Arthur C. Clarke, RIP

**Zardoz** · 18th March 08, 10:52 PM

I know we have quite a few Science Fiction fans on the forum, so I regret to report the passing of one of SF's grand masters, Arthur C. Clarke, at age 90.

Here's a link:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/book...ml#cnnSTCVideo

**emolas** · 18th March 08, 11:47 PM

First Heinlein and now Clarke, quite the bad year for SF fans. One of the very first SF books I read was Rendezvous with Rama and it remains one of my favorites. I hear they will be making a movie of it next year or so.

**michaelbeeman** · 18th March 08, 11:54 PM

That is indeed sad, I've read Mr. Clarke's books my entire life.

**Alan H** · 19th March 08, 12:18 AM

**quiet**

**Galician** · 19th March 08, 08:09 AM

Though he wanted to be remembered as a writer, it's worth noting that it was Clarke who first proposed the concept of placing satellites in geosynchronous orbits over the earth. Look at all the scientific marvels appearing in our daily lives which this has made possible, e.g., cell phones and GPS.

**James MacMillan** · 19th March 08, 08:13 AM

He has passed into another relm - - but we will always have his great writings, so in another sense, he will never die!

**northernsky** · 19th March 08, 08:18 AM

90 is a long life by any standard. Life is what you make of it and how you fill the years. Clarke filled his to the max. A pioneer in many fields, a brilliant mind, and a wonderful writer. Ah, that I could do half as much in twice the time. He will not be soon forgotten. The world needs more of his kind. We mourn, and then we remember.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 19th March 08, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by northernsky

90 is a long life by any standard. Life is what you make of it and how you fill the years. Clarke filled his to the max. A pioneer in many fields, a brilliant mind, and a wonderful writer. Ah, that I could do half as much in twice the time. He will not be soon forgotten. The world needs more of his kind. We mourn, and then we remember.

There is no doubt that he could write. However, he was also a pederast and chose to live in Sri Lanka where his proclivities were less apt to result in prosecution than if he had remained in North America or Europe.

Will we mourn? Undoubtedly, some will.

Will his literary work be long remembered? Probably (although very few books have a shelf life beyond fifty years).

Does the world need more of his kind? As a parent, I would say most emphatically no.

**Galician** · 19th March 08, 10:38 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

There is no doubt that he could write. However, he was also a pederast and chose to live in Sri Lanka where his proclivities were less apt to result in prosecution than if he had remained in North America or Europe.

Just curious, where did you get that information?

**starbkjrus** · 19th March 08, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by emolas

First Heinlein and now Clarke, quite the bad year for SF fans. One of the very first SF books I read was Rendezvous with Rama and it remains one of my favorites. I hear they will be making a movie of it next year or so.

One of my favorite series. My love of reading has gotten me where I am to day and I have to credit Clarke in no small way for that.

Originally Posted by Galician

Just curious, where did you get that information?

I'd be interested in that myself.