We seldom stop to think that we are still creatures of the sea, able to leave it only because, from birth to death, we wear the water-filled space suits of our skins.
Arthur C. ClarkeThe time was fast approaching when Earth, like all mothers, must say farewell to her children.
Arthur C. ClarkeSome dangers are so spectacular and so much beyond normal experience that the mind refuses to accept them as real, and watches the approach of doom without any sense of apprehension. The man who looks at the onrushing tidal wave, the descending avalanche, or the spinning funnel of the tornado, yet makes no attempt to flee, is not necessarily paralyzed with fright or resigned to an unavoidable fate. He may simply be unable to believe that the message of his eyes concerns him personally. It is all happening to somebody else.
Arthur C. ClarkeThe universe must be full of voices, calling from star to star in a myriad tongues. One day we shall join that cosmic conversation.
Arthur C. ClarkeThe exploration of the planets is now closer to us in time than the exploration of Africa by Stanley and Livingstone.
Arthur C. ClarkeFinding intelligent life would encourage people and also of course the opportunity of learning a tremendous amount, but this is a danger. We might be so overwhelmed with knowledge and information, that we might be depressed or even become suicidal - because what's the point if they're thousands of years ahead of us? Why should we bother? - or become the ultimate couch potatoes.
Arthur C. Clarke