Six Word Memoirs on Life Stories

Backstory

The greatest words spoken by my favorite fictional character, Star Trek's Mr. Spock, in the movie "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan". However, by the time he makes that statement, he's CAPTAIN Spock. Nevertheless, he doesn't hesitate to relinquish stewardship to Admiral Kirk because, well, logic dictates such protocol.

Earthlings, of course, are not Vulcans. We have egos. But my adoration of Mr. Spock notwithstanding, I know egos regularly benefit society. Michelangelo's ego gave us his statue of David. Beethoven's ego gave us his Ninth Symphony. Human ego has blessed us with Shakespeare's plays, the Taj Mahal, heck, even Cabbage Patch Dolls. (Not the kind of "dolls" I happen to prefer, but I will assume the cabbage variety is still appreciated by somebody somewhere.) Ego gives us the gumption to presume the world will appreciate what we appreciate. So fortified, we lay our egos at the world's altar. For adoration. Or for sacrifice.

And yet . . . a bit of humility at the right time, in the right place can be appreciated, too. Thank you for reminding me, Captain Spock.

And here's a perhaps embarrassing postscript:

I have only teared up once in a movie theater. Yep, during the Vulcan's funeral. And I was so absorbed in the ceremony, I didn't even realize I had tears, until I felt something cold trickling down my cheek. Sorry about that bit of emotion, Captain. I hope your human side understands that such displays are . . . sort of logical sometimes.