Sir Arthur C. Clarke, 1917-2008

If Arthur C. Clarke was only known for his science fiction, his death would still be regarded as a momentous loss. If Arthur C. Clarke was only known as the first scientist to propose the idea of putting artificial satellites into geosynchronous orbit, he would be remembered as a man who has influenced the daily lives of the world's population. If Arthur C. Clarke was only known for his work on the film, 2001: A Space Odyssey, many film lovers would praise his contributions to innovative cinema. But, of course, Arthur C. Clarke did all of this, and much more besides.

Much of Clarke's science fiction deals with themes of how humans are shaped by their beliefs, and how those beliefs can (or should be) challenged by scientific inquiry. My two favorite stories of his deal directly with these themes: "The Star," about a supernova that destroys one civilization and alters another, light-years away; and "The Nine Billion Names of God," about what some might regard as the ultimate computer program.

It is beyond the purview of this blog to list all of Sir Clarke's accomplishments and contributions here. Suffice it to say that he represented humanity at its best, as a man whose knowledge and curiousity led him to explore the capabilities of our species and to challenge the misguided assumptions of those who operate merely on superstition or willful ignorance.

The NY Times obiturary.

An NYT science blog, Dot Earth, featuring a video of Clarke's thoughts on his 90th birthday.

A bibliography of Clarke's over 100 books and short stories.