“Our lifetime may be the last that will be lived out in a technological society.”
- December 16, 1917 – March 19, 2008
- British
- Science Fiction Writer, Futurist, Inventor, Author of 2001: A Space Odyssey
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Quote
“Our lifetime may be the last that will be lived out in a technological society.”
Explanation
This quote reveals Arthur C. Clarke’s deep concern about the fragility of modern civilization, particularly in relation to technology. By suggesting that our lifetime could be the last within a technological society, Clarke warns of the potential for catastrophic collapse, whether from nuclear war, ecological disaster, or runaway technological misuse. The tone is not one of resignation, but of grave urgency, calling attention to the precariousness of what we often take for granted.
Clarke lived through the Cold War, a time when nuclear annihilation was a real and present threat. As a futurist, he was also aware of how deeply human life had become entwined with complex, interdependent technologies. His statement serves as both a critique of our overreliance on fragile systems and a challenge to safeguard our future. If we fail to act wisely, he suggests, we could lose not only our progress but our entire way of life.
Today, the quote remains chillingly relevant. With growing concerns about climate change, cyberwarfare, AI risks, and social instability, Clarke’s warning is not just speculative—it is a call for resilience, foresight, and ethical responsibility. If we wish to preserve and advance our technological society, we must confront its vulnerabilities with wisdom and collective will, or risk seeing it become a brief chapter in human history.
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