Isaac Asimov, in Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction ('Asimov's Corollary', February 1977 issue, compiled in F & SF essay collection "Quasar, Quasar, Burning Bright", page 212, Avon Discus Books, pub. June, 1979.)
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When, however, the lay public rallies round an idea that is denounced by distinguished but elderly scientists and supports that idea with great fervor and emotion — the distinguished but elderly scientists are then, after all, probably right.
— Isaac Asimov
What It Means
This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "When, however, the lay public rallies round an idea that is denounced by distinguished but elderly scientists and supports that idea with great fervor and emotion — the distinguished but elderly scientists are then, after all, probably right." in the context of "Isaac Asimov, in Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction ('Asimov's Corollary', February 1977 issue, compiled in F & SF essay collection "Quasar, Quasar, Burning Bright", page 212, Avon Discus Books, pub. June, 1979.)" to mean that wisdom is timeless.
Source: Wikiquote: "Arthur C. Clarke" (Quotes about Clarke, Commentary on — or derivatives of — Clarke's Laws: First Law)
The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
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About Arthur C. Clarke
Sir Arthur Charles Clarke (16 December 1917 – 19 March 2008) was a British author, inventor and futurist, famous for his short stories and novels, among them 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), and as a host and commentator in the British television series Mysterious World. For many years, Robert A. Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, and Clarke were known as the "Big Three" of science fiction.
About Arthur C. Clarke
Sir Arthur Charles Clarke (16 December 1917 – 19 March 2008) was a British author, inventor and futurist, famous for his short stories and novels, among them 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), and as a host and commentator in the British television series Mysterious World. For many years, Robert A. Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, and Clarke were known as the "Big Three" of science fiction.
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