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[–] 19 points 7 months ago (9 children)

The quote works either way. People just need to fuckin chill.

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  • [–] 0 points 7 months ago (8 children)

    It "works" in that we know what he meant, but it literally doesn't work without the "a".

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  • [–] 8 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (7 children)

    'Man' is often used in the same way as 'mankind' which is how I've usually seen the quote interpreted. Clearly the article 'a' makes a very big difference but it still makes sense.

    Edit: preposition -> article cuz I'm dum

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  • [–] 10 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (4 children)

    'Man' is often used in the same way as 'mankind'

    Yes, which is why without the "a" it doesn't work. "A small step for mankind, one giant leap for mankind" is nonsensical.

    He was saying he (a man) was literally taking a step with his leg, but it was a figuratively large step for the species because of where/how he was taking that step.

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  • [–] -5 points 7 months ago (3 children)

    Yeah that’s why DIDN’T fucking say mankind TWICE. Fuckin chill!

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  • [–] 1 point 7 months ago (2 children)

    It would be redundant and self-contradictory without the "a." That's why it doesn't make sense without it.

    You chill.

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  • [–] 1 point 7 months ago

    I would still leave that up to interpretation. I think it can make sense however I am having trouble putting my interpretation into words.

    Two alternative redemptions of the 'a' not being present: It could be viewed as an ellipsis, it does sound slightly more pleasant to me without.

    And it would also just be really silly if the first statement said upon stepping onto a celestial body no human has set foot on before is a self contradictory statement is

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  • [–] 1 point 7 months ago (1 child)

    "a" is an indefinite article, not a preposition. Prepositions are how a verb relates to an indirect object. "The bunny hopped over the fence, around a tree, and down a hole." The italicized words in this sentence are prepositions. In, on, at, near, etc.. You get the idea...

    Anyway, the quote is kinda contradictory without the "a". Is it a small step or a giant leap? Oh, it's a giant leap for mankind, and a small step for a man. Makes so much sense now.

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