Portrait of Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong

First man on the moon

Modern influential 85 sayings

Sayings by Neil Armstrong

That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.

1969 — Upon stepping onto the lunar surface
Wisdom Unverifiable

I think we're going to the moon because it's in the nature of the human being to face challenges. It's by the nature of his deep inner soul... we're required to do these things just as salmon swim upstream.

1960s — Interview
Biblical Confirmed

Research is creating new knowledge.

1970s — Interview
Educational Unverifiable

The important achievement of Apollo was demonstrating that humanity is not forever chained to this planet, and our destiny is out in the stars.

1994 — Speech commemorating Apollo 11
Inspirational Unverifiable

It's a great thing to be a part of. It's a great thing for our country.

1960s — Referring to the space program, pre-Apollo 11
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

I put my thumb up and I could hide the whole Earth behind my thumb. I felt like a little tiny speck in this vast universe.

1970s — Interview about his moon experience
Nature & World Unverifiable

I was elated, ecstatic, and extremely surprised that we were successful.

1980s — Reflecting on the moon landing
Inspirational Unverifiable

The one thing I regret is that I will never be able to go to the moon again.

1970s — Reported saying
Nature & World Unverifiable

I don't feel like I'm a hero.

1970s — Interview
Wisdom Unverifiable

It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I put my thumb over it and I could make the Earth disappear. I didn't feel like a giant. I felt very, very small.

1970s — Interview about his moon experience
Nature & World Unverifiable

I think in terms of the future. I think in terms of what we can do, not what we can't do.

1970s — Interview
Wisdom Unverifiable

I wasn't chosen to be first. I was just chosen to command that flight. Circumstance put me in that particular role.

1970s — Interview
Power & Leadership Unverifiable

I don't believe in magic. I believe in science.

1980s — Reported saying
Educational Unverifiable

It was a surprise to me that we were able to bring back as much as we did.

1970s — Referring to the lunar samples
Wisdom Unverifiable

The single most important factor in our success was that we were a team.

1990s — Reflecting on the Apollo program
Inspirational Unverifiable

I was always a little uncomfortable with the 'first' part, because I was simply the one who was chosen to take that step.

1980s — Interview
Wisdom Unverifiable

It's a wonderful feeling to be able to look back and say, 'We did that.'

1990s — Reported saying
Wisdom Unverifiable

I think the one thing that we are not doing enough today is encouraging young people to take risks.

2000s — Interview
Wisdom Unverifiable

The unknowns were many, but our confidence was high.

1980s — Reflecting on Apollo 11
Wisdom Unverifiable

It's a beginning. We have a lot more to do.

1970s — Referring to space exploration
Wisdom Unverifiable
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