Esk

As Andy blogged, Arthur C. Clarke has died.

When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong.
Arthur C. Clarke (1917 - 2008), Clarke’s first law

Only a couple of days ago, I was talking with Dan about this quotation. I really hope I become so distinguished a scientist that when I predict something is impossible, my quotation ends up on a wall next to an explanation of the technology that has eventually proven me wrong.

His writings have been a constant source of inspiration for me both in science and philosophy. They will continue to do so, not only because a lot of his collection I haven’t yet read, but also because I keep going back to what I have read, seeing new things every time. I’m sad that he has gone, but his work will live on for generations to come — which is as good as it gets for us carbon-based bipeds.