Original artwork, not a still
The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
— Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan · 1982
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
It is Vulcan logic at its coldest turned into the warmest moment in the franchise: Spock's calculation is also an act of love. The sequel then flips the maxim: in Star Trek III, Kirk explains that he saved Spock because the needs of the one outweighed the needs of the many. Fans quote the original as a utilitarian rule, and the reversal as a rule for friendship.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Star Trek II: The Wrath of KhanShow the scene
The maxim is spoken twice in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982), both times by Spock. First he says it on the bridge, when Kirk, now an admiral, hesitates to take command after a garbled distress call: if he were to invoke logic, Spock says, it dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, and Kirk adds 'Or the one.' It returns at the end. Spock, dying of radiation poisoning after repairing the warp engines, starts to repeat it and Kirk finishes it for him; Spock completes it with 'or the one'.
Sources (3)
- Wikiquote: Star Trek II: The Wrath of KhanDialogue, bridge scene and engine room death sceneReference checked
- Wikipedia: Star Trek II: The Wrath of KhanPlot; leadReference checked
- Wikiquote: Star Trek III: The Search for SpockFinal dialogueReference checked
Context reviewed
