Data quotes from Star Trek: The Next Generation

Data

Hm. Ensign Williams' striking style is heavily influenced by geometric constructivism. Lt. Wright has effectively fused the incongruities of the surrealists with the irrationality of Dadaism. [Data proceeds to Picard's painting.] Interesting.

Picard

Oh! Thank you. In what way?

Data

While suggesting the free treatment of form usually attributed to Fauvism, this quite inappropriately attempts to juxtapose the disparate cubistic styles of Picasso and Leger. In addition, the use of colour suggests a haphazard mélange of clashing styles. Furthermore, the unsettling overtones of proto-Vulcan influences--

Picard

Thank you, Mister Data.

Data

You are welcome, sir. If I can be of further assistance--

Picard

No! Thank you.

Data

Doctor? I require your advice as a successful parent.

Well, thank you, Data. I'd like to think I was. Well, please sit down. How's Lal?

Data

Lal is realizing she is not the same as other children.

Is it lonely for her?

Data

She does not feel the emotion of loneliness, but she can observe how isolated she is from the others. She wishes to be more like them. I do not know how to help her. Lal is passing into sentience. It is perhaps the most difficult stage of her development.

When Wesley was growing up, he was an extraordinarily bright boy, but he had a hard time making friends. I think the other children were a little intimidated by him.

Data

That is precisely what happened to Lal in school. How did you help him?

Well, first I went back to my own childhood and remembered how painful it was for me. Because I remember a time when I wasn't very popular either. And when I told that to Wesley, it made him feel a little better. He knew I understood what he was going through.

Data

I have not told Lal how difficult it was for me to assimilate. I did not wish it to discourage her. Perhaps this was an error of judgement.

You didn't have anyone experienced to help you through sentience. She at least has you. Just help her realise that she's not alone, and be there to nurture her when she needs love and attention.

Data

I can give her attention, Doctor. But I am incapable of giving her love. (Data leaves)

Data

Then he is questioning my ability as a parent.

Jean-Luc Picard

In a manner of speaking.

Data

Does the Admiral have children, sir?

Jean-Luc Picard

Yes, I believe he does, Data. Why?

Data

I am forced to wonder how much experience he had as a parent when his first child was born.

I watch them and I can do the things they do but I will never feel the emotions. I'll never know love.

Data

It is a limitation we must learn to accept, Lal.

Then why do you still try to emulate humans? What purpose does it serve except to remind you that you are incomplete?

Data

I have asked myself that many times as I have struggled to be more human - until I realised it is the struggle itself that is most important. We must strive to be more than we are, Lal. It does not matter that we will never reach our ultimate goal. The effort yields its own rewards.

You are wise, Father.

Data

It is the difference between knowledge and experience.

I learned today that humans like to hold hands. It is a symbolic gesture of affection.

I love you, father.

Data

I wish I could feel it with you.

Then I will feel it for both of us.

That's all you have to do, go ahead. Fire. If only you could feel rage over Varria's death. If only you could feel a need for revenge, then maybe you could fire. But you're just an android. You can't feel anything, can you? It's just another interesting intellectual puzzle for you, another of life's curiosities.

Data

[to himself] I cannot permit this to continue.

Data

[handing his weapon to Riker] A Varon-T disruptor. It belongs to Fajo.

Riker

Mr O'Brien says the weapon was in a state of discharge.

Data

Perhaps something occurred during transport, Commander.

Data

You have lost everything you value.

It must give you great pleasure.

Data

No, sir, it does not. I do not feel pleasure. I am only an android.

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.

Data

Early bird gets the worm? I believe Commander Shelby erred. There is no evidence of avian or crawling vermicular lifeforms on Jouret IV.

Geordi

That's not what she meant, Data. But you are right. She erred.

Data

(using Picard's voice) Computer: establish a security code for access to all functions previously transferred to bridge.

Enter code.

Data

One, seven, three, four, six, seven, three, two, one, four, seven, six, Charlie, three, two, seven, eight, nine, seven, seven, seven, six, four, three, Tango, seven, three, two, Victor, seven, three, one, one, seven, eight, eight, eight, seven, three, two, four, seven, six, seven, eight, nine, seven, six, four, three, seven, six. Lock.

Security code intact for all specified inqueiries and orders.

Data

Computer: initiate cascading sequence, accepting instructions from Commander Data en route. [Data enters the turbolift] Now.

Now, let me ask you a question. Why are humans so fascinated with old things?

Data

Old things?

Old buildings, churches, walls, ancient things, antique things... tables, clocks, knick knacks... Why?

Data

There are many possible explanations.

If you brought a Noophian to Earth he'd look around and say, "Tear that old village down. It's hanging in rags. Build me something new, something efficient." But to a human, that ancient wall, that old house, is a shrine, something to cherish.... Again I ask you, why?

Data

Perhaps, for humans, old things represent a tie to the past.

And what's so important about the past? People needed money, they got sick. Why tie yourself to that?

Data

Humans are mortal. They seem to need a sense of continuity.

Aha! Why?

Data

To give their lives meaning... A sense of purpose.

And does this continuity only run one way, back into the past?

Data

I suppose it is a factor in the human desire to procreate.

So you believe that having children gives humans a sense of immortality, do you?

Data

It is a reasonable explanation to your query, sir.

And perhaps to yours, as well, Data.

Lore, wait! There are questions I can answer! You'll have no chance to ask them later; you see, I'm dying!

I'm… I'm dying.

Data

Dying from what, sir?

Wait a minute. Wait a minute, what… What do you mean you're dying? You look fine! You're not that old, you… You look fine! What is this, some kind of trick?

I wish I were.

Everybody dies, Data. Eh, well... almost everybody.

Data

Do you believe that we are, in some way, alike, sir?

In many ways, I'd like to believe.

Data

Then it is alright for you to die, because I will remain alive. You know that I cannot grieve for you, sir.

You will, in your own way. Goodbye... Goodbye, Data.

Data

Goodbye, father.

Data

[To Ishara Yar, on friendship] As I experience certain sensory input patterns, my mental pathways become accustomed to them. The inputs eventually are anticipated. And even missed when absent.

You mean, you can become "used" to someone.

Data

Exactly.