What did Niel Armstrong mean when he said, "One small step for Man one giant leap for Mankind".?

Question

Man and Mankind, pretty much mean the exact same thing.
I think people kind of understand what he meant,but technicaly it doesn't make sense.Anybody out there that knows more about it?

Answer 1

According to Neil Armstrong, he said, "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." Meaning a single small step for an individual that represents an enormous scientific and cultural triumph for the species. The "a" was lost under static. Until very recently it was assumed by most, even at NASA, that Armstrong flubbed the line on the lunar surface, but now there is acoustic evidence that seems to confirm that he actually delivered the line correctly. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4225856.html

Answer 2

It was a small step on the moon. A leap for mankind as giant steps were scientifically made by man to reach the moon.

Answer 3

It compares the literate action of a single individual versus the overwhelming implications for our species as a whole.

Answer 4

the small step is the one he took,the giant leap was the future and what it held,or what may be possible

Answer 5

Apparently he did say "for a man" which would have made more sense, but it was not audible. I think he is just trying to cover up his mistake.