Sir Arthur C Clarke: A life-long public intellectual

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Arthur C. Clarke: 2005

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"Clarke was a rare expert who always tried to reconcile rational analysis with the real world’s limits of the possible. His forte was not only in extrapolating about humanity’s technological future, which he did exceedingly well in his writing and television appearances, but also in exploring the nexus between science and society."

One of Sri Lanka's leading science writers, Nalaka Gunawardene worked with Sir Arthur C Clarke for over two decades as a research assistant. In a tribute to Sir Clarke on his 91st birth anniversary which fell on 16th December, Nalaka bemoans the lack of public intellectuals in Sri Lanka able to interrogate, as Sir Clarke did, an "array of superstitious beliefs and pseudo-scientific practices". Nalaka goes on to note that,

"... even half a century of Arthur C Clarke could not shake Sri Lankans off their deep obsession with astrology — the unscientific belief that human destinies are somehow shaped and controlled by celestial bodies millions of kilometres away. A life-long astronomy enthusiast, he repeatedly invited astrologers to rationally explain the basis of their calculations and predictions. This challenge was craftily avoided by astrologers who continue to exercise much influence over politics, public policy, business and everyday life in Sri Lanka."

Nalaka's article has already received engaging comments from leading Sri Lankan voices such as Nury Vittachi and Prof. Rohan Samarajiva. Read Sir Arthur C Clarke: A life-long public intellectual and leave your thoughts on Sir Clarke and his legacy here - http://www.groundviews.org/2008/12/16/sir-arthur-c-clarke-a-life-long-public-intellectual/