Arthur C. Clarke was a genius science fiction author.
I am in love with a certain short story of his found squeezed next to one I am far less fond of, but is still a good read.
"The City and The Stars" & "The Sands of Mars" are two different short stories contained in one novel.
THE CITY AND THE STARS The 10-billion-year-old metropolis of Diaspar is humanity's last home. Alone among immortals, the only man born in 10 million years desperately wants to find what lies beyond the City. His quest will uncover the destiny of a people...and a galaxy.
"Diaspar" is, in itself, a commentary on all society.
The entire body of this short story is like a large running commentary on the arrogance of humanity, and it's immense value as well.
This place is like a real city in my mind.
One possible outcome of all human civilization. One of many possible worlds.
A place of stagnation via perfection. Tyranny via acceptance.
A world where truly original thoughts and adventuring spirits are not just silenced, but wholly absent.
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For those who dive deeply into his work, there is much to discover.
Not only did he accurately predict advances in science by means of science fiction, but I believe he held an insight to the greater elements at play in our world:
The Human Condition
The Foundations of Society
The Collective Self
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