Spock vs. Spock

Which one is Mr. and which one is Dr.?  How to tell which Spock you've got.

When you've got to make a tough decision - "Is this a Prime Directive violation?" "Should I secretly replace Jimmy's dead goldfish?" - it makes sense to turn to Spock for Advice.  But which one?  Mr. Spock, Vulcan First Officer of the Starship Enterprise, or Dr. Spock, pediatrician and childcare specialist?  Here's a guide to help you understand which Spock you're dealing with.

Background

Mr. Spock: Joined Starfleet Academy rather than the Vulcan Academy as his father expected, resulting in a strained father/son relationship.

Dr. Spock: Attended Yale (just like his Dad) and joined the Scroll and Key Society.  Graduated first in his class from Columbia's College of Physicians and Surgeons, all of which probably made his Dad happy.

Career Philosophy

Mr. Spock: Struggled to maintain the emotional detachment and logical perspective of his Vulcan teaching, while fighting human emotion.

Dr. Spock: Through his books, including Dr. Spock's Baby & Child Care, encouraged parents to be more flexible and affectionate with their children, and to treat them as individuals.

In Retirement

Mr. Spock: Served as Ambassador for the United Federation of Planets, and was integral in securing peace between the Klingon Empire and the Federation.

Dr. Spock: Protested against the Vietnam War and Nuclear Power, and lectured against cuts in social welfare programs.

Legacy

Mr. Spock: His statement that "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one" has been cited in a legal decision rendered by the Texas Supreme Court.

Dr. Spock: His ideas have influenced generations of parents and his books have sold more than 50 million copies, in 49 languages (not in Klingon).

So now that you know your Spocks, go out there and live long and prosper... as a family.