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With the passing of the great Sir Patrick Stewart, it seems only fitting to put together a post that explores arguably his most famous character, and the character that turned a respected Shakespearean actor in a household name. I don’t wish to offer short shrift to his other performances – his role as Charles Xavier in the X-Men movies was another that he would be fondly remembered for, among yet others – but for me, the role that defined Sir Patrick, and the role that he himself defined, was that of Jean-Luc Picard, captain of the USS Enterprise.
Initially, Picard seemed quite stern. He had the mannerisms and authority of a disciplined headteacher, commanding respect the moment he entered a room. He was fully prepared to listen to his officers but he also held them at arms length on a personal level, and he expected his orders to be obeyed. That said, Picard was never the sort to rush into a decision, and he would carefully weigh up the consequences of his orders.
Underneath his stoic exterior was a man who passionately believed in the values of the Federation that he served. During the course of The Next Generation’s run, Picard (powered by the impeccable performances of Sir Patrick) would give rousing speeches on justice, mercy, and the nature of life. He would never seek out conflict, but nor would he back away from defending the ideals he believed in, be it with his articulate words, or his deeds.
Picard also held a great deal of compassion. He may not have been open about it, but he cared deeply for those under his command. He saw them as family, even if he did not speak of it directly. He viewed kindness and empathy as virtues, in much the same way Sir Patrick did.
Always willing to teach and always willing to learn, Picard has provided numerous poignant and poetic quotes, some of which I share with you now.
“It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not weakness. That is life.”
“If we’re going to be damned, let’s be damned for what we really are.”
“We have powerful tools: Openness, optimism and the spirit of curiosity.”
“Someone once told me that time was a predator that stalked us all our lives. I rather believe that time is a companion who goes with us on the journey and reminds us to cherish every moment because it will never come again.”
“What we leave behind is not as important as how we’ve lived.”
“The past is written, but the future is left for us to write.”
“There are times, sir, when men of good conscience cannot blindly follow orders.”
“Even in the darkest circumstances, there is always a light—sometimes only a glimmer. Trust that light. Find a way back, no matter what it takes.”
Godspeed, Sir Patrick Stewart. Thank you for all the wisdom you imparted as Jean-Luc Picard, a character who led by example, in all the best ways.
