James T. Kirk quotes from Star Trek: The Original Series

Before long we'll be where it would have taken mankind millions of years of learning to reach.

Kirk

And what will Mitchell learn in getting there? Will he know what to do with his power? Will he acquire the wisdom?

Please go back while you still can.

Kirk

Did you hear him joke about compassion? Above all else a "god" needs compassion! Mitchell!

Kirk

He didn't ask for what happened to him.

Spock

I felt for him, too.

Kirk

I believe there's some hope for you after all, Mr. Spock.

Spock

Our spectro-readings showed no contamination, no unusual elements present.

Scotty

At least none your tricorders could register.

Spock

Instruments register only those things they're designed to register. Space still contains infinite unknowns.

McCoy

We're doing everything that's possible!

Kirk

Bones, I want the impossible checked out too!

Uhura

[over the intercom] Entering planet's outer atmosphere, sir.

Scotty

Captain!

Kirk

What is it?

Scotty

He's turned the engines off. They're completely cold. It'll take 30 minutes to regenerate them.

Uhura

[over the intercom] Entering planet's outer atmosphere, sir. Ship's outer skin is beginning to heat, Captain. Orbit plot shows we have about 8 minutes left.

Kirk

Scotty!

Scotty

I canna change the laws of physics! I've got to have 30 minutes!

Kirk

Computer, go to sensor probe. Any unusual readings?

No decipherable reading on females. However, unusual reading on male board members. Detecting high respiration patterns, perspiration rates up, heartbeat rapid, blood pressure higher than normal.

Kirk

Uh, that's sufficient. Strike that from the record, Mr. Spock.

You're a hard-nosed one, Captain.

Kirk

And you're a liar. I think we both understand each other.

Kirk

There's only one kind of woman...

Or man, for that matter.

Kirk

You either believe in yourself or you don't.

Don't you think you could possibly, by accident, arrange to leave me behind here? On this planet, that would be punishment enough.

Kirk

I can't do that, Harry, but I will appear as a character witness at your trial ... if you think that'll help.

They'll throw away the key.

Can you imagine how life could be improved if we could do away with jealousy, greed, hate? ...

Kirk

It can also be improved by eliminating love, tenderness, sentiment — the other side of the coin, Doctor.

Can you understand what I’m offering mankind?

Kirk

Programming. Different word, but the same old promises made by Genghis Khan, Julius Caesar, Hitler, Ferris, Maltuvis.

Kirk

No blah, blah, blah!

Boom! Bonk bonk on the head!

Spock

The older the victim, the more rapid the progress of the disease.

Kirk

And you? The disease doesn't seem to be interested.

Spock

I am a carrier. Whatever happens, I can't go back to the ship. And I do want to go back to the ship, Captain.

Kirk

Of course, Mr. Spock.

Kirk

What did you say your name was?

My name? My name is--aah! [struggling] Simon... Van Gelder! I was the director of-- director-- at the Tantalus colony. I was a graduate of...of...I was assistant to...Doctor...Doc--ah! [Sobbing] I knew... I knew. But they've erased it.

McCoy

Erased?

Edited... adjusted... subverted me! But I won't forget! I won't forget!

Spock

Has it occurred to you that there's a certain... inefficiency in constantly questioning me on things you've already made up your mind about?

Kirk

It gives me emotional security.

Kirk

What's the matter with them out there? They must know we mean them no harm.

Spock

They're certainly aware by now that we're totally incapable of it.

Kirk

There must be something to do, something I've overlooked.

Spock

In chess, when one is outmatched, the game is over: checkmate.

Kirk

Is that your best recommendation?

Spock

I'm s... [straightening himself] I regret that I can find no other logical alternative.