“As scientists, we step on the shoulders of science, building on the work that has come before us – aiming to inspire a new generation of young scientists to continue once we are gone.”
- 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
“As scientists, we step on the shoulders of science, building on the work that has come before us – aiming to inspire a new generation of young scientists to continue once we are gone.”
Explanation
In this quote, Stephen Hawking emphasizes the collaborative nature of scientific progress and the idea that scientific knowledge is cumulative. The phrase “stepping on the shoulders of science” evokes the image of scientists building on the discoveries, theories, and findings of those who came before them. This acknowledges that every new breakthrough in science is rooted in the work of previous generations, creating a chain of knowledge that constantly expands and evolves. Hawking’s recognition of this intergenerational exchange highlights the continuity of scientific exploration, where each new generation of scientists adds to the body of knowledge, moving the field forward.
Hawking also underscores the responsibility of scientists to inspire future generations. He believed that it was not only important to make new discoveries but also to foster curiosity and passion for science in young people. His own work in theoretical physics and his ability to explain complex topics in accessible ways, such as in his book A Brief History of Time, was aimed at sparking interest in science and encouraging others to take up the quest for knowledge. For Hawking, science was not an isolated endeavor but a shared, global pursuit that transcends individual achievement and aims to benefit humanity as a whole.
Today, Hawking’s words remain relevant as the world faces new scientific and technological challenges. Young scientists continue to build on the foundations laid by pioneers like Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, and Hawking himself, pursuing breakthroughs in areas like quantum computing, genetics, space exploration, and artificial intelligence. As Hawking indicated, the ultimate goal is not just to make discoveries but to pass on the torch to the next generation, ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge continues long after the current generation of scientists is gone. This collective endeavor is what keeps science moving forward and allows us to tackle the complex problems of the future.
