Doctor Soong quotes from Star Trek: The Next Generation

Why does a painter paint? Hmm? Why does a boxer box? You know what Michelangelo used to say? That the sculptures he made were already there before he started, hidden in the marble. All he needed to do was remove the unneeded bits. Wasn't quite that easy with you, Data. But the need to do it, my need to do it, was no different than Michelangelo's need.

For all these years, I've been plagued by what went wrong. With all of your complexities, Lore, your nuances, basic emotion seemed... almost simple, by comparison. But the emotion... turned, it twisted! Became entangled with ambition.

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.

Often-Wrong's got a broken heart. Can't even tell his boys apart.

Lore!

Well, well, well, well, well. You're not as feeble as I thought you were.

This won't work. Those circuts, they weren't designed for you. Where's Data?

"Where's Data?" You didn't fill Data with substandard parts, did you, old man? No. That honor was bestowed upon me. You owe me, old man. Not him. Me.

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.