The Measure of a Man

The Measure of a Man
Star Trek's character Data, portrayed by actor Brent Spiner.

There is a poignant quote from a Star Trek TNG episode entitled "The Measure of a Man". In this story, Data is threatened with being deconstructed by a Star Fleet scientist in order to theoretically enable the creation of more Data-like androids. There is risk in the procedure that Data will be lost, and the ethical dilemma rests on whether Data is "property" of Star Fleet or, as a sentient being, he is entitled to rights that others have.

"I am the culmination of one man's dream. This is not ego or vanity, but when Doctor Soong created me he added to the substance of the universe. If by your experiments I am destroyed, something unique, something wonderful will be lost. I cannot permit that, I must protect his dream."

What a remarkable comment! It could be applied to each and every one of us — all being unique, potentially wonderful.


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