Object

Picard's Personal Reading Book (Shuttlecraft)

A compact, hand-held philosophical volume (William James) that Picard carries into the shuttle. Shows signs of frequent use—softened corners, a worn spine and thumbed pages—and Picard handles it casually, opening to passages and sliding it across to underline a point while instructing Wesley. In scenes where the book functions as a buffer against intrusive questions, it also operates as a privacy shield and emotional anchor.

1 appearances

Purpose

A portable reference and reading volume used by Picard to cite philosophical passages and to structure a mentorly lesson for a junior officer.

Significance

Acts as the concrete pedagogical tool that shifts a brusque reprimand into formative counsel; it embodies Picard's belief in the moral and cultural education that complements technical training and frames the episode's thematic emphasis on meaning over mechanics.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

1 moments

S2E17 · Samaritan Snare

Shuttle Confession — Wesley Confronts Picard's Distance

Picard's reading materials are physically set aside at the start of the exchange, functioning narratively as a catalyst—their being put down signals a shift from private study to intimate conversation and offers Picard a ritualized cover for his moment of vulnerability.

Before: In Picard's hands; actively being read and used as a private ritual while he studies starfields.

After: Set aside at Picard's side, no longer read; they remain a silent prop that marks the transition into personal disclosure.

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