Acclaimed author Sir Arthur C. Clarke died today at the age of 90 in his adopted homeland of Sri Lanka.
Clarke was known for his over 70 science fiction novels, of which 2001: A Space Odyssey is one. The Oscar nominated movie of that novel, produced by Stanley Kubrick, is acclaimed as one of the greatest science fiction movies of all time.
Among Clarke’s achievements, he received a Nobel Prize for his prediction of geostationary satellites in 1945 and was knighted in 1998 by Prince Charles.
I’ve read four of his books - The Hammer of God, 2010: Odyssey Two, 2061: Odyssey Three, and 3001: The Final Odyssey. All four have had lasting effects, and the movie for 2001 is by far my top favorite movie. Not only does it provide an interesting and plausible plot for humanity’s contact with extra-terrestrials, but it also takes a deep look into what it means to be human. Needless to say, I am a big fan, and I do believe that he is one of this generation’s greatest authors (not just sci-fi author, but any author period.)
During his 90th birthday celebration in December, he had the following three wishes for humanity, may they be fulfilled: for ET to call, for man to kick his oil habit and for peace in Sri Lanka.