“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.”
- January 8, 1942 – March 14, 2018
- British
- Theoretical physicist, science writer
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Quote
“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.”
Explanation
In this quote, Stephen Hawking offers a broad definition of intelligence that goes beyond traditional measures of academic ability or intellectual aptitude. For Hawking, intelligence is not just about knowing facts or solving complex equations—it’s about the ability to respond and adapt to new situations, ideas, or challenges. This view aligns with evolutionary thinking, where adaptability is key to survival and success in an ever-changing environment. In a rapidly evolving world, the ability to adjust, rethink, and innovate in the face of new challenges is as important, if not more so, than any static knowledge.
Hawking’s own life serves as an example of this type of adaptive intelligence. After being diagnosed with ALS, which would progressively impair his body, he had to adapt in profound ways. He was forced to find new methods of communication, to rely on technology to help him maintain independence, and to develop innovative ways to continue his scientific work. His ability to embrace change, even in the face of a severe disability, allowed him to continue contributing to the field of theoretical physics long after his physical limitations would have stopped most others. This personal experience reinforced his belief that intelligence is ultimately about flexibility, the willingness to learn, and the capacity to innovate in response to new information or circumstances.
This quote also highlights the relevance of adaptability in a world marked by rapid technological advancement and global challenges. In the context of science and technology, adaptability is critical as new discoveries and technologies continue to reshape our understanding of the world. The ability to think critically, adjust hypotheses, and reframe problems in the face of new data is what allows scientific progress to continue. Hawking himself was known for his willingness to change his views based on new evidence, most notably with his revised ideas on the black hole information paradox. In this sense, his idea of intelligence as adaptability speaks to the core of scientific inquiry, where progress often hinges not just on acquiring knowledge, but on being open to change and revised thinking.
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