Jean-Luc Picard quotes from Star Trek: The Next Generation

Jean-Luc Picard

It's ironic, isn't it? All this magnificent technology, and we still find ourselves susceptible to the ravages of old age. The loss of dignity, the slow betrayal of our bodies by forces we cannot master...Do you still want to be one of us, Data?

Data

Sir, it is conceivable -- even for me -- that time will eventually lead to irreparable circuit failure. What I cannot comprehend is this...Sarek hails from a race which prides itself on logic. The effect of Bendii Syndrome are evident. Why would such a man choose to ignore them?

Picard

Logic fails all of us sometimes, Data; I think this is one of those times. Sarek cannot see, or chooses not to see, the truth...and he's being insulated against the truth by those who love him most.

I will take my leave of you now, Captain. I do not think we shall meet again.

Jean-Luc Picard

I hope you are wrong, Ambassador.

[referring to their mind-meld] We shall always retain the best part of the other... inside us.

Jean-Luc Picard

I believe I have the better part of that bargain, Ambassador. [raises his hand in the Vulcan salute] Peace and long life.

[returns the salute] Live long and prosper.

My people are about to embark on a new realm, a new plane of existence, thanks to you.

Picard

It is our mission to seek out life, in all forms. We are privileged to have been present at the emergence of a new species.

Picard

It's something of a tradition, Guinan - Captain touring the ship before a battle.

Guinan

Hmm. Before a hopeless battle, if I remember the tradition correctly.

Picard

Not necessarily. Nelson toured the HMS Victory before Trafalgar.

Guinan

Yes, but Nelson never returned from Trafalgar, did he?

Picard

No, but the battle was won.

Picard

I wonder if the Emperor Honorius watching the Visigoths coming over the seventh hill could truly realize that the Roman Empire was about to fall. This is really just another page of history, isn't it? Will this be the end of our civilization? Turn the page.

Guinan

(gently) This isn't the end.

Picard

You say that with remarkable assuredness.

Guinan

With experience. When the Borg destroyed my world, my people were scattered throughout the Universe. We survived. As will humanity survive. As long as there's a handful of you to keep the spirit alive, you will prevail...even if it takes a millennium.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard. You lead the strongest ship of the Federation Starfleet. You speak for your people.

Picard

I have nothing to say to you. And I will resist you with my last ounce of strength!

Strength is irrelevant. Resistance is futile. We wish to improve ourselves. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service ours.

Picard

Impossible! My culture is based on freedom and self-determination!

Freedom is irrelevant. Self-determination is irrelevant. You must comply.

Picard

We would rather die.

Death is irrelevant. Your archaic cultures are authority driven. To facilitate our introduction into your societies, it has been decided that a human voice will speak for us in all communications. You have been chosen to be that voice.

Troi

How do you feel?

Picard

Almost human...with just a bit of a headache.

Riker

How much do you remember?

You know, you don't seem so arro... arro... Y'know!

Jean-Luc Picard

Arrogant?

Yes! Arrogant! You don't seem that way to me. What does it mean, anyway? Arrogant son-of-a--

Jean-Luc Picard

Let's... talk about that later, shall we?

Never did I know anyone less interested in grapes than you, Jean-Luc!

Jean-Luc Picard

Oh, no, I was interested. And I was proud that my family were helping to preserve the traditions. I just didn't feel bound by those traditions.

You always reach for the future, and your brother for the past.

Jean-Luc Picard

There should be room for both in this life.

Robert Picard

Mind if I ask you a question? What the devil happened to you up there?

Jean-Luc Picard

Is this brotherly concern?

Robert Picard

No. Curiosity. What did they do to you?

Jean-Luc Picard

You know what happened.

Robert Picard

Not precisely. I gather you were hurt. Humiliated. I've always thought you needed a little humiliation. Or was it humility? Either would do.

Jean-Luc Picard

(crying) They took everything I was. They used me to kill and to destroy and I couldn't stop them. I should have been able to stop them. I tried. I tried so hard. But I wasn't strong enough. I wasn't good enough! I should have been able to stop them. I should... I should...

Robert Picard

So... my brother is a human being after all. This is going to be with you a long time, Jean-Luc. A long time. You have to learn to live with it. You have a simple choice now: Live with it below the sea with Louis or above the clouds with the Enterprise.

You're a fool, Picard. History will look at you and say, "This man was a fool."

Jean-Luc Picard

I'll accept the judgment of history.

Geordi La Forge

Captain, I wasn't expecting you here.

Jean-Luc Picard

Neither was I.

Jean-Luc Picard

Never mind, Mr. Worf, just have Commander Data fetch me in a shuttle. And have him bring a uniform.

Worf

Did you say... uniform?

Picard

The plan failed because clues were left behind that suggested a mystery. And, to many humans, a mystery is irresistible; it must be solved. The Doctor's incubation experiment, Worf's wrist, Troi's hallucinations. Little pieces of evidence that suggested even more clues — the clock, the transporter trace, Data's odd behavior. If we eliminate the clues and begin again…

Again?

Picard

Yes. Consider the first time a… a run-through. A rehearsal to shake out the flaws. The second time will succeed, if we leave no clues.

You are a most unusual species, worthy of a second chance. Proceed.