"Every revolutionary idea seems to evoke three stages of reaction. They may be summed up by the phrases: 1- It's completely impossible. 2- It's possible, but it's not worth doing. 3- I said it was a good idea all along"
- Arthur C. Clarke
About this Quote
This quote by Arthur C. Clarke speaks to the typical reaction to advanced ideas. The very first phase is shock, where individuals believe the concept is completely difficult. The second stage is approval, but with a lack of interest. Individuals might think the concept is possible, but unworthy doing. The third stage is a shift in mindset, where individuals declare they had the idea all along. This quote speaks with the difficulty of introducing new ideas, and how people often require time to get used to them. It likewise highlights the importance of perseverance when introducing innovative concepts, as it might take some time for people to come around to them. Ultimately, this quote functions as a tip that advanced concepts can be met with resistance, however with enough effort, they can be accepted and even commemorated.
"What is real is not the external form, but the essence of things... it is impossible for anyone to express anything essentially real by imitating its exterior surface"