https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=Ryzvonusefexplain xkcd - User contributions [en]2026-04-17T13:50:02ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.30.0https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=1291:_Shoot_for_the_Moon&diff=528501291: Shoot for the Moon2013-11-15T17:20:06Z<p>Ryzvonusef: trope link was borked. fixed</p>
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<div>{{comic<br />
| number = 1291<br />
| date = November 15, 2013<br />
| title = Shoot for the Moon<br />
| image = shoot_for_the_moon.png<br />
| titletext = Shoot for the Moon. If you miss, you'll end up co-orbiting the Sun alongside Earth, living out your days alone in the void within sight of the lush, welcoming home you left behind.<br />
}}<br />
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==Explanation==<br />
{{incomplete}}<br />
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The comic and the title text both parody the motivational quote attributed to {{w|Les_Brown_(speaker)|Leslie Brown}}, which originally says, "Shoot for the Moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."<br />
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In the original form, the quote is figurative, meant to inspire people to pursue ambitious goals, reasoning that even if they fail to achieve them, they may still accomplish other great things while trying. The comic and title text, on the other hand, attempt to interpret the quote literally, exploring the humorous aspects of doing so.<br />
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The comic is also referencing the [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/RightBehindMe common comedy trope] of someone talking about another person when the person is standing right behind them and can hear everything they are saying.<br />
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==Transcript==<br />
:[Megan is standing at a pedestal.]<br />
:Megan: Students, shoot for the moon. If you miss,<br />
<br />
:[A moon is creeping up behind Megan.]<br />
:Megan: '''''shoot again.''''' Keep shooting and never stop.<br />
<br />
:Megan: Someday, one of us will destroy that stupid skycircle. And— ...What? What are you all—<br />
<br />
:Megan: ...It's right behind me, isn't it? '''''Shit.''''' Everyone act casual.<br />
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{{comic discussion}}<br />
[[Category:Comics featuring Megan]]</div>Ryzvonusef