How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Long years will pass ere the thunder of our cannons will be again heard on the field of battle. We must make up our minds to this, and seek elsewhere food for out all-devouring energies." (2.15)
The Gun Club sure is driven, even if they're not always sure what they're being driven toward. Frankly, we're just glad that they found something more productive to throw their "all-devouring energies" into besides weapons. Wouldn't their impressive expertise be better spent on something else?
Quote #2
"I speak to you about the orb of night. It is, perhaps, reserved for us to be the discoverers of a new world." (2.23)
Talk about ambitious. From the get-go, the Gun Club crew knows that this will be their biggest challenge yet, but they're not too concerned. Although they know that this will be a great challenge, requiring a good deal of perseverance, they see is simply as a another opportunity.
Quote #3
No true Yankee would have allowed himself to admit the appearance of a difficulty. A thing was carried out as soon as decided upon. (3.3)
America—heck yeah. Verne ties Barbicane's ambitious spirit to broader American values, illustrating how a project like this would only be possible in the U.S. In fact, Americans are the only people who actually believe this project can succeed.
Quote #4
"Gentlemen," said the president, "I beg to repeat what I said yesterday: Be without fear - the millions will be forthcoming." (8.66)
No matter what obstacles get flung his way, Barbicane never doubts his mission for a second. What a hustler, right? As we'll see, this unflappable spirit inspires those around him to work even harder.
Quote #5
Barbicane was the moving spirit in all this world of workmen. He imparted to them his enthusiasm and his conviction. (14.6)
Could the project have been successful without Barbicane? We doubt it. Although there are plenty of people who would want to do it, there are very few that could see actually see the project through. Without his infectious "conviction," there's little hope for success.
Quote #6
It was hard for such doughty warriors to find themselves stopped by an obstacle which time alone could conquer. (16.6)
Perseverance will get you far, but it won't be enough to push you all the way into the Promised Land. Now, the Gun Club is forced to reckon with a truth learned by four-year-olds throughout time: Sometimes you just have to be patient.
Quote #7
"I come across an opportunity of making a tour of the moon, and I take advantage of it; that is all. I don't think that requires so much reflection." (18.55)
As we've observed before, Ardan doesn't see problems—he sees opportunities. While there are plenty of technical issues to worry about, he simply assumes that they'll be taken care of along the way. Luckily, Barbicane is there to hammer out the specific details.
Quote #8
But Barbicane was anxious to succeed, and not fall through at the last moment, so he chose the best workmen, and made them act under his personal inspection. (24.2)
While Ardan is free-spirited, Barbicane is all about the details. To Barbicane, even the most insignificant details require immense focus—without precision, he feels the project will fall flat on its face. And he's probably right. In fact, both men's unique personalities become integral to the project's success.
Quote #9
J.T. Maston did not admit, for one instant, the possibility of its fall into the oceans which cover three-fourths of the globe. (27.13)
Maston, on the other hand, is a too thick-headed to notice any practical problems. Luckily, this has the blissful side-effect of making him one of the most dedicated and committed workers in the Gun Club. If there's one person who is never going to lose hope—who will never stop fighting—it's J.T. Maston.
Quote #10
"They have carried into space all the resources of art, science, and industry. With that they can do almost anything, and you will see that they will get out of their difficulties." (28.16)
Maston believes in his friends more than anything. So sweet. Dude has complete faith in his friends' skills, even though all facts point to their catastrophic demise. We're on your side, though, Maston—we'd hate to imagine that after all of this hard work and dedication, the Gun Club's mission ends in such a depressing way.