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Man Versus the Natural World Quotes in The Martian

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

With all due respect to Carl, I can call it whatever the hell I want. I'm the King of Mars. (9.16)

Well, that didn't take long—it's only a matter of time until he starts making decrees. Still, he better not get too cocky. He might be winning the battle, but the war is still a'raging.

Quote #5

Everywhere I go, I'm the first. Step outside the rover? First guy ever to be there! Climb a hill? First guy to climb that hill. (9.38)

This must be simultaneously thrilling and terrifying. On one hand, it probably feels pretty cool, like he's breaking a Guinness World Record every day. On the other, Mark literally has no idea what could be waiting for him on the other side of that hill. Spoiler: it's probably Martians.

Quote #6

"Seems needlessly dangerous."
"Coming to Mars was needlessly dangerous," Lewis said. "What's your point?" (12.35-36)

Nobody had any illusions about the Ares 3 mission. Mars is a dangerous place, and each crewmember needed to make peace with the possibility of not making it home alive.