Star Trek: The Next Generation Quotes

Context

This line was spoken by Jean-Luc Picard (played by Patrick Stewart) in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, written by David Kemper (1987-1994).

When he's not drinking Earl Grey tea at the perfect temperature or scolding Wesley Crusher, Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the USS Enterpriseis handing out inspirational speeches. The recipient of his speech this time is his lieutenant commander, the android Data.

While setting up a war game exercise, Data and the crew of the Enterprisehave some time to kill, and Riker eggs on Data to challenge the skilled, yet proud strategist Kolrami to a game of strategema. Strategema is a lot like chess, but it has a shiny, futuristic color-changing board. Unfortunately, Data loses to Kolrami and slinks back to his room, thinking that one of his circuits are malfunctioning.

And here comes the inspiration as Picard tells the overachieving android that failure is a part of life, and that he needs his help in the upcoming war game. After the war game and a close call involving the Ferengi aliens, Data defeats Kolrami by using Kolrami's temper against him and purposefully going for a stalemate instead of a win.

Data's patience serves him well, and Kolrami concedes in anger after 33,000 moves. That sounds like the length of a typical game of Monopoly.

Where you've heard it

This is solid advice that a friend, family member, or mentor may have given you after you worked hard at your job and didn't get the promotion, lost a sporting event after putting on a good performance, or were passed over for a scholarship after writing a great essay. Contrary to what Captain Kirk thinks, sometimes there are no-win situations.

Additional Notable References:

• If you need a pick me up, here are 15 minutes of inspirational speeches from Jean-Luc Picard. Be prepared for Shakespeare quotes.
• There is also Tumblr post going around juxtaposing this quote with a Beyoncé quote about working hard and still failing. They might be on to something.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Picard might be a little hoity-toity sometimes, but this is a realistic piece of advice that applies to everyone.