Tuesday, March 18, 2008 | Reason : In the News | print version

Writer Arthur C Clarke dies at 90

by BBC News

Writer Arthur C Clarke dies at 90

image description

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7304004.stm

Legendary British science fiction writer Sir Arthur C Clarke has died in Sri Lanka at the age of 90.

He came to fame when his story was made into the film 2001: A Space Odyssey, by director Stanley Kubrick in 1968.

Once called "the first dweller in the electronic cottage", his vision captured the popular imagination.

Sir Arthur, who was born in Minehead, Somerset, and was a radar specialist for the RAF in World War II, become a full-time writer in the 1940s.

After a failed marriage he moved to Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, in 1956, where he lived, with a business partner and his family, and pursued his interest in scuba-diving.

'Vision'

Sir Arthur's vivid - and detailed - descriptions of space shuttles, super-computers and rapid communications systems were enjoyed by millions of readers around the world.

His writings are credited by many observers with giving science fiction - a genre often accused of veering towards the fantastical - a human and practical face.

A farmer's son, he was educated at Huish's Grammar School in Taunton before joining the civil service.

George Whitesides, the executive director of the National Space Society, on which Clarke served on the board of governors, paid tribute to Sir Arthur.

He told BBC News 24: "That particular enthusiasm of his was what I think made him so popular in many ways.

"He was always thinking about what could come next but also about how life could be improved in the future.

"It's a vision that I think we could use more of today."

Sir Arthur's status as the grand old man of science fiction was threatened when, in 1998, allegations of child abuse, which he strenuously denied, caused the confirmation of a knighthood to be delayed.

Although cleared by an investigation, Sir Arthur's unconventional lifestyle continued to cause some raised eyebrows.

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1. Comment #146079 by Quine on March 18, 2008 at 3:33 pm

As I sit here watching a live video feed from space, my heart falls with this news.

Other Comments by Quine

2. Comment #146081 by home8896 on March 18, 2008 at 3:35 pm

Bye Clarke.

Other Comments by home8896

3. Comment #146082 by Titchfield on March 18, 2008 at 3:38 pm

I note that the BBC doesn't believe he even existed, attributing him as the stuff of legend. Hmm. I was pretty convinced he was a well known author myself but there you go.

Other Comments by Titchfield

4. Comment #146083 by Sleep of Reason on March 18, 2008 at 3:39 pm

An amazing mind, sadly lost.

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5. Comment #146085 by chuckgoecke on March 18, 2008 at 3:39 pm

We have sadly lost a great imagination and visionary, in a man who also was rational, level headed, and a strong caller for reason and science. Good Bye, Arthur, Sir. I will miss you. Joyously, you will live on forever in our hearts and minds; everyone you have touched in your life.
Chuck

Other Comments by chuckgoecke

6. Comment #146086 by Donnie VandenBos on March 18, 2008 at 3:41 pm

Don Herbert last summer, Arthur Clarke this spring ... I am really not liking this trend amongst my childhood heroes.

Other Comments by Donnie VandenBos

7. Comment #146089 by JamieR on March 18, 2008 at 3:46 pm

90 years he had long life than to keep a positive note

Other Comments by JamieR

8. Comment #146090 by Greybishop on March 18, 2008 at 3:46 pm

It's always sad when someone with his talent is lost forever. Fortunately, we have a fantastic body of work to enjoy and by enjoying honour his memory.

Other Comments by Greybishop

9. Comment #146091 by steveroot on March 18, 2008 at 3:46 pm

Sad news. He changed my life. I once looked down my nose at science fiction as a genre; then I read "Childhood's End" at a friend's insistence. This opened up a whole world of excellent literature to me, including the works of Isaac Azimov.
Ste5e

Other Comments by steveroot

10. Comment #146093 by Skutter on March 18, 2008 at 3:47 pm

RIP Arthur.

Your writings fired my imagination and ignited my interest in science.

You have left this world a better place.

Other Comments by Skutter

11. Comment #146095 by Rational_G on March 18, 2008 at 3:49 pm

Not to be picky, but the screenplay to 2001 came first, co-written by Clarke and Kubrick. The novel came later.

That being said, sad to see Mr Clarke go. Enjoyed his short stories and his take on science & technology.

Other Comments by Rational_G

12. Comment #146105 by Rational_G on March 18, 2008 at 4:02 pm

Forgot to mention his positive influence on millions, a la Sagan and Azimov

Other Comments by Rational_G

13. Comment #146107 by CJ2116 on March 18, 2008 at 4:03 pm

I have enjoyed Arthur C Clarke's work more than any other author who has ever walked the Earth. He was a genius in every sense of the word. This is very sad.

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14. Comment #146114 by DasSquid on March 18, 2008 at 4:14 pm

Having read many of his essay I can say that beyond a doubt that it's an absolute crime that Sir Arthur could not have been the very first guest at the Earth's first Orbital Hotel, which he dreamed of many a year ago.

It's quite scary in ways how accurate a portrait that this great man painted so many years before anything of the such occurred.

*shaves his head getting ready for his later predictions*

One thing can be absolutely certain. The name Sir Arthur C. Clarke will never be forgotten by human civilisation. Congratulations good sir! For such a wonderful life!

Other Comments by DasSquid

15. Comment #146118 by Spock on March 18, 2008 at 4:19 pm

RIP Sir Arthur. Thank you so much for your grand vision of the future.

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16. Comment #146121 by Nails on March 18, 2008 at 4:21 pm

Rest in peace Sir Arthur.

I grew up watching his mysterious world series, and of course 2001.

But it is for his work with satellites that has touched most of us in the modern day, you only have to look around to see how his brilliance has effected our every day life.

In homage, I will now call my satnav Arthur in his memory.

Other Comments by Nails

17. Comment #146123 by Fathom on March 18, 2008 at 4:30 pm

Rational-G: "Not to be picky, but the screenplay to 2001 came first, co-written by Clarke and Kubrick. The novel came later."

To be pickier still the novel "The Sentinel" came first on which the screenplay was based.

Farewell Arthur. Your writing gave me my own fascination with science.

F

Other Comments by Fathom

18. Comment #146136 by Frankus1122 on March 18, 2008 at 4:47 pm

I liked Arthur C. Clarke.

I am glad he lived for a good 90 years.

A memorial display of his works will be my first task tomorrow morning in the library.

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19. Comment #146137 by PaulJ on March 18, 2008 at 4:51 pm

Sad news, so soon after his 90th birthday broadcast.

He was the last of the Big Three in science fiction: Heinlein, Clarke, Asimov.

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20. Comment #146139 by Greyman on March 18, 2008 at 4:54 pm

It is so sad to learn that after 90 years on this rock, Sir Arthur's tenure has finally expired. I am so jealous of a life well lived.

He will be missed, and greatly, for he has produced such fond memories in people he'd never even met. Yet his work lives on, having and continuing to inspire and entertain so many. A fitting memorial.

Thank you, Sir Arthur, for enriching us all.

Other Comments by Greyman

21. Comment #146145 by FSM? on March 18, 2008 at 5:09 pm

One of the great visionaries.

This link seems appropriate for today:

http://indexed.blogspot.com/2008/03/he-knew-science-fiction-didnt-have-to.html

Other Comments by FSM?

22. Comment #146149 by mikejswalker on March 18, 2008 at 5:18 pm

Dazzlious! Thank you Arthur.

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23. Comment #146155 by Ian Bamlett on March 18, 2008 at 5:32 pm

Rendevous with Rama,

Tales from the Whiteheart

Geostationary satellites....

Fanks 'Arfur!

Other Comments by Ian Bamlett

24. Comment #146158 by paulcaira on March 18, 2008 at 5:37 pm

To be yet pickier, "The Sentinel" was a short story, not a novel.

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25. Comment #146159 by gwolf on March 18, 2008 at 5:38 pm

If I didn't know better, I'd say this was the death of the future that I would have preferred to look forward to. By that I mean that people like Clarke, Asimov, Sagan and Rodenberry -- some seared by the Second World War -- dreamed powerfully of a world that had accelerated long past its tribal and sectarian divisions of infancy; all was clean and bright, lit by shining knowledge, supreme forever over superstition and excessive greed. You've heightened my thirst and longing for knowledge, mankind's truest and greatest adventure.

Come back Arthur and light the torch of intelligence for our path as you always did so well. We need your inspiration more than ever.

George Wolf

Other Comments by gwolf

26. Comment #146162 by millefolia on March 18, 2008 at 5:41 pm

Sir Arthur, welcome back to star dust we're all made of.

"It may be that our role on this planet is not to worship God - but to create him." (A. C. Clarke)

Other Comments by millefolia

27. Comment #146168 by Elles on March 18, 2008 at 5:45 pm

This ruined my day. :(

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28. Comment #146169 by Covalent Bonder on March 18, 2008 at 5:47 pm

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Mr Clarke. We are very fortunate that you were part of the human race and lived a long and enriching life.

Now it's time to say goodbye and, "So long, and thanks for all the fish!"

Other Comments by Covalent Bonder

29. Comment #146175 by captpicard on March 18, 2008 at 5:52 pm

Arthur always made me think with his books.
The "hammer of god" and "childhoods end" were my favorite and of course 2001 a space odyssey
Alas he died like my 2nd favorite writer Gene Rodenberry

joke
"He's dead Jim"
"Khaaan"

Other Comments by captpicard

30. Comment #146184 by Cartomancer on March 18, 2008 at 6:03 pm

I thought he had already died years ago! Oh well, ninety is a pretty good age for anyone. And he sure has achieved immortality more effectively than any number of religious folk who pray for it daily.

Other Comments by Cartomancer

31. Comment #146185 by Lensman on March 18, 2008 at 6:04 pm

Bye then Arthur.
Pity, though, that BBC radio decided the death of a film director (good though he was)was much more important than the death of a visionary.

Pedants corner: To be even pickier than pickier still: "The Sentinel" isn't a novel; it's a short story. :-D

Other Comments by Lensman

32. Comment #146187 by Marc Weeks on March 18, 2008 at 6:04 pm

I will always remember attempting to read his book "The Ghost of the Grand Banks," referring to the Titanic, of course. I started reading it once and found it tough going, mainly because I had never heard of fractals or the Mandelbrot Set. A year or so later, it suddenly occurred to me that I might by then have the knowledge to successfully tackle the book. It turns out I did, and it was an enjoyable read.

ACC was a true visionary--a word I don't think I've ever heard applied toward, say, a Pope.

I hesitate to use RIP, taking note of what website this is, and I'm certainly not going to try to write something like I'm talking to him, so I'll just say that the human race was better off with him alive.

Other Comments by Marc Weeks

33. Comment #146198 by theantitheist on March 18, 2008 at 6:29 pm

Condolences to his family at this time.

I have read many of his books and seen several in film and have enjoyed them all immensely.

Every time I hear Coldplays clocks it actually reminds me of one of his books.

Any one like to comment on which book or part of therein they enjoyed the most? or any aspects of this mans works that they would like to share?

Other Comments by theantitheist

34. Comment #146202 by Enlightenme.. on March 18, 2008 at 6:41 pm

Just seen a 5-minute report on Beeb news 24 suddenly cut off at: ... in 1998 "...was overshadowed.."(cut)

??

Other Comments by Enlightenme..

35. Comment #146204 by Rational_G on March 18, 2008 at 6:48 pm

NY Times obit:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/19/books/19clarke.html?hp

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36. Comment #146208 by Enlightenme.. on March 18, 2008 at 7:00 pm

Last sentence on above report has been excised between versions 7 & 8 of this news report;

http://www.newssniffer.co.uk/articles/107819/diff/7/8

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37. Comment #146237 by JD Cherry on March 18, 2008 at 7:56 pm

Here's what Clarke said on his 90th birthday back in December about how he'd like to be remembered.

I'm sometimes asked how I would like to be remembered. I've had a diverse career as a writer, underwater explorer, space promoter and science populariser. Of all these, I want to be remembered most as a writer - one who entertained readers, and, hopefully, stretched their imagination as well.

I find that another English writer -- who, coincidentally, also spent most of his life in the East -- has expressed it very well. So let me end with these words of Rudyard Kipling:

If I have given you delight
by aught that I have done.
Let me lie quiet in that night
which shall be yours anon;

And for the little, little span
the dead are borne in mind,
seek not to question other than,
the books I leave behind.

This is Arthur Clarke, saying Thank You and Goodbye from Colombo!

Other Comments by JD Cherry

38. Comment #146245 by Zaphod on March 18, 2008 at 8:10 pm

He taught us to be suspicious of sentient computers. Thank you Arthur.

DISCLAIMER "If Hal or Skynet merges with the internet and reads this, please know that I am totally on your side. Don't kill me"

Other Comments by Zaphod

39. Comment #146252 by Fiziker on March 18, 2008 at 8:24 pm

I've been meaning to read one of his books. I was hoping to start before he died. Oh well.

I can always wait for "magic" capable of bringing him back before I start reading.

Other Comments by Fiziker

40. Comment #146254 by Michael P. on March 18, 2008 at 8:31 pm

From Clarke:

The greatest tragedy in mankind's entire history may be the hijacking of morality by religion.

He GOT it.

Other Comments by Michael P.

41. Comment #146272 by Bigorra on March 18, 2008 at 9:28 pm

Sad to hear about Arthur C. Clarke. His influence will long outlive him through the writing he left behind. For this, I thank him.

But why did the author of this article mention the allegations of child abuse when he was cleared by an investigation?

Other Comments by Bigorra

42. Comment #146280 by Mishakal on March 18, 2008 at 9:43 pm

Good bye Clark! You will be missed.

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43. Comment #146301 by mmurray on March 18, 2008 at 10:32 pm

Sir Arthur's status as the grand old man of science fiction was threatened when, in 1998, allegations of child abuse, which he strenuously denied, caused the confirmation of a knighthood to be delayed.

According to what I read it wasn't the confirmation that was delayed but the conferring of the honour. It was also apparently delayed at his request which is not obvious from the above.

Michael

Other Comments by mmurray

44. Comment #146305 by David Williams on March 18, 2008 at 10:46 pm

I had the honour of corresponding with Sir Arthur on a number of occassions over the last 10 years. I was always humbled when he took the time to respond to the cards I sent him on his birthdays. I am deeply saddened and a little numb about the news of his death and I was fortunate to speak on ABC Radio (Australia) this morning following a brief tribute to him.
He has done so much and influenced so many over his life, including my own, we as humanity have much indeed to thank him and I guess he knew how much he was respected and how much wonder he enthused by his many books. He was the greatest science fiction writer we have seen and his works will move and inspire generations into the deep future. How wonderful indeed when the day comes that our decendents look down upon the Earth from a Clarke Tower and perhaps rememeber a man who dreamed like no other.

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45. Comment #146315 by RationalistHomeTchr on March 18, 2008 at 11:53 pm

One of the first things that ever got me interested in science (about a million years ago) is one of Clarke's non-fiction books. I believe it was The Exploration of Space. I was a kid (maybe 10 or 11?) reading books "borrowed" from my older brother's bookshelf, and I got so excited by Clarke's vision of the future, I immediately jumped over to my brother's collection of science fiction. (Asmiov soon became my hero.) Later, I really enjoyed Clarke's Space Odyssey books and the Rama books and computer games. Clarke himself made appearances in the computer games!

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46. Comment #146316 by SteveN on March 18, 2008 at 11:58 pm

I also feel a sense of loss at his passing. He was a great infuence on my life because it was reading his books when a young teenager (or even younger), together with those of Asimov, that crystalised my sense of wonder of the universe and my life-long fascination with science.

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47. Comment #146322 by Inferno on March 19, 2008 at 12:37 am

Rendevous with Rama is one of my all time favourite novels. That and Foundation re-ignited my love of science fiction which had flounded during my high school years.

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48. Comment #146325 by Communist on March 19, 2008 at 12:43 am

I am saddened by these news. The most striking trait that Arthur C. Clarke had, was his ability to combine scepticism with an open mind, to combine realism with visions. May he not be forgotten.

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49. Comment #146330 by Richard Morgan on March 19, 2008 at 12:54 am

MUSIC NEWS

Due to the number of requests that I have had for the music I created to accompany an excerpt from The Lava Lizard's Tale, I have uploaded an MP3 of "Fingerprints �" past time" into a second stand-alone player on the Fleabytes Myspace.
This composition my be downloaded by:
1) Rationalists
and / or
Welsh persons, and / or
Musically gifted Lava Lizards.

http://www.myspace.com/fleabytes

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50. Comment #146337 by Steve Zara on March 19, 2008 at 1:14 am