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We cannot predict the new forces, powers, and discoveries that will be disclosed to us when we reach the other planets and set up new laboratories in space. They are as much beyond our vision today as fire or electricity would be beyond the imagination of a fish.

— Arthur C. Clarke Space and the Spirit of Man (1965)

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Space

More quotes by Arthur C. Clarke

Space can be mapped and crossed and occupied without definable limit; but it can never be conquered.

We'll Never Conquer Space (1960)

The greatest tragedy in mankind's entire history may be the hijacking of morality by religion.

Credo (1991)

Human judges can show mercy. But against the laws of nature, there is no appeal.

Maelstrom II (1965)

I don't believe in God but I'm very interested in her.

Multiple Intelligences in Practice : Enhancing Self-esteem and Learning in the Classroom (2006)

As our own species is in the process of proving, one cannot have superior science and inferior morals. The combination is unstable and self-destroying.

Voices from the Sky : Previews of the Coming Space Age (1967)

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Since, in the long run, every planetary society will be endangered by impacts from space, every surviving civilization is obliged to become spacefaring — not because of exploratory or romantic zeal, but for the most practical reason imaginable: staying alive.

Carl Sagan Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space (1994)

The stars awaken a certain reverence, because though always present, they are inaccessible; but all natural objects make a kindred impression, when the mind is open to their influence. Nature never wears a mean appearance.

Ralph Waldo Emerson Nature (1836)

Her blue eyes sought the west afar,
For lovers love the western star.

Walter Scott The Lay of the Last Minstrel (1805)

Einstein's space is no closer to reality than Van Gogh's sky.

Arthur Koestler The Act of Creation (1964)

Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Arthur C. Clarke (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.