50 Years of Leadership Lessons From Star TrekGet inspired by these 10 quotes from the franchise's captains.

ByNina Zipkin

CBS Photo Archive | Getty Images

In 1966, the world was introduced to the world ofStar Trek.Viewers watched as Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock and crew of the starship Enterprise sought to "explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before." The show was created by Gene Roddenberry, and though he is now remembered as a creative powerhouse, he didn't have the most traditional path to a career in television.

BeforeStar Trek, Roddenberry was an Air Force pilot during World War II. After the war ended, he flew planes for Pan American World Airways. He was a Los Angeles police officer for eight years, and during his time at the LAPD, he was a speechwriter for the city's police chief and a technical advisor for popular legal shows of the time such asDragnetand地区检察官先生,where he got his start as a scriptwriter.

Roddenberry's vision of the future was a progressive and hopeful one that was built on a philosophy of collaboration, exploration and a respect for a diversity of perspectives. Fifty years, five television series (with a sixth to come in 2017) and 12 films later, clearly it was a vision that has resonated with many.

In honor ofStar Trek's50th anniversary, read on for 10 quotes about leadership from some the franchise's memorable captains.

Image credit: Star Trek

Capt. James T. Kirk (William Shatner)

"Hang on tight and survive. Everybody does."

"They used to say that if Man was meant to fly, he'd have wings. But he did fly. He discovered he had to."

Image credit: Star Trek

Capt. Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart)

"There is a way out of every box, a solution to every puzzle; it's just a matter of finding it."

"Things are only impossible until they are not"

Image credit: Star Trek

Capt. Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks)

"It is the unknown that defines our existence. We are constantly searching, not just for answers to our questions, but for new questions."

"Running may help for a little while, but sooner or later the pain catches up with you, and the only way to get rid of it is to stand your ground and face it."

Image credit: Star Trek

Capt. Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew)

"Fear only exists for one purpose: to be conquered."

"Never abandon a member of your crew."

Image credit: Star Trek

Capt. Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula)

"The future isn't fixed."

"We're going to stumble, make mistakes. I'm sure more than a few before we find our footing. But we're going to learn from those mistakes. That's what being human is all about."
Wavy Line
Nina Zipkin

Entrepreneur Staff

Staff Writer. Covers leadership, media, technology and culture.

Nina Zipkin is a staff writer at Entrepreneur.com. She frequently covers leadership, media, tech, startups, culture and workplace trends.

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Business News

'This Is My Life Now': Man Hysterically Documents Elon Musk's 'X' Sign Blaring Flashing Lights Into His Bedroom Window

The sign, reportedly put up without a permit, is shining bright at X HQ in San Francisco.

Business News

'Awful Advice': Barbara Corcoran Slammed For 'Tone Deaf' Business Advice to Interns

The "Shark Tank" star shared tips on social media about how interns can increase their chances of getting hired full-time, but the public reaction didn't go as planned.

Leadership

These Outdated Habits Are Leading to Workplace Inefficiencies And Taking a Toll on Your Productivity

No wonder companies are having trouble collaborating effectively digitally.

Money & Finance

Want to Become a Millionaire? Follow Warren Buffett's 4 Rules.

企业家是不能过度指狗万官方望太多a company exit for their eventual 'win.' Do this instead.

Growing a Business

Corporate Social Responsibility Is More Than Just Charity — Here's Why It's Good for Business.

Is your organization ready to implement a corporate social responsibility strategy? Discover the impact of CSR on executive decision-making.

Business News

An 81-Year-Old Florida CEO Just Indicted for a $250 Million Ponzi Scheme Ran a Sprawling Senior Citizen Crime Ring

Carl Ruderman is the fifth senior citizen in the Miami-Fort-Lauderdale-Palm Beach metropolitan area to face charges in connection with the scam.