babyblainers:

This is one of my favourite lines in the entire star trek series, and it often gets overlooked because of the awesomeness of old married spirk during the continuation of the scene. But it tells so much about how great of a teacher Spock must be.

Kirk goes for the usual, a little deprecatory “Ugh the ship is full of children, how well will they behave in a crisis?”

And Spock doesn’t say that they’re trained, professional or prepared or whatever. He just says that each of them will respond according to his gifts. He doesn’t say “personal traits”, he specifically uses the word “gifts”. 

This gives the idea that Spock doesn’t think there’s a “right” or “wrong” way of being a starfleet officer, aside from the basics of being loyal to the cause. He says, my cadets are all different. They’ll respond differently in time of crisis. And this will be good because all their differences will be useful and make us stronger. During a crisis, someone will be bold, and this is good because they’ll be able to react quickly. Someone else will be cautious, and this will enable them to assess the situation better and protect their peers. Some will be scared, and this will make them more alert. Etc.

He doesn’t let Jim underestimate his students just because they’re young or because they don’t behave like him. He thinks all of them have something special to offer, even if they don’t think so themselves.

Bottom line: I wish Spock was real.

spockslash:

I’m sorry, but if this right here is not married life, I don’t know what is.

readysteadytwat:

“Spock…”