"If you read my books, especially the Star Trek books and the Quest for Tomorrow books, you'll see in them the core theme of the basic humanistic questions that Star Trek asked"

William Shatner draws a direct connection between his own literary works and the philosophical foundation of Star Trek, emphasizing that the essential questions explored in the iconic series persist throughout his writings. The mention of both his Star Trek stories and his original “Quest for Tomorrow” books suggests that Shatner sees his creative output as a vehicle for engaging with deep humanistic inquiries, questions that concern the human condition, ethical dilemmas, and our place in the universe.

Star Trek, renowned for its optimistic vision of the future and emphasis on moral exploration, consistently challenged viewers to consider issues of identity, diversity, morality, and coexistence. Shatner’s remark implies that these enduring themes are not only features of the television series in which he famously starred as Captain Kirk, but also form the intellectual backbone of his literary contributions. His works, therefore, are not just about space exploration or science fiction adventure; they are explorations of what it means to be human, grappling with fear, hope, ambition, prejudice, and compassion in the face of the unknown.

By inviting readers to examine his novels with an eye for these “basic humanistic questions,” Shatner positions his writing as a philosophical continuation of Star Trek’s legacy. Whether through the interactions of diverse characters, the challenges posed by strange new worlds, or the internal struggles faced by protagonists, his stories aim to provoke reflection. Readers become fellow explorers, confronting not only the mysteries of space but the complexities of their own values, fears, and aspirations.

At its heart, the passage reflects Shatner’s belief in the importance of storytelling as a forum for interrogating the big questions about existence, society, and morality. His literary work, like Star Trek, aspires to inspire empathy, curiosity, and thoughtful engagement with the dilemmas that define the human experience.