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thatcrazycajunIt is with an exceedingly heavy heart that I must report the last of the 20th century's three greatest science fiction writers has finally gone to join his fellows. Together with the late Robert A. Heinlein and Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke helped define modern science fiction while also riding the leading edge of science fact...and explaining it with clarity, brilliance and sparkling wit for the average layperson.
He died today at his home in Colombo, Sri Lanka at 90 of complications from post-polio syndrome. MSNBC has an obituary here (with thanks tokradical for the link). Besides a treasure trove of excellent fiction, he bequeathed us the concept of geostationary orbit, on which most of our satellites depend (and, as peteralway points out, is a handy stepping-stone for our return to the stars); two amazing television series and at least a couple of pretty decent movies; and of course, the axiom now known universally as Clarke's Law: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."
On top of all that, he was also one of Tom Brokaw's "Greatest Generation" who fought for freedom in World War II—and was a staunch anti-war speaker and activist the rest of his days. He spoke thusly on the so-called Strategic Defense Initiative, AKA "Star Wars":
"We have already met Darth Vader...and he is us. If we are to survive, we must exorcise the demons of our haunted childhood and grow out of our fascination with 'technoporn'—gleaming weaponry and beautiful explosions. Whatever new armaments may be needed to preserve peace in the immediate future, in the long run only political solutions can save us. (If we deserve to be saved; perhaps a species that has accumulated four tons of explosive per capita has already demonstrated its biological unfitness beyond any further question.)"
Tonight I shall be re-reading my copy of his wonderful SF autobiography, Astounding Days, from which the above quote is taken, in tribute to his memory. Another one whose like we shall not see again has passed.
He died today at his home in Colombo, Sri Lanka at 90 of complications from post-polio syndrome. MSNBC has an obituary here (with thanks to
kradical for the link). Besides a treasure trove of excellent fiction, he bequeathed us the concept of geostationary orbit, on which most of our satellites depend (and, as peteralway points out, is a handy stepping-stone for our return to the stars); two amazing television series and at least a couple of pretty decent movies; and of course, the axiom now known universally as Clarke's Law: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." On top of all that, he was also one of Tom Brokaw's "Greatest Generation" who fought for freedom in World War II—and was a staunch anti-war speaker and activist the rest of his days. He spoke thusly on the so-called Strategic Defense Initiative, AKA "Star Wars":
"We have already met Darth Vader...and he is us. If we are to survive, we must exorcise the demons of our haunted childhood and grow out of our fascination with 'technoporn'—gleaming weaponry and beautiful explosions. Whatever new armaments may be needed to preserve peace in the immediate future, in the long run only political solutions can save us. (If we deserve to be saved; perhaps a species that has accumulated four tons of explosive per capita has already demonstrated its biological unfitness beyond any further question.)"
Tonight I shall be re-reading my copy of his wonderful SF autobiography, Astounding Days, from which the above quote is taken, in tribute to his memory. Another one whose like we shall not see again has passed.
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don't remember if this is in the book, so i hope he'll forgive me...
Date: 2008-03-19 01:21 am (UTC)Rest In Peace
Re: don't remember if this is in the book, so i hope he'll forgive me...
Date: 2008-03-19 10:07 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-03-19 02:17 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-03-19 07:12 am (UTC)