As the intrepid and highly logical first officer of the U.S.S. Enterprise, Spock is one of the most iconic characters in science-fiction history. With his trademark pointed ears and Vulcan love of logic, Spock was the perfect foil for the more emotionally-driven Captain Kirk on Star Trek: The Original Series.
The more fans came to know the green-blooded first officer, the more they came to love his unique take on things. Never one to shy away from a good quote, Spock often reminded those around him that their actions were highly illogical.
Irritating People
"May I Say That I Have Not Thoroughly Enjoyed Serving With Humans? I Find Their Illogic And Foolish Emotions A Constant Irritant."
Though crews eventually got more diverse as the franchise went on, for a time, Spock was the only Vulcan aboard the Enterprise. Therefore, the sole Vulcan had to deal with the full brunt of what he perceived to be humanity's weakest aspects.
He would eventually soften to man and their displays of emotion over time, but in the episode "Day of the Dove", Spock couldn't help but unleash all of his thoughts on humans. The most humorous thing about Spock's quote is that he is entirely correct, humans are illogical and emotional creatures, but that isn't necessarily a weakness.
Pain Don't Hurt
"Humans Do Have An Amazing Capacity For Believing What They Choose And Excluding That Which Is Painful."
While Spock often avoided emotions, in the infinitely re-watchable episode "And the Children Shall Lead", he actually uses the children's emotions to save the day. Despite using it as a tool, Spock still has his doubts about the validity of human emotion, especially in the context of selective memory.
Ironically, much of the Vulcan mind training involves suppression of emotion which is very similar to the human desire to avoid painful subjects. Unlike humans though, Vulcans decide to cut any and all emotion out, as opposed to just the bad ones.
A Vulcan Insult
"If I Were Human, I Believe My Response Would Be 'Go To Hell'...If I Were Human."
In one of Spock's most hilarious out-of-context quotes, he brushes off a bit of the human vernacular that he picked up while exploring Earth. Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country was the last go-around for the original crew, and the film was as hilarious as it was entertaining.
Showing that he has warmed somewhat to humanity, Spock lets the crew know exactly what he feels about their pursuers, even if it's out-of-character for him. Clearly the quote satisfied Spock's logic, and it shows that his time with humans wasn't entirely wasted.
Beauty And The Vulcan
"There Is No Reason That Function Should Not Be Beautiful. In Fact, Beauty Usually Makes It More Effective."
Occasionally, the Vulcan desire for pure logic can actually lead to a beautiful result. While they are generally perceived as a cold, unfeeling people, the Vulcans aren't without their own views on art, and they have a rich culture.
By tying their society so deeply with functionality, the Vulcans succeeded at melding beauty with practicality and even strive to find beauty in usefulness. Though they are not swayed by emotions, Spock still understands the importance of aesthetics in all things.
The Beginning And The End
"Logic Is The Beginning Of Wisdom...Not The End."
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country gave Spock the opportunity to apply his superior Vulcan logic and intellect to a seemingly unsolvable whodunnit. With Kirk and Bone's lives on the line, Spock admits that the Vulcan logic has its limitations when it comes to problem solving.
Seemingly advocating for creativity, Spock channels his best Sherlock Holmes, and is willing to see beyond the constraints of his pure logic. Eventually, Spock is able to overcome the challenge through a combination of logic and creative thinking.
Objection!
"I Object To You. I Object To Intellect Without Discipline. I Object To Power Without Constructive Purpose."
Their many adventures aboard the Starship Enterprise has put the crew in contact with many strange alien species, including those that would be considered omnipotent. "Squire of Gothos" found the crew trapped by an omnipotent alien, and yet they used their cunning to overcome him.
Despite Trelane's seeming invincibility, Spock refused to accept his superiority. As a Vulcan, Spock could not allow a power such as Trelane's to be wielded without a constraining logic to keep it in check. In the quote, Spock shows off a Vulcan trait that is often overlooked, his bravery.
The Violence Of Man
"You Earth Men Have Glorified Violence For Forty Centuries, But You Imprison Those Who Employ It Privately."
Making a shocking statement about the prison system, the episode "Dagger of the Mind" sees the crew encounter a penal colony that wipes its prisoner's minds. Unable to comprehend the human capacity for violence, Spock unleashes a scathing critique of mankind.
Ever the one to focus on logic, Spock points out how illogical it is to use violence to punish those that are violent. Having moved past that part of their evolution, the Vulcan's abhor violence of any kind, and are not afraid to speak out against it.
Friendship Is Forever
"I Have Been, And Always Shall Be, Your Friend."
Coming as one of the most memorable quotes from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Spock perfectly summarizes his relationship with James Kirk. Though he was a subordinate when serving on the Enterprise, it is not lost on Spock that they were more than colleagues.
The heartbreaking moment from the film is capped off by Spock, in a rare moment of near-emotion, saying goodbye to his greatest friend. Also, the quote stands as a reminder that, though someone may pass on, they always remain in the hearts of those that loved them.
Never Stop Striving
"It Is The Lot Of 'Man' To Strive No Mater How Content He Is."
Even though he is a beloved character, Spock ultimate purpose is to act as a mirror for the human characters in the franchise. Spock's observations about humanity are meant to inform the viewer a little about themselves, and have them question what it means to be human.
Though the quote is neither a positive or negative, it can be taken as a compliment for mankind. Seen through the lens of his captain, Spock views humanity based on the fact that they are never content with anything, and constantly need to search for more fulfillment from the universe.
Meeting Needs
"The Needs Of The Many Outweigh The Needs Of The Few, Or The One."
Spock's sacrifice at the end of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is an act of pure logic from a being that honors that above all else. While any other character would shy away from such obvious self-destruction, Spock viewed his act as the only logical thing to do considering the situation.
The quote summarizes Spock's act later in the film and was meant as a lesson for Kirk, who he knew would undoubtably try to stop him. Though they are the best of friends, Spock and Kirk are polar opposites, and while Kirk can never accept a no-win situation, Spock sees his choice as a winning situation for the crew at large.