The Collected Stories of Arthur C. Clarke

by Arthur C. Clarke

I never imagined that one day I would be lecturing in the Vatican.

If only they had had a little more time!

This tragedy was unique. It is one thing for a race to fail and die, as nations and cultures have done on Earth. But to be destroyed so completely in the full flower of its achievement, leaving no survivors—how could that be reconciled with the mercy of God?

the ancient mystery is solved at last. Yet, oh God, there were so many stars you could have used. What was the need to give these people to the fire, the symbol of their passing might shine above Bethlehem?