Data Quote by Star Trek The Next Generation
““Data: My positronic brain has several layers of shielding to protect me from power surges. It would be possible for you to remove my cranial unit and take it with you. Riker: Let me get this straight--you want me to take off your head? Data: Yes sir””
About This Quote
Source TV Episode: “The Measure of a Man”, Star Trek: The Next Generation, 1989
Data explains his protective shielding and the absurdity of removing his head, highlighting his literal interpretation of commands.
In simple terms: Data’s literal logic about head removal.
Key Takeaway
Recognize literal vs. figurative language.
Themes
technology
logic
communication
Mood
humorous
thought‑provoking
Type
fiction
satire
When to use this quote
- science fiction writing
- AI safety discussions
Key Concepts
artificial intelligence
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How would you respond to a literal request?
- What does this reveal about AI?
A Different Perspective
Literal logic may miss nuance.
![“Wesley Crusher: Say goodbye, Data. Lt. Cmdr. Data: Goodbye, Data. [crew laughs] Lt. Cmdr. Data: Was that funny? Wesley Crusher: [laughs] Lt. Cmdr. Data: Accessing. Ah! Burns and Allen, Roxy Theater, New York City, 1932. It still works. [pauses] Lt. Cmdr. Data: Then there was the one about the girl…” quote by Star Trek The Next Generation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bb9/star-trek-the-next-generation_data_wesley-crusher-say-goodbye-data-lt-cmdr_1302883.jpg)
![“[Brazil] went to the UN and said, "We need new standards for this." We need to take a look at what they're calling "data sovereignty."” quote by Edward Snowden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/af7/edward-snowden-555_brazil_brazil-went-to-the-un-and-said-we-need-n_14906.jpg)
