The Birth of One of the Greatest Scientists of All Time
Stephen Hawking, a renowned cosmologist and physicist who is widely considered as one of the brightest minds of our time, is known for his tremendous contributions to our understanding of the cosmos, especially advancing our understanding of black holes. Hawking’s professional life was driven by his childhood love for science, which ended up becoming his life’s work.
Hawking was raised in an intellectual family and was born in Oxford, England, in 1942. His father, a medical researcher, pushed his kids to pursue their passions in math and science. Hawking was always curious about how things worked inside, and he frequently disassembled his toys to learn more about them. He also developed a strong interest in astronomy and frequently spent the night gazing through a small telescope at the stars.
Hawking chose to study physics at University College, Oxford, where he received a first-class honors degree, motivated by his natural curiosity and love of science. Then, at Trinity College in Cambridge, he earned a Ph.D. in cosmology. Hawking started making substantial contributions to the field of physics while he was a student at Cambridge. He was given the devastating diagnosis of motor neuron disease (also known as ALS) in 1963, which rendered him paralyzed and speechless. Despite these physical limitations, Hawking continued to push the boundaries of science and became a leading expert on black holes and the origins of 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.” Hawking once said, demonstrating his steadfast dedication to science. This commitment to his job motivated his resolve to overcome his physical limits and carry on uncovering the wonders of the cosmos. Stephen Hawking’s incredible life and accomplishments were motivated by his passion for science. His interest in physics when he was a young child inspired him to pursue an academic career that had a big impact on the subject. He overcame significant obstacles but remained committed to his profession, leaving behind a legacy that will motivate future generations of scientists.
