Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton) is arguably one of the most beloved characters in theStar Trekuniverse.LeVar Burtonhas helped inspire many, from giving someone an interest in STEM through his role as Geordi onStar Trekto helpingchildren discover their love of reading throughReading Rainbow.The characters he has played and the roles has taken have always been intelligent and teach valuable lessons. Geordi La Forge is no different, reflecting many of those characteristics. He is a favorite of many as the Lieutenant Commander of the USS Enterprise. He is a hard worker, no matter his position, and always learns from his mistakes. Here are some of his best quotes fromStar Trek: The Next Generation.
10"And I’m not used to dying,"
Despite his shy and reserved nature, Geordi can has some extremely fantastic quips that solidify who he is as a person. In response to Dr. Leah Brahms (Susan Gibney) on questioning her judgment, he comes back with this witty response. Over time,being paired with Data (Brent Spiner), his reserved nature falls back and leaves for a relaxed and funny commander. This is a great example of how quickly his mind works and how intelligent he is. Even when he is being challenged, or he is challenging someone else, Geordi often decides to go with a sarcastic response. It really shows who he is.
9"The VISOR or being blind? No, since they are both part of me and I really like who I am, there is no reason to resent either one,"
When asked if Geordi resented his blindness, his response was eloquent and relatable. It is something that many people with disabilities understand when confronted with a similar question. His representation as a disabled character and being presented as doing the same jobs as the other members of the crew is incredibly important. Especially for an early ’90s show, where at the time, representation wasn’t being pushed as powerfully as it is today. This goes to show,Star Trekhas always been ahead of its time. Characters with disabilities help inspiredisabled actors, which can only be a good thing. Having representation for everyone is extremely important and has always been part of the fundamentals ofStar Trek.
8"Sure is a damn ugly ‘nothing’,"
Once again, Geordi proves that he is as quick as a whip, especially if Data is around. When Data states that the sensors are not detecting anything, despite the giant floating face in space, his quip says what everyone else is thinking. It made for a fantastic reaction to a new and strange being that also reflected what the audience was thinking. As it is an earlier season, this quote really shows Geordi coming into his own and gives a sneak peek at the differences his personality will take as his character develops throughout the series.
7"Welcome to Galordon Core, where no good deed goes unpunished,”
Geordi’s humor doesn’t falter, even in an extreme circumstance. When he is trapped during an electromagnetic storm, he can keep up his dry sarcasm. Even in the face of helping a Romulan who turned on him right after, Geordi’s humor is relatable. His spin on “No good deeds go unpunished” is the perfect response to the betrayal he faces. The entire episode is intense, and the jokes are necessary to keep the mood lighthearted. The stress of being trapped with an enemy can be very distressing. Geordi even expresses this stress through his actions and how he is dealing with the Romulan. It is a fantastic joke and really helps the audience to understand the situation Geordi is in.
6"There’s Theory and then there’s application. They don’t always jibe,"
Geordi shows how much of an independent thinker he can be in this quote. He is dealing with Leah Brahms and how she is responding to how he does things. Sometimes, when you are doing a job, it is necessary to go off the books and do things a better way. This is exactly what Geordi was dealing with. His acknowledgment that sometimes, in practice, rules and regulations do not necessarily get the job done. In almost every career, there are times when you will have to bend the rules and regulations so that the job is more efficient. It doesn’t even have to be just an engineering career that relates, but even retail jobs.
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5“Great, another woman who won’t get personal with me on the holodeck.”
Most of the interactions Geordi has with Leah Brahms can be quite uncomfortable. This quote is when he is trying to gain more information on Leah Brahms by going through her personal files. It’s not his best moment; frustration with technology is what makes this quote hilarious. It is agreed, that this episode is not the best representation of who Geordi La Forge is and what he could be. There are instances in this episode that make his character difficult to watch, but character development is important. His flaws can even make him more human.
As far as an episode that centers around our favorite character, it does not do him justice. Geordi does not feel like himself in this entire episode, like he is an entirely different character. This arc wasn’t the best for him, but at the very least we ger a funny quote from the Lieutenant Commander.
4"He’s not what I expected, Captain, He’s got feelings. He’s homesick. I don’t know. It just doesn’t seem right using him this way,"
Geordi is known for his friendliness towards dangerous enemies. He tried his best with Data to become close with the android. He even was friendly with a Romulan, but,when it comes to the Borgs, it is hard to believe that they can have any emotion. They are believed by many on the Enterprise’s crew that they are drones, which they are, but he still managed to get to the source. He realized that they aren’t empty shells; but the beings they once were, still lived inside them. He related to something most people were afraid of.
There is an episode ofDoctor Whothat discusses something similar, but of course,Star Trekbeat them to the concept. But Borgs and Cybermen are so similar, that there is even aStar Trek: The Next GenerationandDoctor Whocomic book crossover about it.
3“Children are a lot stronger than you think. As long as they know you love them, they can handle just about anything life throws at ‘em, you know,"
This sentiment not only feels like something from Geordi, but from LeVar Burton himself. For a lot of children, Levar was that person as a televisionhost on public broadcasting withReading Rainbow. Children are incredibly important in any society, especially one in the far future. When a young girl has difficulties with an imaginary friend in the episode who becomes real and sentient. The quote is powerful, with a strong message that anyone who raises children in any capacity needs to hear.
Sometimes, adults will forget how quickly children can bounce back from almost anything. Although this isn’t necessarily about letting children have more freedom, it can be a reminder to allow them a chance to have failure and faults. It is a quote that makes you take a second look at how to deal with childhood.
2"Who gave them the right to decide whether or not I should be here? Whether or not I might have something to contribute?"
Once again, we discuss a difficulty many people with disabilities deal with in life. Others may not understand what it is like to live with any form of disability and how the individual can still contribute. This is a timeless message that shows able-bodied people, even in a fantastical future, that being disabled does not mean they require someone to save them. That they can choose how they want to live.
It is about Geordi having the power of choice on how he deals with being blind. It is a question of giving someone autonomy over their body. It is about choosing his care, even if, by social standards, it is better if he wasn’t blind. This isn’t just a quote about being allowed to exist, but about how you want to live.
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1“You know, I’ve always thought that technology could solve almost any problem. It enhances the quality of our lives, lets us travel across the galaxy - even gave me my vision. But sometimes, you just have to turn it all off,"
This is something that is more relative now, more than it did back then. Technology is not the only way around a problem; it just happens to be the way we have learned to cope. Geordi may have had a more dramatic reasoning to turn off the technology, but the words are still relevant to almost everyone. Sometimes, you need to take that break. Take a walk, read a physical book, practice that skill you have been wanting to learn. It is one of the most important reminders we all need once in a while; to step back and as the kids like to say, go touch some grass. Technology will still be here when you are ready for it, but just take a few minutes without it. You will thank yourself, and Geordi for the break.
