Original artwork, not a still
I don’t believe in the no-win scenario.
— Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan · 1982
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
It is Kirk's whole character in one sentence: where Starfleet sees a lesson in accepting loss, he sees a rules problem to rewrite. The film then tests him with a real one, and the line carries its irony. Fans use the Kobayashi Maru as shorthand for any rigged situation, and quote Kirk when they refuse to accept the unwinnable.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Star Trek II: The Wrath of KhanShow the scene
In Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982), Lieutenant Saavik has just failed the Kobayashi Maru, Starfleet Academy's no-win training simulation, and calls it unfair. Later, McCoy tells her she is looking at the only Starfleet cadet who ever beat it. Saavik asks how, and Kirk admits he reprogrammed the simulation so the ship could be saved. David Marcus calls it cheating; Kirk says he changed the conditions of the test, earned a commendation for original thinking, and doesn't like to lose. Saavik says he has never truly faced death, and Kirk answers with this line.
Sources (2)
- Wikiquote: Star Trek II: The Wrath of KhanMcCoy, Saavik, David and Kirk exchange about the testReference checked
- Wikipedia: Kobayashi MaruLead and Star Trek II sectionReference checked
Context reviewed
