Stephen Hawking, 1942-2018. Image Credit: CC BY 2.0 Lwp Kommunikacio / Flickr
One of the greatest scientific minds of our age, Hawking passed away in the early hours of this morning.
Recognized around the world as both a scientific genius and pop-culture icon, Hawking's work in the field of cosmology, as well as his distinctive computer-generated voice, made him one of the most respected and recognizable people on the face of the planet.
Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and given just two years to live at the age of 21, Hawking went on to defy all the odds by living a long and eventful life.
His best-selling book, 'A Brief History of Time', sold over 100 million copies and he made several appearances in TV shows such as Star Trek: The Next Generation and The Simpsons.
Most of all however, he will be remembered for his extensive contributions to science, his keen sense of humor and his indomitable determination in the face of his life-long illness.
"My goal is simple," he was quoted as saying in 'Stephen Hawking's Universe'. "It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all."
In a statement today, his three children, Lucy, Robert and Tim, paid tribute to him.
"We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today," they said. "He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years."
"His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world."
"He once said, 'It would not be much of a universe if it wasn't home to the people you love.'"
At university, when his classmates could only solve 3 or 4 of the extra problems in a physics textbook, Hawking, in only a few hours solved all of them. A classmate said, "We always though Steven was from around the block, now we realized he was from another planet!"
Sorry to hear the news but glad to be alive to personally witness this great man's achievements. The world has lost a collosal mind and a wonderful character. So pleased to see all the comments as positive.
Every once in a while, if the time is right, we have a light that shines bright enough for all of us people living in perpetual darkness to get a glimpse of the wonders of the universe, even for just a moment. Thanks Mr. Hawking and RIP.
Rest i peace, Professor Hawking. May your family and friends know strength and comfort. Your journey through life and your indomitable spirit in fighting such a horrible disease, have made this world a better place. You were and are a great inspiration.
Where does one begin when it comes to a legend such as Professor Hawking passing, throughout your achievements and accolades, discoveries and theories.....I would like to thank you for making the universe a more understandable and fascinating place for us all....RIP sir, safe journey.....
Hawking was born on the 300th anniversary of Galileo's death and died on Einstein's birthday. As a professor at Cambridge he held the Lucasian Chair of Mathematics... a position once held by Newton. On the shoulders of giants indeed.
Good grief: whilst working out Einstein's and Hawking's ages when they died, I wrote down their birthdays and "death days" but didn't see the coincidence!
So very sad! I'm in shock still. Truly everyday he had on this earth with us was a blessing in and of itself. He's been a hero of mine since I was in my mid teens. He had a HUGE influence on my interest in physics and cosmology and my view of life and the world around us. I knew the day would come but it still doesn't make it any easier.
Please Login or Register to post a comment.