All of a sudden, space isn't friendly. All of a sudden, it's a place where people can die. . . . Many more people are going to die. But we can't explore space if the requirement is that there be no casualties; we can't do anything if the requirement is that there be no casualties.

It's just science fiction so it's allowed to be silly, and childish, and stupid. It's just science fiction, so it doesn't have to make sense. It's just science fiction, so you must ask nothing more of it than loud noises and flashing lights.

It is in meeting the great tests that mankind can most successfully rise to great heights. Out of danger and restless insecurity comes the force that pushes mankind to newer and loftier conquests.

[O]ur statesmen, our businessmen, our everyman must take on a science fictional way of thinking.

Man's greatest asset is the unsettled mind.

Experimentation is the least arrogant method of gaining knowledge. The experimenter humbly asks a question of nature.

You show me someone who can't understand people and I'll show you someone who has built up a false image of himself.