In the grand tapestry of space exploration and human achievement, few names stand as tall as Michael Collins. Known for his unique role as the command module pilot on the historic Apollo 11 mission, Collins’ story continues to inspire generations of explorers and dreamers.
These quotes are not just reflections of a landmark space mission; they are nuggets of wisdom from a man who orbited the moon alone, forever changing our understanding of courage, solitude, and the infinite potential of the human spirit. They provide insights into bravery, humility, and the guiding principles that shaped Collins’ remarkable life.
Whether you’re a space enthusiast, an aspiring astronaut, or simply someone captivated by tales of human resilience, these quotes will challenge your thinking, deepen your understanding, and inspire you to reach for the stars.
Top 8 Most Famous Michael Collins Quotes (CARRYING THE FIRE)
“I really believe that if the political leaders of the world could see their planet from a distance of, let’s say 100,000 miles, their outlook would be fundamentally changed. The all-important border would be invisible, that noisy argument suddenly silenced.”
Michael Collins
“I am alone now, truly alone, and absolutely isolated from any known life. I am it. If a count were taken, the score would be three billion plus two over on the other side of the moon, and one plus God knows what on this side.”
Michael Collins
“We are off! And do we know it, not just because the world is yelling ‘Liftoff’ in our ears, but because the seats of our pants tell us so! Trust your instruments, not your body, the modern pilot is always told, but this beast is best felt. Shake, rattle and roll!”
Michael Collins
Michael Collins Short Biography
Born 31 October 1930, in Rome, Italy Michael Collins is an American astronaut who was the command module pilot of the Apollo 11, the flight of the first crew to have landed on the moon.
In 1952, Collins graduated from the United States Military, he then joined the U.S. Air Force Experimental Flight Test Pilot School in 1960 and became a test pilot.
He was chosen to be a part of NASA’s third group of 14 astronauts and joined the space program in 1963.
Collins’ first flight was Gemini 10, which was launched on July 18, 1966, which rendezvoused with another spacecraft.
Apollo 11 was his second spaceflight, and on July 16, 1969, along with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, was launched to the moon.
While Armstrong and Aldrin landed on the moon, Collins remained to pilot the command module, circling the moon.
Michael Collins retired from NASA in 1970, he then became the Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs. The following year he went on to be the first director of the National Air and Space Museum. He then became the undersecretary of the Smithsonian Institution in 1978.
He has written an autobiography entitled Carrying the Fire: An Astronaut’s Journeys, and three other books.
Further Reading:
- The Forgotten Astronaut – Heraeus
- Alone at the Moon: What Was Michael Collins Thinking? – space.com
- What it Was Like to Be Third – Time
- Michael Collins’ Candid Moon Landing Confession – Express
Here are the best Michael Collins quotes so you can be inspired to live a content life and learn how to handle regrets with dignity.
(MUST READ)
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