Quite often, while I'm getting up in the morning, I think my warranty is running out on these body parts because it's not working quite the way it used to.

As I hurtled through space, one thought kept crossing my mind - every part of this rocket was supplied by the lowest bidder.

The most important thing we can do is inspire young minds and to advance the kind of science, math and technology education that will help youngsters take us to the next phase of space travel.

To sit back and let fate play its hand out and never influence it is not the way man was meant to operate.

We have an infinite amount to learn both from nature and from each other.

I don't know what you could say about a day in which you have seen four beautiful sunsets.

There are times when you devote yourself to a higher cause than personal safety.

I suppose the one quality in an astronaut more powerful than any other is curiosity. They have to get some place nobody's ever been.

Too many people, when they get old, think that they have to live by the calendar.

Zero G and I feel fine.

I am a stranger. I come in peace. Take me to your leader and there will be a massive reward for you in eternity.

I was young enough to be an optimist.

I can see death and more death, till we are black and swollen with death.

I... had guys on the set who didn't like me... they weren't interested in the cold character.

Obviously memoir is subjective truth: It is my memory, my perspective, that's the beauty. But I still wanted to be as factual as I could.

You're the only person I've ever met who can stand a bookstore as long as I can.

Life and literature is a question of what one thrills to, and further than that no man shall ever go without putting his foot in a turd.

Indeed we are all in peril if the flawed messenger invalidates the message.

Aren't you an enigma wrapped in a thick coating of contradictions.

This is not my phrase, but if you're stuck in the past, then you're depressed. If you're stuck in the future, then you're anxious.

And if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made—that you made—and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better.