[stephend]

Am I right or wrong?

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped onto the surface of the moon, speaking the words of a script written by some unknown individual back at NASA.

This writer had chosen to use the rhetorical device of antithesis, dramatically contrasting little with big:
"one small step" with "one giant leap",
and
"a man" with "mankind".

However, Neil, understandably distracted, said "That's one small step for Man ... one giant leap for mankind", and since Man and mankind are synonymous we can imagine the writer back on earth hitting his forehead with his open palm.

Without "a man" the sentence lacks not only rhetorical oomph but loses most of its meaning. Armstrong realised his mistake instantly and stammered slightly after saying "Man" - or perhaps tried to insert the "a" retrospectively.

However, it's clear what Armstrong was meant to say, and we all agree with the sentiment. The main outcome was that it revealed to the world that there was a script.

I take this as further evidence (not that any is needed) that the moon landing was not filmed in a movie set. If an actor fluffs his lines at a really crucial moment, doesn't someone yell "Cut" and don't they just do it again?