Sir Arthur C Clarke: 90th Birthday Reflections

TVEAPfilms
9 Dec 200709:09

Summary

TLDRIn this heartfelt transcript, Arthur C. Clarke reflects on reaching his 90th year, expressing a sense of contentment and optimism. Despite acknowledging the passage of time and the loss of friends, he remains hopeful for the future of space exploration and the potential for commercial space travel. Clarke also advocates for clean energy to combat climate change and dreams of peace in Sri Lanka, where he has lived for 50 years. He wishes for evidence of extraterrestrial life and emphasizes the importance of global unity, tolerance, and compassion alongside technological advancements.

Takeaways

  • 🎉 Arthur C. Clarke reflects on reaching 90 years old, feeling no older than 89.
  • 🌞 He acknowledges the reality of aging, quoting Bob Hope about the cost of candles on a birthday cake.
  • 🚀 Clarke is content with witnessing the evolution of technology and space travel from his time as a 'Space Cadet'.
  • 🌌 He marvels at the advancements in space exploration, predicting a future where space tourism is common.
  • 📱 The rapid growth of mobile phone technology is highlighted, emphasizing its impact on global communication.
  • 🌍 Clarke discusses the necessity of communication technology, but also the need for human qualities like tolerance and compassion.
  • 🌟 He expresses optimism as a guiding principle, hoping for a future where humanity overcomes tribal divisions and acts as one global family.
  • 👽 His first wish is to see evidence of extraterrestrial life, reflecting his belief that humans are not alone in the universe.
  • 💡 His second wish is for humanity to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources, citing the urgency of addressing climate change.
  • 🕊️ Clarke's third wish is for lasting peace in Sri Lanka, his adopted home for 50 years, acknowledging the effort required for peace.
  • 📚 As a writer, Clarke wishes to be remembered for entertaining and inspiring readers' imaginations, echoing the sentiments of Rudyard Kipling.

Q & A

  • How does Arthur Clark feel about reaching his 90th birthday?

    -Arthur Clark feels that he doesn't feel a day older than 89 and is content with the passage of time.

  • What does Arthur Clark mention about the changes in technology since his youth?

    -Clark mentions the rapid advancements in technology, particularly the growth of mobile phone coverage from the first cellular network to over 3.3 billion subscriptions.

  • What role did Arthur Clark play in the British Interplanetary Society?

    -Arthur Clark was a Space Cadet in the British Interplanetary Society, where he spent time discussing space travel with others.

  • What does Clark believe is the beginning of the Golden Age of space?

    -Clark believes that the emergence of commercial space flight marks the beginning of the Golden Age of space.

  • How does Clark envision the future of space travel and tourism?

    -Clark envisions that space travel and tourism will become almost as common as flying to exotic destinations on Earth, with thousands of people traveling to earth orbit, the moon, and beyond.

  • What are the three wishes Arthur Clark expresses in the script?

    -Clark's three wishes are to see evidence of extraterrestrial life, to overcome humanity's addiction to oil in favor of clean energy sources, and to see lasting peace established in Sri Lanka.

  • What does Arthur Clark hope humanity will learn from the 20th century?

    -Clark hopes that humanity will learn to overcome tribal divisions and act as one global family, achieving real globalization through greater understanding and compassion.

  • How does Arthur Clark want to be remembered?

    -Clark wants to be remembered primarily as a writer who entertained readers and stretched their imaginations.

  • What is the significance of the quote by Rudyard Kipling that Clark ends with?

    -The quote by Rudyard Kipling signifies Clark's desire to leave a legacy of delight through his work, without needing further recognition beyond the books he has written.

  • How long has Arthur Clark been living in Sri Lanka?

    -Arthur Clark has been living in Sri Lanka for 50 years.

  • What is Arthur Clark's perspective on the role of communication technologies in human relations?

    -Clark believes that while communication technologies are necessary, they are not sufficient for humans to get along with each other, and that qualities like tolerance and compassion are also needed for greater understanding between peoples and nations.

Outlines

00:00

🎉 Reflecting on Life and Achievements

Arthur C. Clarke, from his home in Sri Lanka, shares his thoughts as he approaches his 90th birthday. He feels no older than 89 and reflects on the milestones he has witnessed, such as the 50th anniversary of the Space Age. Clarke expresses his contentment in watching the world evolve and his acceptance of being a senior citizen. He also laments the loss of his contemporaries and friends, cherishing the memories they left behind. Despite his wheelchair, Clarke's mind remains active, exploring the universe through his vivid dreams and maintaining an optimistic outlook on life.

05:01

🌟 Wishes for the Future and Legacy

Clarke expresses his faith in optimism and hopes humanity learns from the past century's barbarism. He envisions a future where people overcome tribal divisions and act as one global family. Clarke shares his three wishes: discovering extraterrestrial life, transitioning to clean energy sources to combat climate change, and achieving lasting peace in Sri Lanka. He reflects on his career as a writer, explorer, and science popularizer, wishing to be remembered primarily as an entertainer and inspiration to readers' imaginations. Clarke concludes with a quote from Rudyard Kipling, emphasizing the impact of his written works and his peaceful departure from the world.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Orbits

In the context of the video, 'orbits' metaphorically refers to the passage of time, specifically the 90 years of Arthur C. Clarke's life, equating each year to an orbit around the Sun. It emphasizes the vastness of time and the cyclical nature of life, as planets orbit the Sun in a predictable pattern.

💡Senior Citizen

The term 'senior citizen' is used to describe individuals who are in the later stages of their life, typically over the age of 65. In the video, Clarke humorously acknowledges his status as a senior citizen, highlighting the societal recognition of aging and its associated changes.

💡Space Cadets

Space Cadets, in this context, refers to enthusiasts or fans of space exploration, particularly those who are part of the British Interplanetary Society. Clarke uses this term to describe his and his peers' early fascination with space travel, which later became a reality.

💡Golden Age of Space

The 'Golden Age of Space' is a term used by Clarke to describe the future period of significant advancements and widespread commercialization of space travel. This concept suggests a time when space tourism becomes commonplace, marking a new era in human exploration and interaction with the cosmos.

💡Mobile Phone Coverage

Mobile phone coverage refers to the area in which mobile devices can connect to a cellular network and make or receive calls, send messages, and access data. In the video, Clarke cites the rapid growth of mobile phone subscriptions as an example of technological progress and its impact on global communication.

💡Optimism

Optimism is a positive and hopeful approach to life, expecting the best possible outcomes. Clarke advocates for optimism as a guiding principle, suggesting that it can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy and inspire humanity to overcome divisions and work towards a more unified future.

💡Extraterrestrial Life

Extraterrestrial life refers to the hypothetical existence of life outside of Earth. Clarke expresses his wish to see evidence of such life, reflecting his lifelong interest in the possibility of other intelligent beings in the universe.

💡Clean Energy

Clean energy refers to energy sources that do not emit harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Clarke wishes for humanity to transition away from fossil fuels to clean energy sources to combat climate change and preserve the planet for future generations.

💡Globalization

Globalization is the process by which businesses, ideas, and cultures integrate and intermingle on a global scale. Clarke discusses the concept of true globalization as the overcoming of tribal divisions and the adoption of a unified, global perspective, emphasizing the need for cooperation and mutual understanding.

💡Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the country where Arthur C. Clarke has lived for 50 years. In the video, he expresses a personal wish for lasting peace in Sri Lanka, which has been plagued by conflict. His desire reflects a deep connection to his adopted home and a hope for its future stability and harmony.

💡Science Popularizer

A science popularizer is someone who communicates complex scientific concepts to a general audience in an accessible and engaging manner. Clarke is known as a science popularizer, having written numerous works that make science and its wonders understandable and fascinating to the public.

Highlights

Arthur Clark reflects on approaching his 90th birthday and feeling no older than 89.

Clark humorously acknowledges the reality of aging, referencing Bob Hope's famous quote about the cost of candles.

Despite the sadness of losing contemporaries and friends, Clark cherishes the fond memories they left behind.

Clark spends much of his day dreaming and enjoying vivid dreams, even while being wheelchair-bound.

Clark expresses gratitude for having seen many of his dreams come true, especially in the span of a few decades.

As a member of the British Interplanetary Society, Clark discusses the early days of space travel discussion and its eventual realization.

Clark is optimistic about the Golden Age of space, foreseeing commercial space flight and space tourism becoming commonplace.

The rapid advancement in technology, exemplified by the growth of mobile phone coverage, is highlighted by Clark.

Clark emphasizes the necessity of qualities like tolerance and compassion alongside technology for better global understanding.

Optimism is Clark's guiding principle, offering the opportunity for a self-fulfilling prophecy for humanity.

Clark reflects on the 20th century as the most barbaric and hopes humanity has learned from it.

One of Clark's wishes is to see evidence of extraterrestrial life, as he believes we are not alone in the universe.

Clark wishes for humanity to overcome its dependence on oil and adopt clean energy sources in light of climate change.

Clark expresses a desire for lasting peace in Sri Lanka, his adopted home for 50 years.

Clark discusses the hard work, courage, and persistence required to achieve peace, not just wishing for it.

As a writer, Clark's ambition is to be remembered for entertaining readers and stretching their imaginations.

Clark concludes with a quote from Rudyard Kipling, emphasizing the impact of his written works.

Transcripts

play00:10

hello this is Arthur Clark speaking to

play00:14

you from my home in Columbo Sri

play00:20

Lanka as I approach my 90th

play00:24

birthday my friends are asking me how it

play00:27

feels to have completed 90 orbits around

play00:32

the

play00:35

Sun

play00:37

well I actually don't feel a day older

play00:40

than

play00:43

89 of course some things remind me that

play00:48

I have inde needed qualified as a senior

play00:52

citizen as Bob Hope once said you know

play00:56

you're getting

play00:57

old when the candles cost more than the

play01:04

cake I'm now perfectly happy to step

play01:08

aside and watch how things

play01:11

evolve there's also a sad side to living

play01:15

so

play01:17

long most of my

play01:20

contemporaries and old

play01:22

friends have already

play01:25

departed who however they've Left Behind

play01:28

many fond memories

play01:31

for me to

play01:33

recall I now spend a good part of my day

play01:38

dreaming of times past present and

play01:42

future as I try to survive on 15 hours

play01:48

sleep a day I have plenty of time to

play01:51

enjoy vivid

play01:53

dreams being completely

play01:56

wheelchair doesn't stop my mind from

play02:00

roing the Universe on the

play02:05

contrary in my time I've been very

play02:09

fortunate to have seen many of my dreams

play02:13

come

play02:14

true growing up in the 1920s and 30s I

play02:19

never expected to see so much happen in

play02:23

the span of a few decades well we Space

play02:28

Cadets of the British inter planer

play02:31

Society spent all our spare time

play02:34

discussing space

play02:36

travel but we didn't imagine that lay in

play02:40

our own near

play02:43

future I still can't quite believe that

play02:47

we've just marked the 50th anniversary

play02:50

of the Space

play02:52

Age we've accomplished a great deal in

play02:55

that time but the Golden Age of space is

play02:59

only only just

play03:01

beginning after half a century of

play03:04

government sponsored efforts we are now

play03:07

witnessing the emergence of commercial

play03:10

space

play03:13

flight over the next 50 years thousands

play03:17

of people will travel to earth orbit and

play03:20

then to the moon and

play03:23

beyond space travel and space tourism

play03:28

will one day become almost as common

play03:30

place as flying to Exotic destinations

play03:35

on our own

play03:38

Planet things are also changing rapidly

play03:41

in many other areas of Science and

play03:44

Technology to give just one example the

play03:48

world's Mobile phone coverage recently

play03:51

passed

play03:53

50% or 3.3 billion

play03:58

subscriptions this was achieved in just

play04:01

a little over a quarter of a century

play04:05

since the first cellular network was set

play04:10

up the mobile phone has

play04:13

revolutionized human

play04:15

Communications and is turning Humanity

play04:18

into an endlessly chattering Global

play04:24

family what does this mean for us as a

play04:28

species

play04:30

Communications Technologies are

play04:33

necessary but not sufficient for us

play04:36

humans to get along with each other this

play04:40

is why we still have many disputes and

play04:43

conflicts in the

play04:45

world technology tools help us to gather

play04:49

and disseminate

play04:52

information but we also need qualities

play04:55

like tolerance and compassion to achieve

play04:58

greater understand standing between

play05:01

peoples and

play05:03

Nations I have great faith in optimism

play05:07

as a guiding

play05:09

principle if only because it offers us

play05:13

the opportunity of creating a

play05:17

self-fulfilling

play05:19

prophecy so I hope that we've learned

play05:21

something from the most barbaric Century

play05:25

in history the

play05:28

20th I would like to see us overcome our

play05:31

tribal

play05:32

divisions and begin to think and act as

play05:35

if you're one

play05:38

family that would be real

play05:41

globalization as I complete 90 orbits I

play05:45

have no regrets and no more personal

play05:48

Ambitions but if I maybe allowed just

play05:51

three

play05:52

wishes they would be

play05:55

these

play05:57

firstly I would like to see some

play05:59

evidence of extraterrestrial

play06:02

life I've always believed that we are

play06:04

not alone in the universe but we are

play06:07

still waiting for et to call us or give

play06:11

us some kind of

play06:13

sign we have no way of guessing when

play06:15

this might happen I hope sooner rather

play06:19

than

play06:21

later secondly I would like to see us

play06:24

kick our current addiction to oil and

play06:28

adopt clean energy

play06:31

sources for over a decade I've been

play06:34

monitoring various due energy

play06:36

experiments but they have yet to produce

play06:39

commercial scale results climate change

play06:42

is now added a new sense of

play06:45

urgency our civilization depends on

play06:48

energy but we can't allow oil and coal

play06:51

to slowly bake our planet The Third Wish

play06:55

is one closer to home I've been living

play06:58

in Sri Lanka from for 50

play07:00

years and half that time I've been a sad

play07:04

witness to the bitter conflict that

play07:06

divides my adopted

play07:09

country I dearly wish to see lasting

play07:12

peace established in Sri Lanka as soon

play07:15

as

play07:16

possible but I'm aware that peace cannot

play07:19

just be wished it requires a great deal

play07:22

of hard work courage and

play07:27

persistence I'm sometimes asked how I

play07:31

would like to be

play07:33

remembered I've had a diverse career as

play07:36

a writer underwater

play07:39

Explorer space promoter and the science

play07:44

popularizer of all these I want to be

play07:47

remembered most as a writer one who

play07:50

entertained readers and hopefully

play07:53

stretch their imaginations as

play07:57

well I find that another English writer

play08:01

who coincidentally also spent much of

play08:04

his life in East Express this very

play08:08

well so let the end with these words of

play08:13

Roger Kipling if I have given you

play08:17

Delight by all that I have

play08:20

done Let Me Lie quiet in that

play08:24

night which shall be yours

play08:28

andon

play08:30

and for the little little span the dead

play08:33

are born in

play08:35

mind seek not to question other than the

play08:39

books I leave

play08:43

behind this is Arthur Clark saying thank

play08:46

you and goodbye from

play08:58

Columbo

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ArthurClarkeLifeReflectionTechnologicalProgressSpaceExplorationMobileRevolutionGlobalCommunicationPeaceAdvocacySriLankaCleanEnergyExtraterrestrialLife