Dr. Leonard McCoy is one of Star Trek’s most beloved characters. He’s a notorious curmudgeon, hopelessly paranoid and negative. He’s famous for comically dark lines like “He’s dead, Jim” and “Jim I’m a Doctor not a _____________.” Annoyed by their relentless logic, he often speaks disparagingly of Vulcans. “Green blooded.” “Heartless.”
All of the above make for a great SNL spoof, but at the end of the day, they discredit what this noble character was all about. You see, Leonard McCoy, portrayed by DeForest Kelley (January 20, 1920 – June 11, 1999), uttered some of the most profound, and in this writer’s opinion, most unappreciated words in the Star Trek canon:
“I choose the danger.”
He spoke those words in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock when, at the risk of his own life, he was asked if he would attempt to save the life of Spock, the very Vulcan who was at the source of years of consternation. Saving Spock would be risky. Life threatening. Dangerous.
“I choose the danger.”
Sometimes we need to choose to do what’s right, even if it’s a little uncomfortable. Without guarantee of success. When it’s dangerous. Life is much more fun that way. Or, at least, more worthwhile.
Choose the danger.
Have a great weekend, and may Spring come early.
