Arthur C. Clarke (1917 - 2008)
When I was 10 years old I sat in AWE in the movie theater, spellbound by "2001: A Space Odyssey". I was in the middle of developing a fascination with all things science fiction, and Arther C Clarke was one of the kings and visionaries. This was a man who didn't just MAKE STUFF UP... he knew the science and conceived theory behind it.
This is the man who envisioned and laid out the plans for satellite communications as we know it today.
And in 1968, the world that was envisioned 33 years into the future was going to be AMAZING.
The world was crap then... It was exploding all around us, politically, socially and physically.
How could a kid who grew up in the 10 years when we went from nothing to orbiting the moon NOT believe every prognostication they put forth? We could do anything. FAST. That's why I love every shuttle launch. THAT'S why I love technology & new gadgets.
And science fiction let us look at those accomplishments and think ahead. Look what we can do. Look how many GOOD things we can create in the world. See how we can cooperate and how much we have grown? Sure it might appear bad now, but look what we've leaned - we will learn that other stuff too.
Sadly, the world didn't move that fast. And as I've grown older, I've come to realize that mankind doesn't so easily shed the prejudices and greed that are so deep-seated.
But to think that there might be others out there in the universe. To know we might someday meet them. To LOOK at the stars and wonder about our existence ... and to know that people like Mr. Clarke were able to conceive of a better future - maybe a more harmonious future... Well, that means that it's possible, then.
OK ... so now I sound like I'm REALLY high ... and REALLY geeky. Super... UGH!
Again...is ANYONE surprised that I can't get chicks?
Anyway, his best books, in my opinion, are below. They make you think. They are fun. They present a dream and a vision. A possibility.
AND, they are a picture of history. THIS is what we thought society would be like from the vantage point of THEN.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Clarke.
Thank you.
NOW where will we go?
Titles:
2001: A Space Odyssey
Rendezvous with Rama
A Fall of Moondust
Childhood's End
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