Jean-Luc Picard

"Let's see what's out there..." - Picard; ordering the Enterprise into the unknown

"The search for knowledge is always our primary mission." - Picard to Crusher

"Let the dead rest, and the past remain the past." - Picard to Riker

"If it feels awkward to be reminded that Data is a machine, just remember that we are merely a different variety of machine, in our case electrochemical in nature." - Picard to the bridge crew

Picard : "The quest for youth, number one; so futile. Age and wisdom have their graces too."
Riker : "I wonder if one doesn't have to have age and wisdom to appreciate that, sir?"

People :

Jean-Luc Picard, William T. Riker

"Things are only impossible until they are not." - Picard to Data

"Beverly the prime directive is not just a set of rules. It is a philosophy, and a very correct one. History has proved again and again that whenever Mankind interferes with a less developed civilization, no matter how well intentioned that interference may be, the results are invariably disasterous." - Picard to Crusher

"Enough of this self indulgence." - Picard; chiding himself for spending time on personal matters

"I am never critical of any member of my staff being curious." - Picard

Armus : "I am a skin of evil left here by a race of Titans who believed if they rid themselves of me, they would free the bonds of destructiveness."
Picard : "Yes. So here you are. Feeding on your own loneliness. Consumed by your own pain. Believing your own lies."

People :

Armus, Jean-Luc Picard

Picard : "Bok. Where is Bok?"
Riker : "Removed from command, sir, and placed under guard for his act of personal vengeance. Seems there was no profit in it."
Picard : "In revenge, there never is."

People :

Jean-Luc Picard, William T. Riker

"You say you are true evil? Let me tell you what true evil is. It is to submit to you. It is when we surrender our freedom, our dignity, instead of defying you." - Picard to Armus

"There can be no justice so long as laws are absolute. Even life itself is an exercise in exceptions." - Picard to the Edo god

"And Doctor. God knows I'm not one to discourage you, but... but I would appreciate it if you would let me finish my sentances once in a while." - Picard to Pulaski

"No being is so important that he can usurp the rights of another." - Picard to Data and Graves; on Data

"It was a dark and stormy night..." - Picard to Deanna; Reading the first line of the novel Hotel Royale

"Sometimes, Number One, you just have to bow to the absurd." - Picard to Riker

"It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life." - Picard to Data

"Well, they say if you travel far enough you will eventually meet yourself. Having experienced that, Number One, it's not something I would care to repeat." - Picard to Riker

"You see, the prime directive has many different functions. Not the least of which is to protect us, to prevent us from allowing our emotions to overwhelm our judgement." - Picard to Pulaski

"Your whisper from the dark has now become a plea. We cannot turn our backs." - Picard to Data

"Lieutenant, I order you to relax!" - Picard to Worf

"He has brought a child onto my ship, and on my bridge!" - Picard to Riker; I love the sheer loathing with which he says this

Picard : "Please. Get up. Get up! You must not kneel to me."
Nuria : "You do not wish it?"
Picard : "I do not deserve it."

People :

Jean-Luc Picard, Nuria

"All this magnificent technology, we still find ourselves susceptible to the ravages of old age. The loss of dignity, the slow betrayal of our bodies by forces we cannot master." - Picard to Data

"Gentlemen, I have the utmost confidence in your ability to perform the impossible." - Picard to crew

"There are times, sir, when men of good conscience cannot blindly follow orders. You acknowledge their sentience, but ignore their personal liberties and freedom? Order a man to turn his child over to the state? Not while I am his captain." - Picard to Haftel

"You already betrayed your people, Admiral! You made your choices sir! You're a traitor! Now if the bitter taste of that is unpalatable to you I am truly sorry, but I will not risk my crew because you think you can dance on the edge of the Neutral Zone. You crossed over, Admiral. You make yourself comfortable with that." - Picard to Jarok

"In your own words, this is not our affair. We cannot interfere in the natural course of your society's development. And I'd say it's going to develop significantly in the next few minutes." - Picard to Danarto Nayrok

"Imprisonment is an injury, regardless of how you justify it." - Picard to the alien

Nuria : "Perhaps one day, my people will travel above the skies?"
Picard : "Of that I have absolutely no doubt."

People :

Nuria, Jean-Luc Picard

"Commander, both our ships are ready to fight. We have two extremely powerful and destructive arsenals at our command. Our next actions will have serious repercussions. We have reason to mistrust one another but even better reason to set those differences aside. Of course, the question is, who will take the initiative? Who will make the first gesture of trust? The answer is... I will." - Picard to Tomalak

"Let's make sure history never forgets the name... Enterprise." - Picard to crew

"I look forward to your report, Mister Broccoli." Picard looks stricken as he realises what he just said. "Barclay." - Picard to Barclay

"That'll be the day..." - Picard; muttering to himself when the Klingons demand his surrender

"I fail to understand how a five-foot android with heuristic learning systems and the strength of ten men could be called a child." - Picard to Troi

Joval : "The Horga'hn is the Risian symbol of sexuality. To own one is to call forth it powers. To display it is to announce you are seeking Jamaharon."
Picard : "Riker..."
Joval : "Do you seek Jamaharohn?"
Picard : "I don't even know what it means. The Horga'hn is for a friend."
Joval : "I see. Someone close to you?"
Picard : "That's right."
Joval : "Someone you love?"
Picard : "I wouldn't go that far."

People :

Jean-Luc Picard

"NO! It is... it is... wrong! It is WRONG! A lifetime of discipline is washed away, and in its place... Bedlam! BEDLAM! I am so old... there is nothing left but dry bones and dead friends. Oh, tired. Oh, so tired. " - Picard to Crusher; displaying Sarek's emotions

"In faith, I do not love thee with mine eyes, for they in thee a thousand errors see. But 'tis my heart that loves what they despise, who in despite of view are please'd to dote. Shall I compare the to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate!" - Picard to Lwaxana

"It's just that I prefer to be acquainted with the women that I kiss." - Picard to Vash

"Perrin... Amanda... I wanted to give you so much more. I wanted to show you such tenderness! But that is not our way. Spock, Amanda, did you know? Perrin, can you know how much I love you? I do love you!" - Picard to Crusher; displaying Sarek's emotions

"The Academy must make you wait, that's true. But, when I review your service to this ship, your crewmates, I cannot in all conscience make you wait for the Academy. You see, Wesley, in my eyes you're an acting ensign in title only. I hereby grant you field promotion to full Ensign, with all the commensurate responsibilities and privileges of that rank. Congratulations." - Picard to Wesley

"And now that you have had a taste of captivity, perhaps you will reconsider the morality of inflicting it upon others. In any event, we now know about your race and we know how to imprison you. Bear that in mind. Now get off my ship." - Picard to Alien

"He was a man. Take him for all in all. I shall not look upon his like again." - Picard; on Data, quoting from Hamlet

Duras : "This is not your world, human. You do not command here."
Picard : "I'm not here to command."
Duras : "Then you must be ready to fight. Something that Starfleet doesn't teach you."
Picard : "You may test that assumption at your convenience."

People :

Jean-Luc Picard, Duras

"A simple handshake would have sufficed." - Picard to Vash; after she kisses him

"Mr. Worf, dispatch a subspace message to Admiral Hanson. We have engaged the Borg." - Picard to Worf

"Listen, Tog, I must possesses Lwaxana. And if that means destroying your ship in the process, so be it!" - Picard to Tog

"You are brave, cha'DIch. Worf chose well." - Kahlest to Picard

"You admit the truth and yet expect him to accept punishment? What does this say of an Empire who holds honour so dear?!" - Picard to K'mpec

"Tam, when you reached out to the alien, to warn it, did you give any thought to this vessel? To the danger, however inadvertent, that creature might pose to our crew? Or did you simply react out of instinct?" - Picard to Elbrun

K'mpec : "This is not the Federation, Picard. If you defy an order of the High Council, the alliance with the Federation could fall to dust."
Picard : "The alliance with the Federation is not based on lies, K'mpec! Protect your secrets if you must, but you will not sacrifice these men!"

People :

Jean-Luc Picard, K'mpec

"Wesley, you remember... I was always proud of you." - Picard to Wesley

"To many Humans, a mystery is irresistable. It must be solved." - Picard to Troi/Paxan

"Admiral? What you're doing is unethical. It's immoral. I'll fight it." - Picard to Admiral Satie

"...I would be delighted to offer any advice I can on understanding women. When I have some, I'll let you know." - Picard to Data

Picard : "You're probably not aware of this, but I have never been particularly comfortable around children."
Troi : "...really?"

People :

Jean-Luc Picard

"With the first link the chain is forged. The first speech censured, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied... chains us all irrevocably." - Picard; quoting Admiral Aaron Satie

"Your discommendation is a facade to protect less honourable men. It is a lie. Lies must be challenged." - Picard to Worf

"Lieutenant, you are a member of this crew and you will not go into hiding whenever a Klingon vessel uncloaks!" - Picard to Worf

"We think we've come so far. Torture of heretics, burning of witches, it's all ancient history. And then, before you can blink an eye, suddenly it threatens to start all over again." - Picard to Worf

"Mr. Worf, villains who twirl their mustaches are easy to spot. Those who clothe themselves in good deeds are well camouflaged." - Picard to Worf

"K'Tal, this Council knows the law of heredity well. G'now juk Hol pajhard. A son shall share in the honours or crimes of his father. Toral is Duras' son. That has been established by the genetic scan. But with due respect to the traditions and laws of this High Council, there is no basis for accepting a petition for leadership from a boy who has fought no battles, shed no blood for his people, or earned no honour for himself. One day, perhaps he shall. But not now. Duras is dead. His claim to the leadership died with him. Gowron shall lead the Council." - Picard to The Council

"Mister Worf, the Enterprise crew currently includes representatives from thirteen planets. They each have their individual beliefs and values, and I respect them all. But they have all chosen to serve Starfleet. If anyone cannot perform his or her duty because of the demands of their society, they should resign. Do you wish to resign?" - Picard to Worf

"The claim 'I was only following orders' has been used to justify too many tragedies in our history." - Picard to Data

"The Tamarian was willing to risk all of us, just for the hope of communication, connection. Now the door is open between our peoples. That commitment meant more to him than his own life." - Picard to Riker

"Doctor, the sperm whale on Earth devours millions of cuttlefish as it roams the oceans. It is not evil, it is feeding. The same may be true of the entity." - Picard to Dr. Marr

"Father and son, both proud, both stubborn, more alike than either of them are prepared to admit. A lifetime spent building emotional barriers, they're very difficult to break down. And now the time has come when it is too late. It's a difficult moment. It's a lonely one." - Picard to Data

Spock : "In your own way you are as stubborn as another captain of the Enterprise I once knew."
Picard : "Then I am in good company, sir."

People :

Spock, Jean-Luc Picard

"Of course you know the Prime Directive, which tells us that we have no right to interfere in the natural evolution of alien worlds. Now, I have sworn to uphold it, but nevertheless I have disregarded that directive on more than one occasion... because I thought it was the right thing to do." - Picard to Rasmussen

"Earth was once a violent planet too. At times, the chaos threatened the very fabric of life. But like you, we evolved. We found better ways to handle our conflicts. But I think noone can deny that the seed of violence remains within each of us, We must recognise that, because that violence is capable of consuming each of us." - Picard to Tarmin

"I feel as though I've been handed a weapon, sent into a room, and told to shoot a stranger. Well, I need some moral context to justify that action. And I don't have it. I am not content simply to obey orders. I need to know that what I am doing is right." - Picard to MacDuff

"Captain, perhaps you should come aboard my ship. There's something we need to discuss." - Picard to Bateson; trying to find a way to break the news gently

"The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth." - Picard to Wesley

Briam : "You had to work side by side with her for days. How could you resist her?"
Picard : "Ambassador, have a safe trip home."

People :

Jean-Luc Picard, Ambassador Briam

"Because it's been given a name by a member of my crew, doesn't mean it's not a Borg. Because it's young, doesn't mean that it's innocent. It is what it is, and in spite of efforts to turn it into some kind of pet I will not alter my plans!" - Picard to Guinan; on Hugh

Geordi : "He's not what I expected, Captain. He's got feelings. He's homesick. I don't know. It just doesn't seem right using him this way."
Picard : "Centuries ago, when laboratory animals were used for experiments, scientists would sometimes become attached to the creatures. This would a problem if the experiment involved killing them. I would suggest that you unattach yourself from the Borg, Mister La Forge."

People :

Jean-Luc Picard, Geordi La Forge

"You cannot explain away a wantonly immoral act because you think that it is connected to some higher purpose." - Picard to Alkar

"You may be nearly omnipotent, and I don't deny that your parlour tricks are very impressive, but morality? I don't see it. I would put Human morality against the Q's any day. And perhaps that's the reason why we fascinate you so..." - Picard to Q

"He's my number one dad!" - Picard; covering for his calling Riker number one in front of the Ferengi

"There... are... four... lights!" - Picard to Madred

"But who knows? Our reality may be very much like theirs and all this might just be an elaborate simulation running inside a little device sitting on someone's table." - Picard to Troi

"You are a culture of one. Which is no less valid than a culture of one billion." - Picard to Data

Kelsey : "It's a small ship Mott, I don't think there's going to be room for both of us."
Picard : "I'm sorry to hear that. I'll send your regrets."

People :

Jean-Luc Picard, Kelsey

"I've lost people under my command, people who were very dear to me, but never someone I've been in love with. And when I believed you were dead, I just began to shut down. I didn't want to think or feel. I was here, in my quarters, and the only thing I could focus on was my music... and how it would never again give me any joy." - Picard to Darren

Picard : "Space, the final frontier these are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. It's continuing mission..."
Kirk : "...to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilisations..."
Archer : "...to boldly go where no man has gone before."
(The last words spoken in the series)

People :

James T. Kirk, Jonathan Archer, Jean-Luc Picard

"You'll never look at your hairline the same way again." - Picard to Jason

"Five card stud, nothing wild... and the sky's the limit." - Picard to crew; the final words spoken in the series

Soran : "Ah, Captain. You must think I'm quite the madman."
Picard : "The thought had crossed my mind."

People :

Jean-Luc Picard, Doctor Tolian Soran

"Somehow I doubt this ship will be the last to carry the name 'Enterprise'." - Picard to Riker

"They invade our space and we fall back. They assimilate entire worlds and we fall back. Well no further... the line must be drawn here... and I will make them pay for what they've done!" - Picard to Lily

Picard : "You want to destroy the ship and run away, you coward!"
Worf : "If you were any other man, I would kill you where you stand!"

People :

Worf Rozhenko, Jean-Luc Picard

"Actually, I think you are the bravest man I've ever known." - Picard to Worf; apologising

"And he piled upon the whale's white hump, the sum of all the rage and hate felt by his whole race. If his chest had been a cannon, he would have shot his heart upon it." - Picard; quotes Moby Dick

Dougherty : "Jean-Luc, we're only moving six hundred people!"
Picard : "How many people does it take, Admiral, before it becomes wrong? Hmm? A thousand? Fifty thousand? A million? How many does it take, Admiral?"

People :

Jean-Luc Picard, Admiral Matthew Dougherty

Data : "The B-4 is physically identical to me, although his neural pathways are not as advanced. But even if they were, he would not be me."
Picard : "How can you be sure?"
Data : "I aspire, sir. To be better than I am. The B-4 does not. Nor does Shinzon."

People :

Jean-Luc Picard, Data

"Will Riker, you have been my trusted right arm for fifteen years. You have helped keep my course true and steady. Deanna Troi, you have been my conscience and guide. You have helped me to recognize the best parts of myself. You are my family. And in maritime tradition, I wish you clear horizons... my friends, make it so." - Picard; His wedding speech

Janeway : "The Son'a... the Borg... the Romulans... you always get the easy assignments."
Picard : "Just lucky, I guess."

People :

Jean-Luc Picard, Kathryn Janeway

"Engage" - Picard; on the Bridge of La Sirena, when leaving orbit, the first time we heard this since Nemesis.

"Picard, P-I-C-A-R-D, Jean-Luc" - Picard; upset that he wasn't recognised by a young ensign at Starfleet HQ.

"Because it was no longer Starfleet! We withdrew. The galaxy was mourning, burying its dead, and Starfleet had slunk from its duties. The decision to call off the rescue and to abandon those people we had sworn to save was not just dishonourable. It was downright criminal!" - Picard

"One more thing, I have a brain abnormality. I've known for years. I never had any symptoms, so I never thought much about it. However, just before we left the Earth, I learned that my condition was more acute. The prognosis was terminal, and there is no effective treatment. There will be no further discussion. Anyone who treats me like a dying man will run the risk of pissing me off. Is that clear?" - Picard to the crew of La Sirena

Soji : "Picard, try to see this from our point of view. You choose if we live, you choose if we die. You choose! We have no choice! You organics have never given us one."
Picard : "To say you have no choice is a failure of imagination."

People :

Doctor Soji Asha, Jean-Luc Picard

Clancy : "That's a hell of a report."
Picard : "And you thought I was a desperate old man. Quixotic, paranoid, possibly senile..."
Clancy : "Let's just leave it at 'quixotic'."
Picard : "And now the windmills have turned out to be giants."
Clancy : "You want an apology?"
Picard : "I want a squadron."
Clancy : "Jean-Luc..."
Picard : "Clancy! Out there, in the Vayt system, right now, beings who have as much right to life and liberty as you and I or Commander Data are being hunted down by an enemy who seeks to exterminate them..."
Clancy : "Jean-Luc!"
Picard : "No, Clancy. If you say this is not a job for Starfleet, then I'm sorry, but you are a waste of space!"
Clancy : "Admiral Picard, with all due respect and at long last, shut the fuck up. I'm sending a squadron to rendezvous with you at DS12. Now stay put until they get there."

People :

Admiral Kirsten Clancy, Jean-Luc Picard

"One impossible thing at a time" - Picard to Raffi; remembering what they used to say when planning the rescue of the Romulans.

Agnes : "Ah, you have a taste for the classics, I see."; holding a copy of The Complete Robot by Isaac Asimov.
Picard : "I never really cared for science fiction... I guess I just didn't get it."

People :

Jean-Luc Picard, Doctor Agnes Jurati

Altan Soong : "I take it my face looks familiar."
Picard : "I feel as if I'm looking at Data."
Altan Soong : "Data if he had gotten old and gone soft. Must be disturbing. I know it is for me. Doctor Altan Inigo Soong, mad scientist. My father had me, but he created Data... a fact he never let me forget."

People :

Doctor Altan Inigo Soong, Jean-Luc Picard

Agnes : "They've left us behind, Picard! They're generations beyond us!"
Picard : "In one sense, yes, but in another, as you said, they are children. And until now, the only teachers that they've had are a couple of hermits, and the fear of extermination. But fear is an incompetent teacher. Yes, they have life. But no one is teaching them what it's for. To be alive is a responsibility, as well as a right."
Agnes : "How are they supposed to learn that lesson in six minutes, and eleven seconds?"
Picard : "The way that children learn most things, by example."

People :

Doctor Agnes Jurati, Jean-Luc Picard

Troi : "I'm not as brave as I used to be, Jean-Luc."
Picard : "Then you're getting wiser."
Discussing her worry that Kestra might get hurt.

People :

Deanna Troi, Jean-Luc Picard

Elnor : "Are we still pretending?"
Picard : "No Elnor, I think everyone has finally stopped."

People :

Elnor, Jean-Luc Picard

Agnes : "So, how do we hold off 218 warbirds until Starfleet gets here? If they get here? … Are you not answering to build suspense, or…?"
Picard : "At the present moment, Dr. Jurati, I am trying to pilot a starship for the first time in a very long time, without exploding or crashing! If that is alright with you."
Agnes : "No, totally, good call. One impossible thing at a time."

People :

Doctor Agnes Jurati, Jean-Luc Picard

Picard : "Commander Riker and I served together on the USS Enterprise."
Soji : "And you were the greatest captain ever, I heard."
Riker : "The greatest captain ever? Where'd you get that nonsense?"
Kestra : "From you."
Riker : "From me? I must have been drinking at the time."

People :

Jean-Luc Picard, Doctor Soji Asha, William T. Riker, Kestra Troi-Riker

Three Romulan guards appear and hold pistols on them, saying, hands in the air. One falls to the floor and Elnor is behind with his sword, moments later all three Romulans are dead.
Picard : "Elnor, I told you to stay on the ship."
Elnor : "Yes. I didn't listen."
Picard : "Thank you."

People :

Jean-Luc Picard, Elnor

Raffi : "After everything that you've done for me... I need to say... thank you. I love you, JL. Oh, you don't have to say it back to me. I just..."
Picard : "I don't?"
Raffi : "Not unless you want to. Oh, s... Yeah. No, it's fine. It's fine."
Picard : "Okay."
Raffi : "Okay."
Picard : "I love you too, Raffi."

People :

Raffaela Musiker, Jean-Luc Picard

"Raffi? You were quite right." - Picard to Raffi; his last words