For the last century, almost all top political appointments [on the planet Earth] had been made by random computer selection from the pool of individuals who had the necessary qualifications. It had taken the human race several thousand years to realize that there were some jobs that should never be given to the people who volunteered for them, especially if they showed too much enthusiasm. As one shrewd political commentator had remarked: “We want a President who has to be carried screaming and kicking into the White House — but will then do the best job he possibly can, so that he’ll get time off for good behavior.

— Arthur C. Clarke

He did not know that the Old One was his father, for such a relationship was utterly beyond his understanding, but as he looked at the emaciated body he felt a dim disquiet that was the ancestor of sadness.

— Arthur C. Clarke

He found it both sad and fascinating that only through an artificial universe of video images could she establish contact with the real world.

— Arthur C. Clarke

He had sometimes wondered if the real reason why men sought danger was that only thus could they find the companionship and solidarity which they unconsciously craved.

— Arthur C. Clarke

How inappropriate to call this planet "Earth," when it is clearly "Ocean.

— Arthur C. Clarke

How inappropriate to call this planet Earth when it is quite clearly Ocean.

— Arthur C. Clarke

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

— Arthur C. Clarke

Humor was the enemy of desire.

— Arthur C. Clarke

I am an optimist. Anyone interested in the future has to be otherwise he would simply shoot himself.

— Arthur C. Clarke

I don't believe in God, but I'm very interested in her.

— Arthur C. Clarke