203 Quotes by Chris Hadfield

It’s almost comical that astronauts are stereotyped as daredevils and cowboys. As a rule, we’re highly methodical and detail-oriented. Our passion isn’t for thrills but for the grindstone, and pressing our noses to it.

I’ve had a chance to fly a lot of different airplanes, but it was nothing like the shuttle ride.

It sounds strange, probably, but having a pessimistic view of my own prospects helped me love my job.

I’ve been lucky enough to fly to space twice.

Over the years I’ve learned that investing in other people’s success doesn’t just make them more likely to enjoy working with me. It also improves my own chances of survival and success.

I want to know: How does a space suit on Mars work? Show me how it is pressurized, and how it is cooled. What’s the glove design? None of that stuff can be bought off the rack. It does not exist. You can’t just go to SpaceMart and buy those things.

In a crisis, the “why” is irrelevant.

Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. It’s about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when the stakes are high and the consequences really matter.

When you’re the author of your own fate, you don’t want to write a tragedy.