Original artwork, not a still
Infinite diversity in infinite combinations.
— Star Trek: The Original Series · 1966
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Star Trek's creed in six words: the universe is better because its parts differ and then combine, which is why a green-blooded logician wears a triangle on a circle. Fans hold it up as the franchise's argument for its own optimism, and the IDIC reappears on Vulcan flags and badges across later series and films, from Enterprise to Discovery.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Star Trek: The Original SeriesShow the scene
IDIC, "Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations", is the creed of Vulcan philosophy, first shown as a triangle-and-circle medallion in the Original Series episode "Is There in Truth No Beauty?" (1968). At a dinner for the telepath Dr. Miranda Jones, Spock wears the IDIC and says he does so to honour her; at the episode's end she tells him the glory of creation lies in its infinite diversity, and he answers with the ways differences combine. The full phrase is recited in the animated episode "The Infinite Vulcan" (1973) by a giant clone of Spock. Gene Roddenberry added the medallion to sell copies to fans, to the cast's annoyance.
Sources (5)
- Memory Alpha: IDICintro; As a philosophyReference checked
- Memory Alpha: Is There in Truth No Beauty?Summary; Story and productionReference checked
- Chakoteya: Is There In Truth No Beauty? transcriptdinner and transporter-room scenesReference checked
- Wikipedia: Is There in Truth No Beauty?Production and receptionReference checked
- Wikipedia: The Infinite VulcanleadReference checked
Context reviewed
