“This had not endeared him to exobiologists such as Dr Perera, who took exactly the opposite view. To them, the only purpose of the Universe was the production of intelligence, and they were apt to talk sneeringly about purely astronomical phenomena, 'Mere dead matter' was one of their favourite phrases.”

English science fiction writer, inventor, undersea explorer and TV series host

Arthur C. Clarke was an English science fiction writer, inventor, undersea explorer, and television series host. He became especially well known for writing fiction that imagined the future with unusual clarity and for taking part in popular science broadcasting. Clarke’s work brought together science, technology, and speculation about what humans might build and discover. Beyond his writing, he was also active as an inventor and explored the sea, interests that fit the practical curiosity that runs through his public life and work.