Arthur C Clarke

Hi ppl, sorry if u may find this post a bit long-winded, but i owe this one.. One of my most respected idols passed away recently. His "Odyssey" novels, and other short stories opened my mind to a world that's wondrous & very much within our reach, his ideas and philosophies were instrumental in giving me such an optimistic view of our world, not of what has been but of what can be. Here's a little obituary i've compiled for him..
A line from 2001 - A Space Odyssey, about space exploration:

"After ten thousand years, man had at last found something as exciting as war."

Amen to that!

Writer Arthur C Clarke dies at 90

British science fiction writer Sir Arthur C Clarke has died in his adopted home of Sri Lanka at the age of 90.
some excerpts from the article:
Sir Arthur's detailed descriptions of space shuttles, super-computers and rapid communications systems inspired millions of readers.
When asked why he never patented his idea for communication satellites, he said: "I did not get a patent because I never thought it will happen in my lifetime."
In the 1940s, he maintained man would reach the moon by the year 2000, an idea dismissed at the time.
He was the author of more than 100 fiction and non-fiction books, and his writings are credited by many observers with giving science fiction a human and practical face. He collaborated on the screenplay for 2001: A Space Odyssey with the film's director Stanley Kubrick.

another link: Tributes by readers on bbc.com

Childhoods End was the first book I read of his, just before leaving secondary school. Then I got my hands on Rendezvous with Rama and I was hooked. The further books, Rama 2, Garden of Rama and Rama Revealed were pardon the pun "out of this world". Arthur had had a way of transporting you into his books; you too were living his dream. Those are the best i've ever read. I've said for years that they should make a film /films out of the Rama books. Maybe now's the time? RIP Arthur, job done.
Kevin Seurre, Croydon

I'll remember him for his predictions on future technology, his cracking good stories and the fact that his novels give you a sense of belief that everything will probably turn out OK for the human race in the long run.
Marc Whiteley

Arthur C Clarke, should be remembered not only as one of the greats of British Science Fiction, but also as a visionary who's imagination foresaw the modern world, and in doing so stimulated people to become science professionals.
The world is a lesser place with out him.
Tony Shaw, Langdale

Sir Arthur's dreams and visions greatly influenced my life, He humbled me on many occasion, a dreamer as vast as the Universe's he wrote of. I've read many of his stories short and long and still have many to enjoy, His works of the unknown, the simplicity and complications, the good and evils, the uglyness the beautys of our race our world and many others constantly brings me joy and even enlightenment. What he saw in his mind and dreams I am gratefull for him sharing,Thank you.To the stars Sir
Shawn, Essex

As a young boy growing up in the depressed Britian of the 1970's, Arthur C. Clarke's book "Islands in the Sky" opened my eyes to an amazing and very possible future. Although the book was written in 1952 it's themes resonated with me then in the Apollo era and even now its future has not yet been fully realised. For me the exploration of space and the deeper understanding of the Universe is one of mankinds greatest achievements. Some great SF to pass the time whilst reality catches is a bonus!
Steven Ridley, New York

Arthur C Clarke: predictions Another good read!
Arthur C. Clarke Quotes

"I don't pretend we have all the answers. But the questions are certainly worth thinking about."