this post was submitted on 10 Apr 2026
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Neil claimed, and I think we should believe him, that he said "a man" but the radio glitched.
The quote works either way. People just need to fuckin chill.
It "works" in that we know what he meant, but it literally doesn't work without the "a".
'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
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.
Yeah that’s why DIDN’T fucking say mankind TWICE. Fuckin chill!
It would be redundant and self-contradictory without the "a." That's why it doesn't make sense without it.
You chill.
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
But also everyone knows what he meant so it doesn’t really matter either way 🤷🏻
"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.
Thank you. I had a feeling I was wrong about that. Couldn't even think of the word article though so I assumed maybe it was a weird kind of preposition.
It suddenly makes so much more sense now...