“Before I lost my voice, it was slurred, so only those close to me could understand, but with the computer voice, I found I could give popular lectures. I enjoy communicating science. It is important that the public understands basic science, if they are not to leave vital decisions to others.”
- January 8, 1942 – March 14, 2018
- British
- Theoretical physicist, science writer
- Announced the black hole singularity theorem and Hawking radiation, and contributed to the popularization of science with his book “Talking about the Universe”
Quote
“Before I lost my voice, it was slurred, so only those close to me could understand, but with the computer voice, I found I could give popular lectures. I enjoy communicating science. It is important that the public understands basic science, if they are not to leave vital decisions to others.”
Explanation
In this quote, Stephen Hawking reflects on the challenges he faced after losing his natural voice due to ALS, and how he overcame this barrier with the aid of a computerized voice. Initially, his speech became difficult to understand as the disease progressed, but with the help of speech-generating technology, Hawking was able to communicate clearly and continue his work as a popular science communicator. His use of the computer voice—which became iconic—allowed him to engage in public lectures and discussions, making complex scientific concepts more accessible to a wider audience. His passion for communicating science underscores his belief in the importance of public understanding of basic scientific principles.
Hawking’s commitment to popularizing science highlights his conviction that scientific literacy is essential for making informed decisions in a modern society. He believed that science should not be the sole domain of experts but that everyone should have a basic understanding of important issues, especially those that could have profound societal and global consequences. In an age of rapidly advancing technology and pressing challenges like climate change, health care, and space exploration, Hawking argued that the public must be able to engage with scientific debates to ensure that crucial decisions are not left to a select few. His own efforts to explain the nature of the universe through books like A Brief History of Time and lectures helped bridge the gap between the scientific community and the public.
Hawking’s dedication to educating the public about science remains highly relevant today. With the rise of misinformation and the increasing complexity of global issues, his message about the importance of scientific literacy has never been more crucial. The ability to understand basic scientific concepts is key to fostering an informed citizenry capable of making decisions that impact everything from public health to environmental policy. By using his computer-generated voice to communicate, Hawking not only maintained his own ability to engage with the world but also set an example of how technology can enable individuals to continue contributing meaningfully to society, regardless of physical limitations.
