"ニール・アームストロングは月面を歩いた最初の人間だった。私は月面でおもらしをした最初の人間だ。(それはユーモアを交えて言われたので、あまり知られていない。)"
— Buzz Aldrin
Simplified Meaning:
The quote humorously contrasts two types of "firsts" on the moon, the groundbreaking achievement of Neil Armstrong and a lighthearted, human moment of vulnerability. Neil Armstrong is celebrated for his historic achievement of being the first person to walk on the moon, a moment that symbolized human progress and ingenuity. However, the second "first" mentioned refers to a more personal and less glamorous moment—someone being the first to wet their pants on the moon, which highlights the very human side of space travel. This comparison reminds us that even the most heroic and groundbreaking events have ordinary, human elements. It's a way of saying that behind every great achievement, there are also moments of discomfort or embarrassment, which are a natural part of the human experience. For example, in our daily lives, we might achieve something significant at work, like successfully completing a big project. But along the way, we might also have small, embarrassing moments, like spilling coffee on ourselves. Both parts are important: the big achievements inspire others and push boundaries, while the smaller, human moments keep us grounded and humble. Recognizing this can help anyone remember that it's okay to have imperfections or silly moments, even when they are striving for greatness. This perspective allows us to laugh at ourselves and not take life too seriously, which can be incredibly liberating.