Arthur C. Clarke

A British science fiction writer and inventor who famously combined rigorous scientific accuracy with grand philosophical scope. In 1945, he published a paper detailing the use of geostationary satellites for global telecommunications, a feat that led the geostationary orbit to be named the "Clarke Orbit." He is perhaps best known for "2001: A Space Odyssey," which explored themes of human evolution and artificial intelligence. He is also the author of the Three Laws of technology, the most famous being: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." His vision of the future was one where humanity eventually leaves the "cradle" of Earth to join a cosmic community. What is magic, if not science we do not yet understand?