When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong.

Arthur C. Clarke

Also known as Clarke's First Law.

More information about this quote

Topic

Technological progress Progress

Author

Arthur C. Clarke

Source

Profiles of the Future

Medium

Essay

Language

English

Time

1962 1960s 20th century

Occupation

Writer

From

United Kingdom Europe

Authentication Score 3

Citation

Clarke, Arthur C. "Hazards of Prophecy: The Failure of Imagination." Profiles of the Future. Gollancz, 1962.

Illustrated Quote

A quote by Arthur C. Clarke about technological progress: “When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something…”
Download
A quote by Arthur C. Clarke about technological progress: “When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something…”
Download
A quote by Arthur C. Clarke about technological progress: “When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something…”
Download

Related Quotes

Below are one or more quotes that share at least one tag with the quote at the top of the page

Another quote from the 1960s

There must be eyes upon the street, eyes belonging to those we might call the natural proprietors of the street. The buildings on a street equipped to handle strangers and to insure the safety of both residents and strangers, must be oriented to the street. They cannot turn their backs or blank sides on it and leave it blind.

Jane Jacobs

The Death and Life of Great American Cities

Buy The Death and Life of Great American Cities at Amazon Buy The Death and Life of Great American Cities at Amazon
More information about this quote
Topic
Urban planning Cities

Author

Jane Jacobs
Source
The Death and Life of Great American Cities
Genre
Sociology
Language
English
Time
1961 1960s 20th century
Authentication Score 3
Citation

Jacobs, Jane. The Death and Life of Great American Cities. Random House, 1961, pt. 1, ch. 2.

Another quote about Progress

I do not pretend to understand the moral universe, the arc is a long one... But from what I see I am sure it bends towards justice.

Theodore Parker

More information about this quote
Topic
Moral progress Social progress Progress
Speaker
Theodore Parker
Source
Ten Sermons of Religion
Medium
Sermon
Language
English
Time
1853 1850s 19th century
Authentication Score 3
Citation

Parker, Theodore. "Of Justice and the Conscience." Ten Sermons of Religion. Boston: Crosby, Nichols, and Company/New York: Charles S. Francis and Company, 1853.