If we have learned one thing from the history of invention and discovery, it is that, in the long run—and often in the short one—the most daring prophecies seem laughably conservative.

—Arthur C. Clarke

discovery innovation invention speed

About Arthur C. Clarke

Portrait of Arthur C. Clarke

Sir Arthur Charles Clarke (16 December 1917 – 19 March 2008) was an English science fiction writer, inventor, undersea explorer and TV series host.

More quotations from Arthur C. Clarke

Politicians should read science fiction, not westerns and detective stories.

—Arthur C. Clarke

CNN is one of the participants in the war. I have a fantasy where Ted Turner is elected president but refuses because he doesn't want to give up power.

—Arthur C. Clarke

At the present rate of progress, it is almost impossible to imagine any technical feat that cannot be achieved—if it can be achieved at all—within the next few hundred years.

—Arthur C. Clarke

Human judges can show mercy. But against the laws of nature, there is no appeal.

—Arthur C. Clarke

It may be that the old astrologers had the truth exactly reversed, when they believed that the stars controlled the destinies of men. The time may come when men control the destinies of stars.

—Arthur C. Clarke

humanity power space stars

More quotations tagged with “speed”

When there is no desire to satisfy yourself, there is no aggression or speed… Because there is no rush to achieve, you can afford to relax. Because you can afford to relax, you can afford to keep company with yourself, you can afford to make love with yourself, to be friends with yourself.

—Carlos Castaneda in The Teachings of Don Juan

love relaxation speed

Time passes too quickly when you're getting ready to do something you don't want to do.

—Courtney Summers in Some Girls Are

time perception speed

Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing.

—William James

humor common sense speed

The backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy.

—Carl von Clausewitz

surprise secrecy speed

A camel makes an elephant feel like a jet plane.

—Jackie Kennedy

perception animals speed camels elephants

History

22 May 2019 Added
26 Oct 2026 Wording changed

Previous wording

If we have learned one thing from the history of invention and discovery, it is that, in the long run - and often in the short one - the most daring prophecies seem laughably conservative.