced with a heavy decision when they encountered a planet full of androids that wanted to serve humanity by replacing their bodies with artificial ones and granting them eternal life in the second season's "I, Mudd."

However, Kirk was able to talk some of the curious members of his crew out of the decision by pondering exactly what it is that makes them all human – listing many of the reasons that humanity ventured into space in search of the unknown in the first place, which could never be replicated by the artificial androids.

RELATED: 15 Best Star Trek Games, Ranked According To Metacritic

16 “I Need My Pain!”

You know that pain and guilt can’t be taken away with the wave of a magic wand! They’re the things we carry with us, the things that make us who we are. If we lose them, we lose ourselves. I don’t want my pain taken away, I need my pain!

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier explored the ongoing Star Trek search for God that made a number of crew members question their faith and the surrounding reality, especially when members of the crew were "cured" of negative emotions like pain and guilt.

However, Kirk refused to undergo the same process as he felt that those feelings helped shape who we are and who we become, which ultimately allows humanity to make the right decisions. He was right, as the God-like being was later revealed to be an evil being who was trapped and manipulating others to facilitate his escape.

15 "The Prejudices People Feel..."

The prejudices people feel about each other disappear when they get to know each other.

Tasked with ensuring that the arranged marriage of the leaders of two warring planets takes place without interference, Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise find themselves dealing with an angry bride, a nervous groom, and a group of Klingons who plan to sabotage the event.

Kirk's words come from a more mature and evolved version of mankind that has worked past its biases based on skin color, religion, or gender. He knows as all humans in Star Trek do, that the only way to move forward is to work together. To see the things we have in common and celebrate the things that make us different.

14 "Sometimes A Feeling Is All We Humans Have"

Sometimes a feeling is all we humans have to go on.

When the Enterprise finds itself caught up in a centuries-long planetary war where the casualties are decided by a computer program, Captain Kirk knows that the only way to bring about peace is to remind the people of the planet what war really is. By leaving the outcomes of battles to a computer, the people have done away with the lasting scars of war and come to accept the ritual deaths as something of a sacrifice that must be done.

Kirk risks everything by destroying the war computer, forcing the leaders of the world to decide if it is better to continue their war with actual destruction and devastation or if the time has come to talk peace. In his gut, Kirk knows they will make the right choice.

RELATED: The 25 Most Powerful Star Trek Species, Ranked

13 "His Was The Most... Human"

"We are assembled here today to pay final respects to our honored dead. And yet it should be noted that in the midst of our sorrow, this death takes place in the shadow of new life, the sunrise of a new world; a world that our beloved comrade gave his life to protect and nourish. He did not feel this sacrifice a vain or empty one, and we will not debate his profound wisdom at these proceedings. Of my friend, I can only say this: of all the souls I have encountered in my travels, his was the most... human."

In all fiction, there are few friendships as iconic as that of Captain Kirk and Mister Spock. It is impossible not to think of one when you think of the other. These two men, one an emotional human the other a rational Vulcan, will always be the greatest duo in Star Trek .

When Spock gave his life for the crew of the Enterprise in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan , Kirk was left to write a eulogy not only for his Science Officer but his closest friend in all the universe. His words ensured that there wasn't a dry eye in the theater.

12 "Believe In Yourself"

You either believe in yourself, or you don’t.

A captain needs confidence, and that's something Kirk has in spades. He knows that if he doesn't believe in the mission, then his crew won't believe in it either, and if he doesn't believe in himself, they won't be comfortable following him.

Even more important is the knowledge that without believing in oneself, there is no hope for improvement. And if a person can not improve, then what is the purpose of existence? To Captain Kirk, there is no more important thing for a person to have than faith in themself.

RELATED: Star Trek Uses Shields and Deflector Screens Better Than Any Other Sci-Fi Property

11 "If Man Was Meant To Fly, He'd Have Wings..."

They used to say that if man was meant to fly, he’d have wings. But he did fly. He discovered he had to.

From the story of Icarus to the stories of superheroes today, mankind has always been inspired by the idea of flight. The idea of a man soaring through the skies seemed like an impossible task, but in less than 60 decades, humanity went from a 12-second 120-foot flight to sending the first man into space.

What Captain Kirk is saying here is that humanity has always stepped up to the challenge, and we always will. It won't be easy, and we'll fall down often, but in the end, we will succeed because we must.

10 "There's No Such Thing As The Unknown..."

There's no such thing as the unknown, only things temporarily hidden.

The unknown can be scary. The idea that just out of sight, hiding in the darkness is something that can hurt us is what most horror is built around, and for good reason. Be it the monster in the closet or the alien from Venus, we fear that which we do not know.

But if we think like Captain Kirk, the unknown isn't something to be frightened by. The unknown becomes something exciting to discover. The unknown is out there, just waiting to be found. Suddenly, that fear becomes a feeling of optimism.

9 "Genius Doesn’t Work On An Assembly Line Basis."

Genius doesn't work on an assembly line basis. Did Einstein, Kazanga, or Sitar of Vulcan produce new and revolutionary theories on a regular schedule? You can't simply say, today I will be brilliant.

When Captain Kirk and the crew are sent to evaluate a supercomputer that could make their jobs redundant, he quickly sees the flaw in the plan. A computer may be able to react faster than a person, but it can never invent or show discretion.

It can never create or devise a plan that isn't preprogrammed, leaving it open to failure by a lack of improvisation. As Kirk sees it, all great things are created by those who think beyond what is and see what may be. It is the living being who can do this and no computer, no matter how great, will be able to replicate that.

RELATED: Star Trek Fleet Command Celebrates 5 Years With an In-Game Special Event

8 "We're Human, And ... That Best Explains Us."

We prefer to help ourselves. We make mistakes, but we're human, and maybe that's the word that best explains us.

Star Trek captures the strength of the human race better than most other shows. As Kirk says, we make mistakes, but we don't just lay down and give up. We move forward even as we stumble, working to make things better. To make ourselves better, and in turn, make the world better.

Captain Kirk is no stranger to making mistakes, but he knows that each mistake must be learned from, and what was learned must be used to make improvements, all so new mistakes can be made, and new lessons learned.

7 "How We Deal With Life"

How we deal with death is at least as important as how we deal with life.

As the captain of the Enterprise, Kirk knows that he, and any other captain that is to follow him, will be forced to make life and death decisions on a regular basis. In his time, Kirk has seen more death than he would have preferred, and many of those deaths he holds himself responsible for. Still, Kirk knows that he can not let those deaths keep him from moving forward. He knows that if he and his crew were to give in, all those who died for them would have died in vain.

6 "That's What I Was Born Into"

Better to die saving lives... than to live with taking them. That's what I was born into.

This moment from Star Trek: Beyond was something of a full-circle moment for the Kelvin Timeline Captain Kirk. His father died saving his life and the lives of an entire starship crew. When facing off with Balthazar M. Edison, who was trying to destory a massive starbase, he truly became the kind of hero his father was.

Star Trek is about hope and optimism. The big-budget blockbuster needs of the 21st Century movies may have gotten in the way of that message, but in Star Trek: Beyond the audience finally gets to hear a Jim Kirk who sounds familiar.

5 "Sometimes You Can't Avoid a Fight"

Did it ever occur to you that sometimes you can't avoid a fight?

The Season 1 finale of Strange New Worlds was a time-travel adventure showcasing what would happen if Captain Pike stayed on the USS Enterprise. In trying to avoid a fight with the Romulan Star Empire, he ended up starting a devastating war.

This message from Kirk, played by Paul Wesley, shows that even the Prime Timeline version of the character knows when to seek peace and when to give villains the fight they are looking for. It's better to face an enemy than to leave them to harm others because one didn't.

RELATED: Why This Redshirt Was Fine and the Redshirt Myth Is a Lie

4 “I Don't Believe In The No-Win Scenario.”

I don't believe in the no-win scenario.... I don't like to lose.

One of the best movies in the long-running franchise, 1982's Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan introduced a number of oft-repeated quotes and inspired an altered take on the story in the modern reboot franchise. Kirk's ability to see every angle and find a way to win against all odds was best displayed by his quote about no-win scenarios, as well as the reveal that he was able to beat the training exercise known as the Kobayashi Maru – which was designed to be unbeatable in order to make cadets face their potential death in service to the Federation..

3 "You Can Let Death Win, Or You Can Fight Back"

Our job puts up against death more than is fair, and we may not like it, but we do have to face it. And right now, death is winning. It claimed your family. It claimed your friend. It convinced you to forget them because it is less painful than holding onto their memories. Now you can you let death win, or you can fight back. Hold onto them.

Another Season 2 episode of Strange New Worlds featured an adventure with James T. Kirk and Nyota Uhura , where the latter was experience visions and mental distress. He was the first person to believe what was happening to her was real.

When Uhura began to lose hope, because of the loss of her family a few years earlier, Kirk inspires her the way only the future captain could. Echoing Shatner's "I need my pain," line, he tells her that the memories of those we've lost are not burdens but blessings.

2 "Khaaaaaan!"

Khan, you have Genesis, but you don't have me! You were going to kill me, Khan, it was your sole purpose. You'll have to come down here to do it!

While it isn't the longest or most profound line that Captain Kirk ever delivered, his scream of rage and frustration in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is easily one of the character's most quoted and spoofed lines from Star Trek .

The line comes after Khan successfully takes the Genesis Device while also stranding Kirk and his crew inside a planetoid as revenge for Kirk doing the same to Khan and his crew. Kirk's protest is filled with such raw emotion that it quickly became one of the most memorable scenes from the Star Trek movie franchise and was even reimagined for the reboot trilogy.

1 "To Boldly Go"

This is the final cruise of the Starship Enterprise under my command. This ship and her history will shortly become the care of another crew. To them and their posterity will we commit our future. They will continue the voyages we have begun, and journey to all the undiscovered countries, boldly going where no man... where no one has gone before.

These words have been said by many a Star Trek captain, but Captain Kirk was the first. And while the exact words have changed over the years to be more inclusive, what Kirk said in the opening of every episode of Star Trek over fifty years ago still captures the hearts, minds, and imaginations of millions today.

The idea that humanity will one day travel among the stars, discovering new life and new civilizations, boldly going where no one has gone before is a concept that fills the world with the hope of a better tomorrow. The kind of tomorrow that Captain Kirk was a part of. The final time he said these words, in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country he changed things around, ditching both the gendered language and the idea that the Enterprise crew was Starfleet's only explorers.

36 Iconic Captain Kirk Quotes For Star Trek Fans

Famous Captain Kirk Quotes from Star Trek

Funny captain kirk quotes.

James T Kirk is one of the most iconic characters from the 'Star Trek' media franchise, he first appeared in 'Star Trek: The Original Series', serving as captain of USS Enterprise.

He leads his team on a mission to explore new worlds and planets as he says, "boldly go where no man has gone before." He leads his team from the front and sometimes takes risks to get what he set out for.

Captain James T Kirk and 'Star Trek' became a cultural phenomenon through the decades. It inspired many fans to create spin-offs too.

The 'Star Trek' franchise and the series, movies, several spins off, and animated series have a cult following. When the original Captain James T Kirk breathes his last, he says, “Oh my,” an expression which says how he feels about passing away from this world to another.

After William Shatner, the role was recently reprised by Chris Pine from 2009 to the present. Pine’s portrayal could be seen as a bit reckless, but he is a go-getter and plays the role with aplomb.

If you like this article of Captain Kirk quotes, you could also read Captain Picard quotes and Spock quotes .   

When he talks about getting into the Warp speed, Captain James T Kirk sometimes said, "Ahead warp factor one". Many such Captain James T Kirk quotes are spread across the Star Trek Franchise and have become a part of the people’s everyday language.

Let’s read some of the best Captain Kirk quotes to Scotty and some other 'Star Trek' quotes.

1. “How we deal with death is at least as important as how we deal with life.”

- Captain James T Kirk.

2. “They used to say that if man was meant to fly, he’d have wings. But he did fly. He discovered he had to.”

3. “Genius doesn’t work on an assembly line basis.”

4. “Without freedom of choice there is no creativity. The body dies.”

5. “You know the greatest danger facing us is ourselves, an irrational fear of the unknown. But there’s no such thing as the unknown — only things temporarily hidden, temporarily not understood.”

6. “Intuition, however illogical, Mr. Spock, is recognized as a command prerogative.”

7. “We’re human beings with the blood of a million savage years on our hands! But we can stop it. 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!”

8. “It’s a mystery. And I don’t like mysteries. They give me a bellyache, and I got a beauty right now.”

- Star Trek, Season One: The Man Trap.

9. Captain James T. Kirk: “You suspect some danger?”

Mr. Spock: “Insufficient facts always invites danger, Captain.”

Captain James T. Kirk: “Well, I’d better get some facts.”

- Star Trek, Season One: Space Seed.

10. Capt. Kirk: “Bones, you ever hear of a doomsday machine?”

Dr. McCoy: “No, I’m a doctor, not a mechanic.”

- Star Trek, Season Two: The Apple.

11. James T Kirk: “If Spock were here and I were there... what would he do?”

McCoy: “He’d let you die.”

- 'Star Trek'.

12. “Let me explain what’s happening here. You are a criminal. I watched you murder innocent men and women. I was authorised to end you, and the only reason why you are still alive is because I am allowing it...So shut your mouth!”

13. “There will always be those who mean to do us harm. To stop them, we risk awakening the same evil within ourselves. Our first instinct is to seek revenge when those we love are taken from us. But that’s not who we are."

14. "We are here today to re-christen the USS Enterprise and to honour those who lost their lives nearly one year ago. When Christopher Pike first gave me his ship, he had me recite the Captain’s Oath.

Words I didn’t appreciate at the time. Now I see them as a call for us to remember who we once were and who we must be again. And those words?

Space... the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise, her five-year mission to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilisations. To boldly go where no one has gone before.”

15. James T Kirk: “Vice Admirals don’t fly, do they?”

Commodore Paris: “No. They don’t.”

James T Kirk: “No offence Ma’am, but... where’s the fun in that?”

16. “Conquest is easy. Control is not.”

17. “Love sometimes expresses itself in sacrifice.”

18. “There’s another way to survive — mutual trust and help.”

19. “I haven’t faced death. I’ve cheated death. I’ve tricked my way out of death and patted myself on the back for my ingenuity; I know nothing.”

 - 'Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan '.

20. “... the prejudices people feel about each other disappear when they get to know each other.”

- 'Elaan Of Troyius'.

21. “Perhaps man wasn’t meant for paradise. Maybe he was meant to claw, to scratch all the way.”

- 'This Side Of Paradise'.

22. “Leave bigotry in your quarters; there’s no room for it on the bridge.”

-  'Balance of Terror'.

23. “Our species can only survive if we have obstacles to overcome. You remove those obstacles. Without them to strengthen us, we will weaken and die.”  

24. “What is a man but that lofty spirit, that sense of enterprise, that devotion for something that cannot be sensed, cannot be realized but only dreamed, the highest reality?”

25. “We prefer to help ourselves. We make mistakes, but we’re human–and maybe that’s the word that best explains us.”

26. “One of the advantages of being a captain, Doctor, is being able to ask for advice without necessarily having to take it.”

There are many discussions about Captain Kirk’s leadership style. It is said that Captain James T Kirk was a hands-on leader who made sure his team was safe and always won against the bad guys.

He understood how to lead by example. In a spin of the series 'Star Trek: The Next Generation', Jean Luc Picard was the USS Enterprise captain from 1987. Let’s read some more quotes by Captain Kirk.

27. “Risk is our business. That’s what this starship is all about. That’s why we’re aboard her.” - Captain James T Kirk.

28. “All I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by. You could feel the wind at your back in those days. The sounds of the sea beneath you, and even if you take away the wind and the water it’s still the same.

The ship is yours. You can feel her. And the stars are still there, Bones.”

29. “Worlds may change, galaxies disintegrate, but a woman always remains a woman.”

30. “I don’t believe in no-win scenarios.”

31. “The odds are against us and the situation is grim.”

32. “A meeting is an event where minutes are taken and hours wasted.”

33. Mirror Spock: “One man cannot summon the future.”

Captain James T. Kirk: “But one man can change the present.”

34. “We’re a most promising species, Mr. Spock, as predators go. Did you know that?

I don’t. Not anymore. And maybe in a thousand years or so, we’ll be able to prove it.”

35. “I have to take him back inside myself. I can’t survive without him. I don’t want to take him back. He’s like an animal. a thoughtless, brutal animal. And yet it’s me. Me!”

36. Captain James T. Kirk: “You’d make a splendid computer, Mr. Spock.”

Spock: [taken aback] “That is very kind of you, Captain!”

Here at Kidadl , we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for [Captain Kirk quotes for Star Trek Fans], then why not take a look at Battlestar Galactica quotes or [ Babylon 5 quotes ].

main image credit: berni0004 / Shutterstock.com second image credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

We Want Your Photos!

More for you, 22 best 2001: a space odyssey quotes, 80+ john williams quotes.

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English and Drama, Master of Arts specializing in Performance: Design and Practice

Luca Demetriou Bachelor of Arts specializing in English and Drama, Master of Arts specializing in Performance: Design and Practice

Experienced in writing and sub-editing, Luca holds a Bachelor's in English Literature and Drama from the University of Birmingham, where he served as the culture editor at Redbrick Paper. He is currently pursuing a Master's in Performance: Design and Practice at the University of the Arts in London, showcasing his passion for the arts, performance, and history. With a keen interest in traveling, Luca enjoys exploring new cultures and experiencing diverse perspectives.

1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.

2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.

3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.

google form TBD

Giant Freakin Robot

Star Trek Icon Helped Name His Famous Character

Posted: May 2, 2024 | Last updated: May 2, 2024

While even the biggest franchise fans don’t stop to think about it very often, one of the coolest parts of Star Trek is the iconic names of our favorite characters. The name “James T. Kirk” sounds like it belongs to a man of action, just like “Spock” is a perfectly simple name for a perfectly complex character. While Gene Roddenberry was responsible for naming most of those early Trek characters, it turns out that James Doohan was personally responsible for naming Scotty “Montgomery Scott” as a tribute to his grandfather.

James Doohan Named Scotty

For casual fans, or perhaps just those who haven’t watched much of The Original Series, the full name of this character might come as a surprise. “Scotty” is actually a nickname for the character who otherwise has a full name like everyone else not named Spock or Uhura (whose full name was not uttered onscreen until the 2009 Star Trek reboot). James Doohan helped give “Scotty” a proper name, and he did so because he wanted to honor James Montgomery, his maternal grandfather.

Amazingly, Doohan Is Not Scottish

At this point, you probably have a pretty obvious question: if James Doohan wanted to honor a man named “James Montgomery,” then where did the Scotty part come from? When the actor first read lines for The Original Series episode “Where No Man Has Gone Before,” his chief engineer character didn’t even have a name. Doohan is great at accents (if you don’t already know, the actor is from Canada, not Scotland), and he read lines with a variety of different accents, including Italian and German.

Paying Tribute To Family

You’ve probably figured this out, but one of the accents he tried was Scottish, and that’s the one that stuck. The final accent was the actor’s choice, and he used this particular voice because the Scottish are world-renowned engineers. Therefore, while James Doohan’s character was nicknamed “Scotty,” Montgomery Scott’s full name simultaneously paid tribute to the actor’s grandfather (a name shared by James Montgomery Doohan) and the character’s Scottish origin.  

Spock And Montomgery Scott

Next time you watch an episode of Star Trek: The Original Series, you should pay attention to who doesn’t call James Doohan’s character “Scotty.” This nickname was used by almost all of his fellow crew except for the Vulcan Spock, who invariably referred to the engineer by his proper name, Montgomery Scott. It’s a really great character detail for the alien, showcasing both his unfamiliarity with human nicknames and his formal bearing amid the highly emotional crew.

Doohan Helped Shape Early Star Trek

In addition to James Doohan’s Scottish accent helping create Scotty’s real name, his skill at accents also shaped Star Trek history in other ways. For example, he created the first words of the Klingon language (this was back before Marc Okrand greatly expanded the language of Trek’s most famous race). Doohan also helped to develop the Vulcan language…not bad for an actor that Gene Roddenberry originally tried to get fired after Star Trek’s second pilot episode.

A Behind The Scenes Miracle Worker

Learning more about how James Doohan shaped Scotty and other iconic parts of the franchise is a great reminder of how indispensable he truly was. Like Captain Kirk, Gene Roddenberry was the steady commander of the world’s most influential science fiction series in those early days. But Doohan should get full credit for fleshing out this strange new world, serving as a “miracle worker” on and off the screen. 

More for You

I was fired from a new job in less than a week after I started. It taught me not every opportunity is a good opportunity.

Average US annual salary by age revealed – see how you compare

18 Most Common Reasons Women Leave Their Marriages

The 11 Rudest Things You Can Do In Someone Else’s House, According To Etiquette Experts

18 ‘Normal’ Things From the ’80s and ’90s That Are Considered Luxuries Now

Richard Branson says it’s ‘very sad’ when people measure wealth as success and finds being called a billionaire ‘insulting’

Do I have to pay off my spouse's debts when they die? Here's what you're responsible for and what you aren't after a loved one's death

Here’s What the US Minimum Wage Was the Year You Were Born

15 Traits Of An Alpha Female

A woman said her tattoos got her rejected for a job, but experts say personality is far more important

I Cut My Food Expenses In Half Using The Viral "6-To-1" Grocery Method — Here's How

How Much Beer You'd Have To Drink To Equal A Single Shot Of Liquor

Here's Your Best Look Yet At The Facelifted 992.2 Porsche 911

In Memoriam: Cloris Leachman's Best Roles

North Korea Threat Sparks Terror Alert

Employers Are Avoiding Hiring Gen Z Workers- Here's Why

34 Things Non-Americans Think Are "Myths" About Americans, But I'm Sorry, They're All True

I'm an interior designer. Here are 10 things in your living room you should get rid of.

I’m a Bank Teller: 3 Times You Should Never Ask For $100 Bills at the Bank

Marriage counsellor shares one sign your relationship is really over