*This is a compilation of quotes sourced from the internet.
Stephen William Hawking is an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, author and Director of Research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology within the University of Cambridge. His scientific works include collaboration with Roger Penrose on gravitational singularity theorems in the framework of general relativity, and the theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, often called Hawking radiation. Hawking was the first to set forth a theory of cosmology explained by a union of the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. He is a vigorous supporter of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics.
On Quiet People | Quiet people have the loudest minds.
On Communication | For millions of years, mankind lived just like the animals. Then something happened which unleashed the power of our imagination. We learned to talk and we learned to listen. Speech has allowed the communication of ideas, enabling human beings to work together to build the impossible. Mankind’s greatest achievements have come about by talking, and its greatest failures by not talking. It doesn’t have to be like this. Our greatest hopes could become reality in the future. With the technology at our disposal, the possibilities are unbounded. All we need to do is make sure we keep talking.
On Intelligence | Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.
On Being Curious | It surprises me how disinterested we are today about things like physics, space, the universe and philosophy of our existence, our purpose, our final destination. It’s a crazy world out there. Be curious.”
On Suicide | The victim should have the right to end his life, if he wants. But I think it would be a great mistake. However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. While there’s life, there is hope.
On Understanding The Universe | My goal is simple. It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all.
On The Difference Between Religion and Science | There is a fundamental difference between religion, which is based on authority, and science, which is based on observation and reason. Science will win because it works.
On Being Free | Although I cannot move and I have to speak through a computer, in my mind I am free.
On Destiny | I have noticed that even those who assert that everything is predestined and that we can change nothing about it still look both ways before they cross the street.
On Perfection | One of the basic rules of the universe is that nothing is perfect. Perfection simply doesn’t exist…..Without imperfection, neither you nor I would exist.
On The Downside Of Being A Celebrity | The downside of my celebrity is that I cannot go anywhere in the world without being recognized. It is not enough for me to wear dark sunglasses and a wig. The wheelchair gives me away.
On Death | I’m not afraid of death, but I’m in no hurry to die.
On People Who Boast About Intelligence | People who boast about their I.Q. are losers.
On Smart People | The thing about smart people is that they seem like crazy people to dumb people.
On Aliens | If aliens ever visit us, I think the outcome would be much as when Christopher Columbus first landed in America, which didn’t turn out very well for the Native Americans.
On Reading | Nothing is better than reading and gaining more and more knowledge.
