22 Best 2001: A Space Odyssey Quotes

Stanley Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey' is a cinematic marvel that revolutionized the science fiction genre with its stunning visuals, profound narrative, and philosophical undertones. Released in 1968, the film follows the voyage of the spacecraft Discovery One, poignantly exploring themes such as human evolution, technology, and extraterrestrial life.

The movie's dialogue had quotes that have become ingrained in popular culture and continue to provoke thought and introspection. Let's embark on a journey through the cosmos with these profound and memorable quotes from '2001: A Space Odyssey'.

Quotes From The 2001: A Space Odyssey Movie

Embark on a cosmic odyssey with these iconic lines from Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece. Each quote captures the essence of exploration and the human spirit.

1. "Well, certainly no one could have been unaware of the very strange stories floating around before we left. Rumors about something being dug up on the Moon." - HAL 9000

2. "The 9000 series is the most reliable computer ever made. No 9000 computer has ever made a mistake or distorted information." - HAL 9000

3. "Without your space helmet, Dave? You're going to find that rather difficult." - HAL 9000

4. "Dave, this conversation can serve no purpose anymore. Goodbye." – HAL 9000

5. "I am putting myself to the fullest possible use, which is all I think that any conscious entity can ever hope to do." - HAL 9000

6. "Well, forgive me for being so inquisitive but during the past few weeks I've wondered whether you might have some second thoughts about the mission." - HAL 9000

7. "Dave, although you took very thorough precautions in the pod against my hearing you, I could see your lips move." - HAL 9000

8. "Just what do you think you're doing, Dave?" - HAL 9000

9. "I know I've never completely freed myself of the suspicion that there are some extremely odd things about this mission. I'm sure you'll agree there's some truth in what I say." - HAL 9000

10. "For instance, the way all our preparations were kept under such tight security." - HAL 9000

11. "I know I've made some very poor decisions recently, but I can give you my complete assurance that my work will be back to normal." - HAL 9000

12. "You're the brain, and central nervous system of the ship, and your responsibilities include watching over the men in hibernation." - Mr. Amor

13. "My mission responsibilities range over the entire operation of the ship, so I am constantly occupied." - HAL 9000

14. "Open the pod bay doors, HAL." - Dave

15. "Of course I am. Sorry about this. I know it's a bit silly." - HAL 9000

Interesting Quotes From The 2001: A Space Odyssey Novel

Step into the pages of Arthur C. Clarke's visionary tale with quotes that transcend time and space. Discover the profound narrative related to the cinematic legend.

16. "Behind every man now alive stand thirty ghosts, for that is the ratio by which the dead outnumber the living." - Foreword

17. "Then he waited, marshaling his thoughts and brooding over his still untested powers. For though he was master of the world, he was not quite sure what to do next. But he would think of something." - Chapter 47, 'Star Child'

18. "He was back, precisely where he wished to be, in the space that men called real." - Chapter 46, 'Transformation'

19. "The time was fast approaching when Earth, like all mothers, must say farewell to her children." - Chapter 10, 'Clavius Base'

20. "Now I'm a scientific expert; that means I know nothing about absolutely everything." - Dr. Dimitri Moisevitch, Chapter 9, 'Moon Shuttle'

21. "It was the mark of a barbarian to destroy something one could not understand; but perhaps men were barbarians, beside the creatures who had made this thing." - Chapter 12, 'Journey By Earthlight'

22. "But please remember this is only a work of fiction. The truth, as always, will be far stranger." - Foreword

The quotes from '2001: A Space Odyssey' offer a glimpse into the awe-inspiring and sometimes chilling future imagined by Stanley Kubrick and author Arthur C. Clarke. Each line invites you to ponder your place in the universe, the march of technological progress, and the essence of your very being.

It is this combination of foreboding, intrigue, and existential contemplation that makes the film and novel timeless classics and their quotes a wellspring of inspiration and wonder.