Pardon me while I geek out.

One of my favorite sci-fi characters was always Mr. Spock on Star Trek. I loved his dry wit, his no-nonsense attitude and his loyalty to his friends and family. He was brilliantly played by Leonard Nimoy, who died Friday of end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was 83.

Although Nimoy went on to play other notable roles, hosted a syndicated television series and directed several films, in my mind he’s just Spock. Wait…he also wrote poetry, children’s stories and was a noted photographer.

Nope. Still just Spock to me.

There are many notable quotes from the Star Trek series and the subsequent movies, but the most memorable, at least for me, has to come from Spock’s death scene in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. As he said goodbye to his longtime friend and captain, James T. Kirk. Spock said, “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few – or the one. I have and always shall be, your friend.”

Who didn’t cry when he said that?

And who didn’t learn a thing or two about friendship and loyalty from that character? I sure did.

Here’s what I learned from Spock:

• I learned to think rationally. Spock was rational, if nothing else. He made decisions with a cool reserve that I still admire.

• I learned to observe what was going on around me, even if I didn’t understand it, and learn from it.

• I learned that while it is appropriate to be reserved at times, it is also important to never lose touch with your human feelings, no matter how deep they may be buried.

• I learned that music can reach my soul, when nothing else can. Spock, as stoic as he was, played the harp, and understood that music can help us get in touch with our emotions and move us. Besides, who doesn’t look cool while playing the harp and sporting pointy ears?

• I learned that science is cool. When I was in school, I didn’t really care for that subject. But Spock taught me that science can be a tool by which I can understand the world around me.

• I learned to grow. Spock was constantly evolving, learning from the connection he had with others, learning and growing from the experiences he had each day.

• I learned what it means to be a true friend. Even when Spock didn’t agree with his friends, or even like them, he stood by them. He always had Kirk’s back.

• Probably the most important thing I learned was to raise one eyebrow, while looking inquisitive. It’s a skill I utilize most every day. With my eyebrow raised, I can say multiple things, imply many emotions and stop most any tomfoolery, and all without ever opening my mouth. It’s quite the useful skill.

Leonard Nimoy was a talented man, no doubt. He was certainly more than just one character. But in that one character, he found an audience, and he found a way to reach it. And that in that capacity there is perhaps the greatest lesson of all.

Fascinating.

You may reach Angye Morrison at angye.morrison@gaflnews.com.