Author Arthur C. Clarke, the award-winning author of the script for “2001: A Space Odyssey” and the visionary who popularized the possibility of communications satellites, died early this morning at age 90.
Clarke was a science fiction and literary legend, and will most likely be remembered for his work on “2001,” but his biggest contribution to the world is his impact on space exploration and the dawn of the satellite era.
Even as I type this post – a TiVo’d episode of Law & Order: SVU playing on DirectTV and my BlackBerry chirping with new e-mail – it’s hard to fathom just how forward-thinking the man was.
After serving as a Royal Air Force officer during World War II, Clarke authored a paper for the radio journal “Wireless World” that proposed the use of artificial satellites hovering above Earth to transmit communications signals around the world.
And that was in 1945.
There wasn’t even a television in every home in 1945. The idea of beaming images around the globe wasn’t just science fiction to most Americans; it was downright absurd. And yet, Clarke had pioneered a concept that would change communication forever.
Could you imagine UPS without Global Positioning Systems to track its shipments? Where would The Weather Channel be without 24-hour storm tracking? Heck, where would I be without GoogleEarth to look at the roof of my house?
Communications satellites transformed the world of business. The world got smaller. Big American companies became globally dominant Multi National Corporations. Little companies became global exporters. Villagers in Sri Lanka became customers and suppliers.
So tonight, as you fire off one last e-mail to your sales force around the country, look to the heavens. There, circling high above us and visible as no more than a speck of light, is the legacy of Sir Arthur Clarke.
Editor’s Note: Check out Seth Godin’s post about Arthur C. Clark.Seems I’m not the only one who marveled at the magic.