"As the right of each sentient species to live in accordance
with its normal cultural evolution is considered sacred, no Star
Fleet personnel may interfere with the healthy development of
alien life and culture. Such interference includes the
introduction of superior knowledge, strength, or technology to a
world whose society is incapable of handling such advantages
wisely. Star Fleet personnel may not violate this Prime
Directive, even to save their lives and/or their ship unless
they are acting to right an earlier violation or an accidental
contamination of said culture. This directive takes precedence
over any and all other considerations, and carries with it the
highest moral obligation." In general, the Prime Directive
forbids Starfleet from interfering in the politics of other
cultures; when interacting with cultures that are unaware of
alien life and/or have not yet developed interstellar space
flight, it forbids Starfleet personnel from even revealing their
true nature and origins. The origin of the P