Neil Armstrong

First man on the moon

Modern influential 85 sayings

Sayings by Neil Armstrong

We did it not because it was easy, but because it was hard.

Undated, but reflects his attitude — Often attributed to JFK, but Armstrong echoed similar sentiments about the challenge.
Controversial Unverifiable

I think the one thing that I would say is that we truly weren't ready for what we saw.

c. 1970s-1980s — Interview regarding the view from the Moon
Controversial Unverifiable

The flight of Apollo 11 was a triumph of American ingenuity and determination.

c. 1970s — Statement
Controversial Unverifiable

It would be an untruth to say that I haven't done some good things in my life.

2005 — Interview on '60 Minutes'
Controversial Unverifiable

I was always a little bit of a tinkerer, always trying to figure out how things worked.

c. 1990s — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

The most important thing we learned was that it is possible.

c. 1970s — Remarks about the moon landing
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't feel like I'm a hero. I'm just a guy who went to the Moon.

c. 2000s — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

It is a grand and glorious day to be an American.

Undated — Attributed, but precise source hard to pinpoint
Controversial Unverifiable

The only way to reach the moon is to keep your eye on the stars.

Undated — Attributed, but precise source hard to pinpoint
Controversial Unverifiable

I think we're going to have to find some way to live with the fact that we are not alone.

Undated — Attributed, but precise source hard to pinpoint
Controversial Unverifiable

There are places in the universe that we can't even imagine.

Undated — Attributed, but precise source hard to pinpoint
Controversial Unverifiable

I have been in space, and I have seen the Earth. It is a beautiful place.

Undated — Attributed, but precise source hard to pinpoint
Controversial Unverifiable

The future of space exploration is not just about going to the Moon, it's about going to Mars and beyond.

c. 2000s — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

I believe that every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don't intend to waste any of mine running around doing exercises.

1983 — Interview with 'Esquire' magazine
Controversial Confirmed

It's a brilliant surface in that sunlight. The horizon seems quite close to you because the curvature is so much more pronounced than here on earth.

1969 — During moon landing broadcast
Controversial Unverifiable

Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man's desire to understand.

Approx. 2000s — Various interviews and speeches
Philosophical Unverifiable

Knowledge is fundamental to all human achievement and progress. It is both the key and the quest that advances mankind. The search for knowledge is what brought men to the moon; but it took knowledge already acquired to make it possible to get there.

Unknown — Speech or interview
Philosophical Unverifiable

The single observation I would offer for your consideration is that some things are beyond your control. You can lose your health to illness or accident. You can lose your wealth to all manner of unpredictable sources. What are not easily stolen from you without your cooperation are your principles and your values. They are your most important possessions and, if carefully selected and nurtured, will well serve you and your fellow man.

Unknown — Speech or interview
Philosophical Unverifiable

Pilots take no special joy in walking: Pilots like flying. Pilots generally take pride in a good landing, not in getting out of the vehicle.

Unknown — Quoted in 'In the Shadow of the Moon: A Challenging Journey to Tranquility'
Philosophical Unverifiable

Science has not yet mastered prophecy. We predict too much for the next year and yet far too little for the next 10.

Unknown — Speech or interview
Philosophical Unverifiable