Stephen Hawking – The Man Who Defied All Odds
Stephen Hawking is a name uttered in the same breath as those like Galileo, and Albert Einstein, but few people can understand the depths of his intellect. He is indisputably one the most influential scientists to have ever lived. A true genius, he overcame incredible physical odds to become the most renowned theoretical physicist of his time, and thus serves as a role model for us all.
Hawking was born on January 8, 1942 – on the 300th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s death. Hawking, the man who fused Einstein’s theory of relativity with quantum theory, died on March 14, the date Einstein’s birth. Both Einstein and Hawking died at the age of 76.
Both of Stephen’s parents were graduates from Oxford University and he grew up in a household focused on feeding the minds of children. Stephen spent most of his childhood in Hertfordshire, where he was a budding genius with a keen interest in mathematics and science. Despite standing out as a loner in school, he soon found a small group of friends where he could be himself. With these friends he started pondering the big questions of the universe and by the age of 14 he knew that he wanted to specialize in physics. He felt that he could provide answers to these big questions he and his friends had grappled with.
At the age of 17, Stephen began his higher education at University College, Oxford, where he aced the entrance exam but felt the lectures to be too basic. Regardless, he continued to study physics and graduated in 1962. While there, he joined the rowing team and broke out of the isolation he’d known his whole life to become a confident young man. He then pursued graduate work at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, to study for his PhD in applied mathematics and theoretical physics, specializing in general relativity and cosmology. It was here that he first felt challenged in his studies and he thrived under the pressure.
But in 1963 his life changed forever. Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive degenerative disease, especially rare at his young age of 21. With about 10% with the condition surviving for 10 years, and only 5% for around 20 years Hawking defied the odds and lived for 55 years after his diagnosis – the longest life span with ALS in recorded medical history.
This disease degenerates the cells of the body but the brain remains untouched thus giving Hawking the prospect of being trapped in a dysfunctional body. Over time, the disease gradually paralyzed him, but he remained mentally active with an ever-expanding genius and continued to work using a speech-generating device.
Stephen suggested that space and time started with the Big Bang and would end up consumed in supermassive black holes. Hawking and Roger Penrose developed the singularity theorems, which showed that the collapse of a massive star could result in a point of infinite density and zero volume. These theorems provided a deeper understanding of the formation of black holes – and the nature of the universe’s beginning. In 1971, Hawking formulated the black hole area theorem. He proposed that black holes emit radiation due to quantum effects. The discovery of this radiation, known as Hawking Radiation, was revolutionary, suggesting black holes could eventually disappear – challenging the belief that nothing could escape from a black hole.
Hawking’s work bridged the gap between quantum mechanics and general relativity, two fundamental but previously incompatible theories in physics. His work suggested that the second law of thermodynamics, which states that entropy must always increase, applies to black holes as well. Hawking’s contributions have had a profound impact on theoretical physics and cosmology – and has spurred further research into the nature of black holes, quantum gravity, and the early universe, as advanced telescopes now look back 14 billion years in time.
Stephen authored several popular science books, including the best seller A Brief History of Time. The book was adapted into a documentary film and made complex scientific concepts accessible to the general public – inspiring individuals to explore the wonders of the universe.
Stephen Hawking’s research has fundamentally changed our understanding of the mysterious objects known as black holes and their role in the cosmos. His work continues to influence and inspire scientists and the general public alike. His work influences our writings allowing us to dream of what could be out there in the cosmos and bring it to life in a fantasy setting.
Hawking held the prestigious position of Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge from 1979 to 2009. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of curiosity, perseverance, and the pursuit of knowledge. He often spoke about the need to explore and understand the universe – his quotes continue to inspiring and provoke thoughts as they reflect his remarkable intellect and enduring legacy.
Hawking passed away on March 14, 2018, in Cambridge, England, at the age of 76. His work has had a profound impact on theoretical physics and cosmology. He is remembered not only for his groundbreaking scientific contributions – but also for his ability to simplify the complex and inspire the public about the wonders of the universe. His life is a testament to the power of the human spirit. His remarkable ability to overcome the enormous challenges posed by ALS and to make groundbreaking contributions to science are truly humbling.
The next time we complain about a headache or some ache or pain – let us pause to ponder the life of this truly remarkable man. Through all his physical complications he persevered and strove to constantly learn more about the universe. His influence on our lives and our writings cannot be understated. He inspires to look to the cosmos, to wonder what could be out there, and to make that which looks impossible possible.
