Seriously, I have been asked how I would play Kirk now after these years and in new voyages. I have given that considerable thought, and it strikes me that I have learned and grown in a number of directions in those years, and I believe that Kirk would have, too. One key aspect is that I believe even more firmly in the importance of openness, willingness to communicate real emotions, willingness to be even more revealing of self-to have the courage to communicate: this is how Iam, this is how I am angry, this is how I love, this is how I cry.

That can be a difficult thing to do, but it is terribly important. It was something that Kirk had partly learned, and something that people evidently responded to in him. I believe that he would have learned more.

William Shatner, Introduction to “The Mindsifter” in Star Trek: The New Voyages

I love the emphasis on Kirk’s originally being quite closed off with himself and his emotions, playing at openness with his charm and wit. I’m glad he found friends he could be open and honest with. 

(via babemagi)