How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
It is but just to add that these Yankees, brave beyond a doubt, did not confine themselves to mere formulae, but risked their persons without hesitation. (1.13)
Although Verne disagrees with the Gun Club's founding mission, he can't help but admire their fearlessness. Ardan—as a sort of stand-in for Verne—will come to respect Barbicane and Co. for similar reasons.
Quote #2
And if such a man really existed, must he not be some madman to be confined in a madhouse rather than in a cannon-ball? (18.1)
People are shocked when Ardan announces his intention to take a trip to the moon. It's a suicide mission and everyone—Ardan included—knows it. But it doesn't matter. For Ardan, the experience of being launched into outer space is worth any consequence, even death.
Quote #3
Disciples of Lavater or Gratiolet would have easily traced […] indubitable signs of combativeness—that is to say, courage in danger and a tendency to break through obstacles. (18.34)
Verne has a huge man-crush on Ardan. We can't say we blame him. The guy is an adventurer to the core—in fact, Ardan is based on a real-life photographer (and friend of Verne's) named Felix Nadar. Like his real-life inspiration, Ardan is constantly risking life and limb in order to experience things that no other person has the guts to pursue.
Quote #4
"Who risks nothing gains nothing," said he. Ardan risked often and yet gained nothing. (18.41)
As you can already tell, Ardan doesn't look before he leaps. Strangely, this only makes us like him more—he's too busy enjoying his adventures to worry about a reward.
Quote #5
"Supposing that all the chances are in your favour, and admitting that you reach the moon - how will you return?"
"I will not return." (20.70-71)
Ardan doesn't care whether he lives or dies. To him, becoming the first human being to reach outer space is worth any cost. Plus, he can make a pretty good life for himself up there on the moon—we hear that selenite babes are fine.
Quote #6
"A man like Barbicane would not finesse with his enemy, nor lay traps, no practise any manoeuvre! He is too straight-forward, too courageous." (21.27)
Courage is the only thing that Barbicane and Ardan share in common. Both men pay the price for the fearlessness on more than one occasion, not least of which is the duel Barbicane is embroiled in here. That being said, this duel also teaches us that courage doesn't always lead to violence.
Quote #7
"As I am not going with you," said the worthy artillerist, "at least you may allow me to pass a week in the projectile." (23.39)
Don't forget about the lovable Maston. Although this poor guy usually ends up as the butt of the joke, you can't deny that the dude has a heart the size of a whale. He never gives up either—he's trying to get inside the capsule up until the moment it's launched.
Quote #8
These serious dangers were greatly increased by the carelessness of the Americans, who did not hesitate during the Federal war to smoke their cigars while loading bomb-shells. (25.2)
Courage and carelessness—same thing, right? Although this sight upsets Barbicane to no end, he's even more shocked to find Ardan puffing on a stogie a few minutes later. C'mon dude. We hate to go cliché, but sometimes clichés are true—discretion is the better part of valor.
Quote #9
These words were impregnated with such confidence that Michel Ardan […] would have carried away the whole Gun Club in his wake. (25.23)
Courage is contagious. Ardan and Barbicane become figureheads of this new movement, their brave resolve inspiring people the world over. In this way, courage can be seen as one of the most important qualities a leader can have—it's more contagious than Ebola!
Quote #10
The hearts of all beat faster, except the heart of Michel Ardan. This impressionable personage ran backwards and forwards in his accustomed busy manner. (26.2)
Ardan is one cool customer. The dude is about to get shot out of a cannon into space and he's not sweating a drop. Stay frosty, Ardan.