The Collected Stories of Arthur C. Clarke

by Arthur C. Clarke

A single neutron begins the chain-reaction that in an instant can destroy a million lives and the toil of generations. Equally insignificant and unimportant are the trigger-events which can sometimes change a man’s course of action and so alter the whole pattern of his future.

Evil men could be destroyed but nothing could be done about good men who were deluded.

looked at him as though seeing something that had no right to be around in a world that had invented penicillin.

‘There are fifty solar-type stars within ten years’ flight of Earth,’ Durven replied, ‘and almost all of them have planets.

we have broken the glass of the fire-alarm and have nothing to do but to wait.

‘Not human—but humane’

I’ve always argued that there’s an inverse correlation between a country’s degree of civilisation and the restraints it puts on its press.’

as scientists they’d be pleased if their subjects got back alive, and as Australians they’d be just as happy if they got back dead.

But at my back I always hear Time’s winged chariot hurrying near…