Quote 1
"Iris 2 only risks one life. Rich Purnell risks all six of them. I know Rich Purnell is more likely to work, but I don't think it's six times more likely." (16.193)
When we first read this, we took Mitch's side: Teddy is way too afraid of taking risks. The more we thought about it, however, the more we warmed to Teddy's perspective. We still think that the Rich Purnell Maneuver was a good idea, but we understand why Teddy is so timid. If anything goes wrong—either way—Teddy will be the one held responsible.
Quote 2
"The entire focus of NASA will be to bring Mark Watney home. This will be our overriding and singular obsession until he is either back on Earth or confirmed dead on Mars." (6.188)
Mark isn't the only one making sacrifices. Although it's easy to focus on the daring exploits of the astronauts, the pencil-pushers at NASA are playing their part too. Plus, it's not like money grows on trees: NASA is definitely going to be over budget when everything is said and done. Regardless, Teddy makes it clear that no price is too steep.
Quote 3
"Naturally," Teddy said. "Astronauts are inherently insane. And really noble." (6.197)
Mark and co. fly in the face of popular stereotypes of scientists. They don't spend their days in front of computers. They don't spend their nights tinkering in labs. They go on adventures.