Doctor Soong and Data in “Unfinished Business”

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.