“Every revolutionary idea seems to evoke three stages of reaction. They may be summed up by the phrases: 1- It’s completely impossible. 2- It’s possible, but it’s not worth doing. 3- I said it was a good idea all along.”
- December 16, 1917 – March 19, 2008
- British
- Science Fiction Writer, Futurist, Inventor, Author of 2001: A Space Odyssey
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Quote
“Every revolutionary idea seems to evoke three stages of reaction. They may be summed up by the phrases: 1- It’s completely impossible. 2- It’s possible, but it’s not worth doing. 3- I said it was a good idea all along.”
Explanation
This quote restates and expands on Arthur C. Clarke’s keen observation about the psychological and social resistance to innovation. It outlines a predictable progression: initial dismissal, followed by grudging acknowledgment, and finally retrospective approval. This pattern reflects how society often fails to recognize the value of revolutionary ideas until they have proven themselves—at which point past skepticism is often forgotten or rewritten.
Clarke’s insight draws from the history of scientific and technological advancement. Whether it’s the acceptance of heliocentrism, powered flight, or the internet, many transformative ideas were first ridiculed or ignored, only to become essential to modern life. This resistance is rooted in fear of the unknown, institutional inertia, or an inability to see beyond current limitations. Clarke highlights not only the importance of visionary thinkers, but also the tendency of society to resist change before embracing it.
In the contemporary world, this quote remains relevant across domains like clean energy, artificial intelligence, and space exploration. Innovations that are disruptive often meet the same cycle of doubt, skepticism, and eventual praise. Clarke’s words serve as a reminder to support bold thinking and to remain open to ideas that challenge convention, even when they seem premature. Ultimately, history tends to vindicate those who see beyond the present.
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