How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
Quote #1
KIRK: How we deal with death is at least as important as how we deal with life.
It's important to note that Kirk is really just mouthing platitudes here. He's going "by the book" to give the party line to Saavik. He doesn't actually believe this at all, and you can kind of sense it in the flippant way he lectures Saavik about it. Don't worry, Saavik. Our boy will learn.
Quote #2
McCOY: Jim, I'm your doctor and I'm your friend. Get back your command. Get it back before you turn into part of this collection. Before you really do grow old.
With his usual tact and delicacy, McCoy spells out what this trip means to Kirk: a chance to escape not a literal death, but a spiritual one. Kirk needs to be on a starship to feel alive, and if he denies that, he may as well just start fitting himself for the coffin right now.
Quote #3
KHAN: What do you think? They've killed twenty of my people, including my beloved wife.
From symbolic death to a literal one, courtesy of those darn space eels that will apparently eat your brain completely after turning you into Khan's loyal zombots. Proof that the villain of the piece is playing for keeps.