Arthur C. Clarke is hands down my favorite science fiction author. As a teenager growing up in Alabama, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Childhood's End not only provided me with my first glimpse at how humanity stacked up against the eternity of time and space in which we swim, these books also showed me how fiction could tackle issues which are so large they send shivers down your spine to even contemplate them. I'm sorry to hear that Clarke has died, but I'm grateful for the amazing stories and perspective Clarke bequeathed to several generations of readers. Thank you, Mr. Clarke, for giving our world so much joy and insight.