Arthur C. Clarke Quotes

Give us enough but with a sparing hand.

Newton came up with Newton's laws of motion and gravity. They worked. They were working.

We can deduce, often, from one part of physics like the law of gravitation, a principle which turns out to be much more valid than the derivation.

There is no need to show your ability before everyone.

In effect, we have redefined the task of science to be the discovery of laws that will enable us to predict events up to the limits set by the uncertainty principle.

Modesty is humility expressed in dress.

Real elegance is everywhere, especially in the things that don't show.

Don't think too much of style.

In the beginning (if there was such a thing), God created Newton's laws of motion together with the necessary masses and forces. This is all; everything beyond this follows from the development of appropriate mathematical methods by means of deduction.

But in spite of the obvious effectiveness of mathematics in physics, I have never heard of a good a prioriargument that the world must be organised to mathematical principles.

You must always work not just within but below your means. If you can handle three elements, handle only two. If you can handle ten, then handle only five. In that way the ones you do handle, you handle with more ease, more mastery, and you create a feeling of strength in reserve.

The Truth never flaunted a sign.

A book on the new physics, if not purely descriptive of experimental work, must essentially be mathematical.

American laws don't work, but at least the laws of physics might work.

Physics is really nothing more than a search for ultimate simplicity, but so far all we have is a kind of elegant messiness.

I feel there’s no need to overstate.

To speak but little becomes a woman; and she is best adorned who is in plain attire.

For the more limited, if adequate, is always preferable.

So for thy spirit did devise Its Maker seemly garniture, Of its own essence parcel pure.-- From grave simplicities a dress, And reticent demureness, And love encinctured with reserve; Which the woven vesture would subserve. For outward robes in their ostents Should show the soul's habiliments. Therefore I say,--Thou'rt fair even so, But better Fair I use to know.

In thy apparel avoid singularity, profuseness, and gaudiness. Be not too early in the fashion, nor too late. Decency is half way between affectation and neglect. The body is the shell of the soul, apparel is the husk of that shell; the husk often tells you what the kernel is.

I would rather obey than work miracles.

Be plain in dress, and sober in your diet; In short, my deary, kiss me, and be quiet.

Physics depends on a universe infinitely centred on an equals sign.

When blessed with wealth, let them withdraw from the competition of vanity and be modest, retiring from ostentation, and not be the slaves of fashion.

Amid a world of noisy, shallow actors it is noble to stand aside and say, 'I will simply be.