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. -- Arthur C. Clarke. "Hazards of Prophecy: The Failure of Imagination". Profiles of the Future. 1962 restated in: "Technology and the Future". Report on Planet Three. 1972
Asimov's Corollary to Clarke's Law: When, however, the lay public rallies round an idea that is denounced by distinguished but elderly scientists and supports that idea with great fervor and emotion -- the distinguished but elderly scientists are then, after all, probably right. -- Isaac Asimov. F&SF. Feb 1977
Familiar with the Clarke, either unfamiliar with the Asimov or merely forgot about it ... I should drop these back into the quotes-queue -- thanks for pointing them out.
(no subject)
-- Arthur C. Clarke. "Hazards of Prophecy: The Failure of Imagination". Profiles of the Future. 1962
restated in: "Technology and the Future". Report on Planet Three. 1972
Asimov's Corollary to Clarke's Law:
When, however, the lay public rallies round an idea that is denounced by distinguished but elderly scientists and supports that idea with great fervor and emotion -- the distinguished but elderly scientists are then, after all, probably right.
-- Isaac Asimov. F&SF. Feb 1977
(no subject)