“It may be that our role on this planet is not to worship God – but to create him.”
- December 16, 1917 – March 19, 2008
- British
- Science Fiction Writer, Futurist, Inventor, Author of 2001: A Space Odyssey
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Quote
“It may be that our role on this planet is not to worship God – but to create him.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Arthur C. Clarke’s speculative and philosophical approach to humanity’s place in the universe, challenging traditional religious assumptions. Rather than accepting a pre-existing deity, Clarke suggests that human beings might be responsible for bringing the concept—or reality—of God into existence. This could be interpreted metaphorically, implying that our highest role is to embody and cultivate divine qualities such as wisdom, compassion, and creativity, rather than passively worship an external being.
The idea has roots in both science fiction and humanist thought, particularly in an age of accelerating technological progress and artificial intelligence. Clarke often explored the notion that sufficiently advanced beings—or civilizations—could become godlike, not in omnipotence but in their ability to shape reality, protect life, or spread consciousness. In this context, “to create God” may mean to evolve morally and intellectually to such a degree that humanity itself assumes a divine role, guiding its own future and perhaps that of other sentient beings.
In modern discourse, the quote resonates with debates about transhumanism, AI, and the ethical responsibilities of creators. As humans develop increasingly powerful technologies, the line between creation and divinity blurs. Clarke’s statement compels us to reflect: rather than searching for gods in the heavens, perhaps our duty is to build meaning, justice, and enlightenment here on Earth—creating godhood through our actions.
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