Stephen Hawking top quotes

LONDON: The world- famous British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, who died on Wednesday at the age of 76, was known as much for his profound and witty comments as his scientific discoveries.

Here are some of Hawking’s best known quotes:

On why the universe exists “If we find the answer to that, it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason – for then we would know the mind of God” — From A Brief History of Time (1988)

On his illness “My expectations were reduced to zero when I was 21. Everything since then has been a bonus” — Interview with The New York Times (2004)

On his life purpose “My goal is simple. It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all” — From Stephen Hawking’s Universe by John Boslough (1985)

On God “It is not necessary to invoke God to light the blue touch paper and set the universe going” — From The Grand Design (2010)

On his celebrity status “The downside of my celebrity is that I cannot go anywhere in the world without being recognised. It is not enough for me to wear dark sunglasses and a wig. The wheelchair gives me away”

Interview with Israeli TV (2006)

On human imperfection “Without imperfection, you or I would not exist” — From “The Universe With Stephen Hawking”, Discovery Channel (2010) On death “I’m not afraid of death, but I’m in no hurry to die. I have so much I want to do first” — Interview with The Guardian (2011)