I don't think there is such a thing as as a real prophet. You can never predict the future. We know why now, of course; chaos theory, which I got very interested in, shows you can never predict the future.

If such a thing had happened once, it must surely have happened many times in this galaxy of a hundred billion suns.

It is a good principle in science not to believe any 'fact'---however well attested---until it fits into some accepted frame of reference. Occasionally, of course, an observation can shatter the frame and force the construction of a new one, but that is extremely rare. Galileos and Einsteins seldom appear more than once per century, which is just as well for the equanimity of mankind.

In accordance with the terms of the Clarke-Asimov treaty, the second-best science writer dedicates this book to the second-best science-fiction writer. [dedication to Isaac Asimov from Arthur C. Clarke in his book Report on Planet Three]

Our own grandchildren may demonstrate that-sometimes- Gigantic is Beautiful.

It has yet to be proven that intelligence has any survival value.

I want to be remembered most as a writer - one who entertained readers, and, hopefully, stretched their imagination as well.