“When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong.”
- December 16, 1917 – March 19, 2008
- British
- Science Fiction Writer, Futurist, Inventor, Author of 2001: A Space Odyssey
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Quote
“When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong.”
Explanation
This quote is Arthur C. Clarke’s First Law, a concise and powerful reflection on the limits of expertise in the face of progress. Clarke affirms that when experienced scientists say something can be done, their judgment is typically sound, drawn from a lifetime of knowledge. However, when they say something is impossible, their certainty is more suspect, often limited by the current state of understanding or by personal biases shaped by the past.
Clarke’s law is rooted in the history of science and innovation, where many breakthroughs—from flight to nuclear energy to space travel—were initially dismissed by experts. The quote reminds us that great knowledge does not always equate to visionary thinking, and that even the most accomplished minds can struggle to see beyond the paradigms they helped build. By highlighting this pattern, Clarke champions imagination, open-mindedness, and the willingness to challenge accepted limits.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, with advances in AI, biotechnology, and space exploration, the quote is a warning not to conflate authority with infallibility. It encourages younger generations and innovators to pursue ideas others may deem unthinkable. Clarke’s message is clear: the future belongs to those who dare to defy impossibility, even when the past says it cannot be done.
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