Humanity lost a brilliant mind this week as author Arthur C. Clarke died in a hospital in Sri Lanka at the age of 90.
I don't remember exactly which of Arthur C. Clarke's science-fiction novels I read first. There is a good chance it was Rendezvous with Rama, or it may have been 2001: A Space Odyssey. I do remember that he made a great impression on me. I was in college at the time, studying mechanical engineering, and I was amazed by the detail and thought that not only went into his stories and plots, but the mechanics of his universes. I devoured his work, not only reading the complete Rama and Space Odyssey series, but many of Clarke's other novels and short stories. The man was not just a fantastic storyteller. His visions of the future were realistic rather than fantastic. Although we have not reached as far into space as the characters in 2001: A Space Odyssey, or developed robots as sophisticated as Hal, their development feels possible.
Several years later I had the opportunity to attend a seminar at Worcester Polyechnic Institute where Clarke joined via satellite link from Sri Lanka, and I was still impressed by his vision and hope for the future. Despite his advancing age, and declining physical health, his mind was still as creative as ever.
I was saddened to hear of his passing when I woke this morning. I have likely read more of his books than any other single science-fiction author, and I continue to be inspired by his works as I re-read them. I am inspired to look beyond the limitations that society imposes, and to look to the possibilities that science and engineering provide.
