He's headed for the next obelisk...

[jade_sabre]

Arthur C. Clarke died today.

Having only seen 2010 (and not really understood it), and having never read any of the books, my grief is somewhat understated, but I'm still sad.

Comments

[jade-sabre-301.livejournal.com]

because. when people who have contributed a great deal to modern culture die, it's sad to think that their contributions are over.

plus now I feel guilty for having never read anything by him. like as a self-respecting science-fiction fan. among other things.

[mysteree80.livejournal.com]

So it's because of his contributions to modern culture being over? If that's the case, shouldn't you mourn the day people retire instead? Anyway, sure, Clarke kept writing till an old age, but he had a very long life and an illustrious career as it was.

I dunno, I hate to step on anyone's toes, but the whole 'grief over famous people dying' thing is something I don't get and that actually bothers me somewhat.

[jade-sabre-301.livejournal.com]

well, it depends on the person. Arthur C. Clarke was a giant in one of my favorite fields. Hence, sadness and respect.

Bobby Fischer was a crazy chess genius. More like a notable event than sadness.

Lloyd Alexander wrote books that greatly influenced my childhood and had a style of writing that's like sitting down and listening to your kindly older uncle talk to you or something. I bawled when I found out he had passed away.

[philia-fan.livejournal.com]

Plus, as a friend whose dog just died said the other day, mortality sucks. It just does.

[mysteree80.livejournal.com]

Sure, but that's kinda my point. I doubt many of your friend's friends will write blog posts about the dog. Heck, even if it had been a friend's parent, very few people would talk or write about it. And yet, thousands of people will shed tears and fill pages upon pages of blogs for celebrities who don't know they exist and whom they've never seen in person.

I mean, yes, Arthur C. Clarke died yesterday, but so did 150,000 other people. Should we only grieve for those who managed to achieve enough success in their careers to warrant public attention?

[jade-sabre-301.livejournal.com]

Well, on the one hand, people KNOW about the celebrities. And yes, people are too celebrity-centric etc. etc. etc., but it does give people somewhere to focus their grief.

I mean, when Heath Ledger died, I was shocked and grieved. Once I moved past the initial emotion, though, I did also think to myself "and how many other dads have died today?" And I said a prayer for all of them too. I mean...it's almost like a reminder. All things pass.

[philia-fan.livejournal.com]

And while we're at it, I just read that Paul Scofield died. That's Thomas More to you, Jade (in the movie). Which does hurt, because he was just a lovely, lovely, brilliant actor of that generation of great actors with fabulous voices, and yes, he was old, but it still feels a little like the passing of someone I know personally.

[jade-sabre-301.livejournal.com]

Oh alas! Suckiest week ever.

[jade-sabre-301.livejournal.com]

ack! he was the original onstage Salieri too? brilliant.

[jade-sabre-301.livejournal.com]

ooooh, I'm sorry. :-(