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About this quote

What does it mean?
Magic that seems advanced enough is just like technology.
In plain terms
Things called magic are actually just unknown technology.
What can you take from it?
Recognize that advanced tech can look like magic.

Where it applies

  • learning tech
  • science fiction
  • innovation

Putting it to work

  • study tech
  • stay curious
  • explore innovations

Questions to consider

  • What tech looks like magic now?
  • How do we define magic?

Another view

Some claims of magic are just frauds.

More from Arthur C. Clarke

  1. Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced.

    Permalink to quote #73

  2. Any sufficiently advanced bug is indistinguishable from a feature.

    Permalink to quote #75

  3. Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from doubletalk.

    Permalink to quote #72

Related quotes

  1. Clarke's Third Law: Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.

    Arthur C. ClarkeArthur C. Clarke quote #44

  2. Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced.

    Arthur C. ClarkeArthur C. Clarke quote #73

  3. Technology is anything that wasn't around when you were born.

    Alan KayAlan Kay quote #5