“There is no heaven or afterlife for broken-down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark.”
- 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
“There is no heaven or afterlife for broken-down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark.”
Explanation
In this statement, Stephen Hawking expresses his skepticism about the existence of an afterlife and heaven, a perspective shaped by his scientific worldview. He compares the idea of an afterlife to a fairy story, suggesting that belief in life after death is a comforting myth for those who fear the unknown or the finality of death. The reference to “broken-down computers” is a metaphor, likening human beings to machines whose consciousness ceases to exist once their physical bodies or “hardware” deteriorate. Hawking, a renowned scientist and atheist, consistently held the view that there is no evidence to support the idea of an afterlife, and that the human experience, like that of any other biological system, ends when the body fails.
Hawking’s statement is deeply rooted in his understanding of physics, biology, and the nature of consciousness. Throughout his career, he emphasized that consciousness arises from complex physical processes in the brain and that when these processes cease—whether through illness, aging, or injury—there is no continuation of the self. This aligns with his broader materialist and empirical view of the universe, which holds that all phenomena, including life and consciousness, can be explained through natural laws without invoking supernatural explanations. Hawking’s approach was to embrace the idea that, as individuals, we have a responsibility to make the most of the time we have, rather than seeking solace in unverifiable beliefs about the afterlife.
The quote also touches on a broader cultural divide between scientific rationalism and religious faith, a topic that has been at the heart of many debates about the nature of existence. Hawking’s view is consistent with that of other prominent scientists and philosophers who reject supernatural explanations, advocating instead for a focus on understanding the universe through observation, reason, and empirical evidence. In modern times, this perspective continues to influence discussions about atheism, secularism, and the search for meaning in a world without religious frameworks. For Hawking, the pursuit of knowledge in the here and now was far more important than relying on stories or beliefs about what happens after death.
