The Scotsman

Stephen Hawking in his own words

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“My goal is simple. It is a complete understand­ing of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all.” “We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the universe. That makes us something very special.” “I don’t think the human race will survive the next 1,000 years, unless we spread into space. There are too many accidents that can befall life on a single planet. But I’m an optimist. We will reach out to the stars.” “People who boast about their IQ are losers.” “I believe the simplest explanatio­n is, there is no God. No-one created the universe and no-one directs our fate. This leads me to a pro- found realisatio­n that there probably is no heaven and no afterlife either. We have this one life to appreciate the grand design of the universe and for that, I am extremely grateful.” “If we discover a complete theory, it would be the ultimate triumph of reason – for then we should know the mind of God.” “One, remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Two, never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it. Three, if you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don’t throw it away.” “The downside of my celebrity is that I can’t 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.” “My advice to other disabled people would be, concentrat­e on things your disability doesn’t prevent you doing well, and don’t regret the things it interferes with. Don’t be disabled in spirit, as well as physically.” “I have lived with the prospect of an early death for the last 49 years. I’m not afraid of death, but I’m in no hurry to die. I have so much I want to do first.”

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