The quote “The Needs of the Many Outweigh the Needs of the Few” is the topic if this post and we’ll examine it a little further.

The Needs of the Many Outweigh the Needs of the Few

This quote is spoken by Spock, played of course by Leonard Nimoy in The Wrath of Khan. The full quote goes like this “Logic clearly dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.”

Many of us have thought about this quote and wondered if it’s great Vulcan logic, or if it makes no sense.

I’ve been thinking about this classic statement from an ethical perspective and now realize what Spock was doing is applying the method of ethical reasoning known as Utilitarianism. It is a logical approach that weighs the costs and benefits of alternative courses of action and leads the decision-maker to act in a way that maximizes the net benefits to the various stakeholders involved. In this case, Spock considered that to save the lives of his shipmates and the ship, he should sacrifice his own life. Humans might argue in rebuttal that Spock had an inalienable right to live and while dying for one’s cause might serve the greater good, it doesn’t justify sacrificing a life.

This  is from Ethics Sage.com. I’m not sure I agree.

I think this way. Much like the soldier that sacrifices on  the battlefield, Spock is simply fulfilling his duty as he sees it. In the heat of the battle, he takes emotion out of  the equation and decides the best course of action is to sacrifice himself, while saving everyone else.

So there you are, two different takes on this great Star Trek and Mr. Spock quote. Which one is right, we’ll let the reader decide.

As for Mr. Spock, I think he would simply reply “Fascinating”.

Just like the debate over original Star Trek and Next generation Star Trek. The debate will continue.

For my money, I think I’ll sit back, have a beer, and wonder about Spocks’ decision a bit more.

I’ll have to have a further post about Spock quotes.

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Here are some great Picard quotes from Jean Luc himself. Star Trek the Next Generation might have been the best of the Star Trek series. It was great because of Jean Luc (Patrick Stewart). he had a great support cast but Jean Luc was clearly the star of the show.

So, here’s a few interesting quotes from Star Trek.

First, for me is he great quote. “Engage”.

This might be one of the best sayings in the entire Star Trek series. It’s simple, and tells you a great deal at the same time. By the use of the simple phrase “engage” Captain Picard is letting everyone know that he is in charge of the ship.

Here’s the next one from the Captain of the StarShip Enterprise.

You cannot explain away a wantonly immoral act because you think that it is connected to some higher purpose.

Wow – this one kinda seems important now, in today’s environment. I think he is basically saying that the ends to not justify the means.

The acquisition of wealth is no longer the driving force of our lives. We work to better ourselves and the rest of humanity.

I don’t remember which episode this is from, but it’s great. Humans have moved past the idea that money is all powerful. We’re trying to improve humanity & ourselves – great stuff.

Things are only impossible until they are not

Jean luc is clearly a glass half full kinda guy. Every show they are trying to figure out an impossible situation – and ultimately they do figure it out.

The only person you’re truly competing against is yourself

This is true in the current time as well as in the future.

We have to end with the best Picard quote. His signature line of “Make it so”. He used this effortlessly to describe movements of the ship as well as movements of the crew.

So Thanks Jean Luc for the great quotes we’ve listed. It’s been a heck of a ride on the StarShip Enterprise.

So kick back, have a beer, and salute the Captain and the Crew.

Read more about Star Trek and John Luc – here.

Photo by James_Seattle

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