The Vulcan credo of “infinite diversity in infinite combinations” is one of Star Trek’s central ideals and proves itself as a stabilizing influence for the franchise’s characters. In Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, IDIC teaches some valuable lessons for Nog, Quark’s nephew, even though the young Ferengi might not realize the importance of challenging cultural norms through diversity until later in his life.
Nog’s enrollment in Keiko O’Brien’s school on DS9
Diversity abounded on Deep Space Nine after the Cardassian occupation of the station ended and new ideas took shape, such as creating a school for the children who lived there. Keiko O'Brien took on the role of station teacher. Rom, Nog’s father, didn’t want his son to attend a school run by a human woman because he wouldn’t learn the ideals that make a successful Ferengi male. However, once Rom relented, the diversity present in the classroom began to change Nog’s outlook on Ferengi cultural norms.
Nog’s friendship with Jake Sisko
It’s unlikely that Nog would have met Jake Sisko if he hadn’t gone there with Rom, and the friendship the two young people form is a prime example of infinite diversity at work. Neither Commander Sisko nor Rom approved of the friendship when the young Ferengi came aboard, but the combination of the differences between the two young people enriched each of their lives (even though it occasionally wreaked havoc on the station!)
Nog’s realization that his goals are not traditional Ferengi goals
The diversity on DS9 allows Nog to realize that his goals are quite different from those of other Ferengi males. Making a profit, being a successful merchant, and obtaining Latinum are all expected and encouraged; however, the more diversity and ideas Nog is exposed to on the station make him realize that he does not want to be like his father, whose only goal is to take over Quark’s bar someday.
Nog’s desire to join Starfleet
Starfleet does not lend itself to traditional Ferengi ideas of success, since it is not a profit-based career, so everyone around him is shocked and even suspicious when Nog wants to join Starfleet. There are no others of his kind in service, as Ferenginar is not a member of the Federation. If not for the exposure of the diversity Nog experienced on the station, it’s likely the thought wouldn’t have crossed his mind.
Nog’s success in Starfleet and life later on only further proves that IDIC can affect those raised in a culture where roles have gone unchanged for centuries. Although the creed was developed on Vulcan, its effects on Nog are obvious.