“I want my books sold on airport bookstalls.”
- 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
“I want my books sold on airport bookstalls.”
Explanation
In this lighthearted quote, Stephen Hawking expresses his desire for his books to reach a wide audience, specifically aiming for the kind of mass appeal that would place them in prominent, everyday spaces like airport bookstalls. Airport bookstalls are not only high-traffic areas but also places where people from all walks of life might pick up books—whether they are casually browsing or looking for something to read during a flight. Hawking’s wish suggests that, while his work is deeply rooted in complex scientific concepts, he wanted it to be accessible and to resonate with a broader public beyond academic circles. This reflects his broader goal of making science understandable and appealing to people from all backgrounds, which he achieved with works like “A Brief History of Time”.
Hawking’s statement also underscores the idea of scientific communication as a form of public engagement. The mention of airport bookstalls suggests an aspiration to see science and physics integrated into everyday conversation and available in spaces where people are looking for books that might challenge or expand their thinking, even while traveling. By aiming for this level of visibility, Hawking sought to bridge the gap between the world of advanced science and the general public, creating an interest in the fundamental questions about the universe, space, and time that he explored in his writing.
Additionally, this quote highlights Hawking’s sense of humor and self-awareness as an author. The desire to have his books sold at such a common and commercial venue might seem at odds with the high-level nature of the topics he wrote about, but it reveals his recognition that science can—and should—be part of popular culture. It speaks to his belief that understanding the universe is not reserved for a select few but is something that can be embraced by anyone, whether they are picking up a book on a whim at the airport or reading it in a quiet corner of their home.
