Alan Shepard Quotes, born November 18, 1923, in Derry, New Hampshire, and passing on July 21, 1998, was an American astronaut, naval aviator, test pilot, and businessman. As the first American and second person to travel into space aboard Freedom 7 in 1961, and later as the fifth person to walk on the Moon during Apollo 14 in 1971, where he famously hit golf balls on the lunar surface, Shepard became an icon of the Space Age. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, he served in World War II and became a test pilot before joining NASA’s Mercury Seven. These 15 quotes—sourced from interviews, his book Moon Shot (1994), public statements, and posts on X—reflect his insights on space, courage, fragility of Earth, and determination, capturing his pioneering spirit and dry wit.
15 Alan Shepard Quotes
- “It’s a very sobering feeling to be up in space and realize that one’s safety factor was determined by the lowest bidder on a government contract.” (Moon Shot: The Inside Story of America’s Apollo Moon Landings, 1994)
- “When I first looked back at the Earth, standing on the Moon, I cried.” (Interview, The Denver Post, 1992)
- “I realized up there that our planet is not infinite. It’s fragile. That may not be obvious to a lot of folks, and it’s tough that people are fighting each other here on Earth instead of trying to get together and live on this planet.” (Interview, The San Diego Union-Tribune, 1995)
- “They say any landing you can walk away from is a good one.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Why don’t you fix your little problem and light this candle?” (Statement during Freedom 7 launch delay, 1961)
- “You may not have any extra talent, but maybe you are just paying more attention to what you are doing.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “It’s been a long way, but we’re here.” (Statement on Apollo 14 lunar landing, 1971)
- “Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.” (Interview, Bookey, 2023)
- “I have never felt more alive than when I am rocketing into the unknown.” (Interview, Bookey, 2023)
- “You have to be there not for the fame and glory and recognition and being a page in a history book, but you have to be there because you believe your talent and ability can be applied effectively to operation of the spacecraft.” (Interview, QuoteTab, n.d.)
- “I’d like to say I was smart enough to finish six grades in five years, but I think perhaps the teacher was just glad to get rid of me.” (Interview, AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “The rocket had worked perfectly, and all I had to do was survive the reentry forces. You do it all, in a flight like that, in a rather short period of time, just 16 minutes as a matter of fact.” (Interview, QuoteTab, n.d.)
- “I just wanted to be the first one to fly for America, not because I’d end up in the pages of history books.” (Moon Shot: The Inside Story of America’s Apollo Moon Landings, 1994)
- “In space, you get to see the fragile nature of our planet and the infinite possibilities beyond.” (Interview, Bookey, 2023)
- “Al is on the surface. And it’s been a long way, but we’re here.” (Statement on Apollo 14 lunar landing, 1971, via Post on X, @NASAhistory, 2021-11-19)
Alan Shepard’s quotes are a stirring blend of courage, humility, and cosmic perspective, inspiring explorers and dreamers to push boundaries and cherish our fragile planet. Which quote fuels your sense of adventure? Drop it in the comments and keep Shepard’s pioneering legacy soaring!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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