Stephen Hawking
One of the most recognisable figures of modern science, Stephen Hawking, was born on 8 January 1942 in Oxford, England. Though initially his academic performance was not great, he started to show a flair for Science and Mathematics over time. In fact, his friends at school had nicknamed him ‘Einstein’ after Albert Einstein, one of the greatest scientists of all time.
At the age of 17, Hawking enrolled at Oxford University to study Physics and Chemistry, which he found ‘ridiculously easy’. After graduating, he went to Cambridge University to study cosmology (the science of the origin of the universe), where he went on to obtain his PhD degree in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics.
However, his path to success was not a smooth one. When he was 21 years old, Hawking was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a condition that affects the brain and nerves. It causes a person’s muscles to become weaker with time, and waste away. MND can affect a person’s ability to walk, talk, swallow and breathe. People diagnosed with MND usually do not live very long. In fact, when Hawking was diagnosed, doctors told him that he only had another two years to live! However, he went on to defy their prediction by living a fulfilling and inspirational life.
Initially, Hawking had to use walking sticks and crutches to walk. As his muscles became even weaker, he started using an electric wheelchair to get around. Determined not to let his disability be a hindrance, he continued his work with great passion. His revolutionary work and theories have helped scientists better understand black holes, stars and the universe.
Hawking was keen for his work to be understood not just by scientists, but by everyone. He wrote books that describe his scientific research in simple terms. His most famous book ‘A Brief History of Time’ has sold more than 10 million copies! He even wrote a series of children’s books, explaining his work in a style suitable for children.
My expectations were reduced to zero when I was 21. Everything since then has been a bonus.
However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up. We should seek the greatest value of our action.
When he was 43 years old, Hawking developed a serious infection. An emergency operation saved his life but rendered him unable to talk. He used a special computer that generated speech by using a switch to select words. However, he was soon unable to use his hands and in 2005, he started controlling his communication device using his cheek muscles!
Stephen Hawking died on 14 March 2018 at the age of 76. A recipient of several prestigious honours and awards, he will always be remembered for his brilliant mind and determination.