Frank Borman Quotes

Powerful Frank Borman for Daily Growth

About Frank Borman

Frank Frederick Borman II (born March 25, 1928) is an American engineer, astronaut, and business executive. Born in Gary, Indiana, Borman was raised in a working-class family that instilled the values of discipline, hard work, and education. After graduating from Purdue University with a degree in electrical engineering, he began his career at General Electric (GE) where he developed guidance systems for ballistic missiles during the Cold War era. In 1962, Borman was selected by NASA as one of its seven astronauts in the second group known as the "New Niners." He flew on two NASA missions: Gemini 7 (1965), the first manned flight to last more than a week, and Apollo 8 (1968), the first manned spacecraft to orbit the Moon. As commander of Apollo 8, Borman read from the Book of Genesis during Christmas Eve broadcast, a moment that became one of the most watched television programs in history. After retiring from NASA in 1970, Borman served as Chairman and CEO of Eastern Air Lines, Inc., turning around the financially struggling airline. He later moved into business and education, serving on numerous corporate boards and becoming Chancellor of the University System of Indiana (1983-1995). Borman's life and career are marked by his determination, discipline, and adaptability in the face of challenges. His major works extend beyond engineering and astronautics, influencing leadership and management practices through his business ventures and educational endeavors. Quotes attributed to Borman reflect his no-nonsense approach to life and work: "There's nothing wrong with having a backup plan. I just don't want it to be my main plan." And from the Apollo 8 mission, "We are already home. This is Earth as seen from Apollo 8." These quotes encapsulate Borman's pragmatic mindset and his profound appreciation for life on Earth.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The astronauts on Apollo 8 were the most prominent atheists on any space flight."

This quote suggests that the astronauts aboard Apollo 8, specifically Frank Borman, Bill Anders, and Jim Lovell, were not religious during their mission. They became known as atheists due to their profound experience of viewing Earth from space and experiencing the vastness of the universe, which may have led them to question or reject traditional religious beliefs about the creation of the world. However, it's important to note that they did not express personal beliefs about their faith or lack thereof during the mission itself. This statement offers a perspective on how space travel can challenge and redefine our understanding of existence and spirituality.


"Space is a very hostile place."

Frank Borman's quote, "Space is a very hostile place," underscores the harsh and inhospitable nature of outer space. Despite its allure and mystery, space is not a friendly environment for human life or technology. It lacks essential elements like breathable air, protection from solar radiation, and stable temperatures, making it a challenging arena for exploration and survival.


"We saw the earth and it broke our hearts to leave it, but we knew we had to go."

This quote by Frank Borman encapsulates a profound sense of attachment and longing for Earth, coupled with an understanding of the necessity for exploration and progress. The astronaut's emotional response to witnessing our planet from space underscores humanity's deep-rooted connection to Earth and the bittersweet nature of leaving home to venture into the unknown. It also signifies a strong human spirit, driven by curiosity and the desire to expand our horizons, despite the pain it may cause to part with familiarity.


"When you're sitting in a tiny little spaceship hurtling through the void, 200,000 miles from home, the most profound realization is that there really isn't any place else to go."

This quote by Frank Borman underscores the profound sense of isolation and vulnerability experienced during space travel, emphasizing the vastness of the universe and humanity's relative smallness within it. The quote also highlights a sense of humility, as we realize Earth is our only home amidst the cosmic void. It serves as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of cherishing and preserving our planet for future generations.


"From up here, it doesn't make any difference which race or religion you are; this earth looks like a grand oasis in a vast, desolate, hostile universe."

This quote highlights the profound unity of humanity when viewed from the perspective of space exploration. Despite our Earthly differences in race, religion, or any other human categorization, we are all inhabitants of a single, fragile, and precious planet amidst an expansive and indifferent cosmos. The common thread of our shared home serves as a powerful reminder that cooperation and unity among people is essential for our survival and continued exploration beyond our planet's boundaries.


It's a vast, lonely, forbidding expanse of nothing rather like clouds and clouds of pumice stone. And it certainly does not appear to be a very inviting place to live or work.

- Frank Borman

Very, Inviting, Certainly, Stone

Capitalism without bankruptcy is like Christianity without hell.

- Frank Borman

Like, Christianity, Bankruptcy

Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit.

- Frank Borman

Travel, Exploration, Essence, Human

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