He’s only half human but Mr. Spock still rates a farewell of honour on Life As A Human. As Captain Kirk’s half-Vulcan, half-human science officer aboard the Starship Enterprise in the original Star Trek series, Spock’s logic served as the perfect foil to the hotheaded emotionalism of Kirk, Bones and Scottie — the humans.
At 79 years old, Spock’s real-life human host Leonard Nimoy is tucking in his pointed ears. After 60 years in the biz, he’s earned his right to embrace other aspects of life. Fortunately, Star Trek fans got to spend time with Spock in last year’s J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek film remake.
Spock (Starfleet service number S179-276) was the child of Sarek, a Vulcan diplomat, and Amanda Grayson, a human schoolteacher. Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, in his TV show pitch for Star Trek, first described Spock as “probably half Martian” with a “slightly reddish complexion and semi-pointed ears”.
Apparently, writer Samuel Anthony Peeples told Roddenberry that Spock seemed too alien. He recommended making him half-human so he could reflect more believably upon the human condition.
Over the years, Spock has been a favourite of Trekkies everywhere. There is even an online church devoted to Spock, The Church of Spock of Latter Day Science Officers.
But some of his most devoted fans are in the town of Vulcan, Alberta in Canada (pop.2000). Today, Spock finally visited Vulcan.
“I have been a Vulcan for 44 years — I figured it was time I came home,” he told the cheering crowd. As a farewell to Vulcan fans, he gave the Vulcan salute and said, “May each and every one of you live long and prosper.”
In honour of Mr. Spock, here are some of my fave Spock quotes:
“It is curious how often you humans manage to obtain that which you do not want.”
“After a time, you may find that having is not so pleasing a thing, after all, as wanting. It is not logical, but it is often true.”
“Judging by the pollution content of the atmosphere, I believe we have arrived at the late twentieth century.”
“If I were human, I believe my response would be: ‘go to hell’. If I were human.”
Photo Credits
“Spock” and “Spock and McCoy” courtesy of CBC Studios
George Burden says
George says:
William Shatner our Governor General? Awesome. I was a Trekkie from day one (betraying my age here) and have adored the show and its spin-offs ever since. It could be a little confusing to the Americans, though, having Captain Kirk as the Queens Representative in Canada.
Kerry Slavens says
I agree George, but Shatner as Gov General could be the first step toward uniting Earth under one banner (instead of separate countries) just in case the Klingons invade.
I think we should start a real campaign: Shatner for Governor General of Canada (and hope he’s more like Capt. Kirk than Denny Crane).
nathan says
Peace out Mr. Spock. Have a nice retirement Leonard; you’ve earned it.
Joan says
From the TV yesterday, I learned that the very Canadian William Shatner aka Cap’t Kirk , maybe up to be our next GG?
Now I think that would be absolutely awesome.
Welcome aboard Sir.
Kerry Slavens says
Wow, Joan, that would be excellent. Starship Canada?
Gil Namur says
Well if Arnold can be Governor of California, why not! He just might be very ‘enterprising’ and boldly take us where no Canadian has gone before! That’s a hope we can all ‘cling-on’ to!
..
ahem …
Kerry Slavens says
And Shatner has spoken out against fish farming which makes him my hero anyway. So I’m all for it.
Joan says
Atsa ma boy.. a nice play on words there Gil.
You are right, and lets hope Mr Shatner , aka Captain Kirk, will take the helm as it were.
Warp speed sounds great too Kerry.
Joan says
As of now Kerry, let us wish that LAAH will become the world wide craft whose crew , aka, the authors, go on sharing these splendid articles and magnificent ‘photos.
Definitely a kind of Starship Canada.
Maybe Mr Shatner WILL jump on board.
I feel sure he has much wisdom to share with the World at large.
Kerry Slavens says
I’m with you, Joan! Warp speed ahead.
Gil Namur says
Thanks for this!
I love Spock. Always have, always will. My favorite all time science fiction character.
When the Next Generation was announced, I remember thinking, they better not try to do a Spock type character. When the show finally started, I thought that Data was a brilliant bit of casting. Spock, so wants to control or even lose his human side. Data, so wants to have one! Brent Spinner was amazing as Data.
Anyway .. I have 2 favorite quotes to add to yours.
From – Star Trek: The Motion Picture
Leonard McCoy: Spock, you haven’t changed a bit. You’re just as warm and sociable as ever.
Spock: Nor have you, doctor, as your continued predilection for irrelevancy demonstrates.
From – Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
Kirk: Spock, you want to know something? Everybody’s Human.
Captain Spock: I find that remark… insulting.
Kirk: Come on .. I need you!
Thanks Kerry!
Cheers,
Gil