“I have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road.”
- 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 have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road.”
Explanation
In this insightful and somewhat humorous quote, Stephen Hawking highlights a contradiction in the way some people approach the concept of fate versus free will. Those who believe that everything is predetermined—that the course of events is fixed and unchangeable—would logically see little point in taking precautions or making decisions. However, Hawking points out that even these individuals instinctively take action to protect themselves, such as looking before crossing the road. This seemingly small act of caution is a practical response, demonstrating that even when people hold abstract beliefs about fate, they still engage with the world as if their actions matter.
This quote also taps into a broader philosophical debate about determinism versus free will. If everything is indeed predestined, as some philosophies and theories suggest, then actions like looking before crossing the road should be seen as irrelevant—why take action if the outcome is already decided? Yet, the fact that people still engage in these rational behaviors points to an inherent tension in how we understand cause and effect. It also reflects human nature: even if we believe in something like destiny, we are still driven to take control of our immediate circumstances.
Hawking’s remark invites us to reflect on the way we balance our beliefs and practical actions in everyday life. Whether or not we believe in free will or destiny, our day-to-day decisions and behaviors seem to reflect a desire to interact with the world in a way that mitigates risk and maximizes our chances of success. By using a simple, relatable example like crossing the road, Hawking effectively brings a profound philosophical idea into the realm of practicality, suggesting that our actions in the world often speak louder than our abstract beliefs.
