Stephen Hawking, in his own words

In early 1963, just shy of his 21st birthday, England’s Stephen Hawking — easily the most recognizable, award-winning physicist in history — was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He wasn’t expected to live two years, but beat the odds with 47 more, for which he often credited the National Health Service.

Despite being wheelchair-bound and lacking motor control, Hawking’s busy life included marriage and children, scientific discoveries, writing books, and countless cameo appearances.

He was funny. He was always learning. He was inspiring proof that even with severe disabilities, a life can be replete with accomplishment, passion, and joys.

So what wisdom did this black hole expert, whose 160 IQ was on par with Einstein, leave us?

Keep asking why. “My goal is simple. It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all.”

And laughing. “Life would be tragic if it weren’t funny.”

The only true disability. “I want to show that people need not be limited by physical handicaps as long as they are not disabled in spirit.”

“I accept that there are some things I can’t do. But they are mostly things I don’t particularly want to do anyway. I seem to manage to do anything that I really want.”

On euthanasia. “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.”

Scientific discovery. “I wouldn’t compare it to sex, but it lasts longer.”

Proof of intellect. “Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.”

“People who boast about their IQ are losers.”

Knowledge. “The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.”

Time travel (when he sent invitations after a party). “I was hoping a future Miss Universe was going to step through the door.”

Parallel universes. TV host: “You’ve stated that there could be an infinite number of parallel universes. Does that mean there’s a universe out there where I am smarter than you?” Hawking: “Yes. And also a universe where you’re funny.”

Women. “Women. They are a complete mystery.”

Black holes, both kinds. “They’re named black holes because they are related to human fears of being destroyed or gobbled up. I don’t have fears of being thrown into them. I understand them. I feel in a sense that I am their master.”

“Black holes ain’t as black as they are painted. They are not the eternal prisons they were once thought. Things can get out of a black hole both on the outside and possibly to another universe. So if you feel you are in a black hole, don’t give up — there’s a way out.”

Life’s meaning. “Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.”

Thanks to reader Own Mir for the topic suggestion.

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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network who wasn’t smart enough to study astrophysics, but still dreams of the stars. Contact her at Sholeh@cdapress.com.