“Women. They are a complete mystery.”
- 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
“Women. They are a complete mystery.”
Explanation
In this quote, Stephen Hawking offers a playful yet somewhat simplistic comment on women, suggesting that they are a mystery to him. While the statement might seem like a light-hearted or humorous remark, it also subtly reflects how gender and relationships are often viewed as areas of complexity and intrigue, even by brilliant minds like Hawking. The phrase “a complete mystery” might also indicate an acknowledgment of the difference in how people, particularly men and women, experience the world, as well as the ways in which these differences can be difficult to fully understand or explain.
Hawking’s remark also invites reflection on the broader societal context in which science, particularly in Hawking’s time, was often a male-dominated field. While he was one of the most celebrated theoretical physicists, the status and participation of women in science historically faced many barriers, from social expectations to institutional discrimination. In this light, Hawking’s comment could also be seen as a subtle nod to the complexity of gender dynamics in science and academia, as well as a recognition of the intricacies of human relationships that go beyond purely rational understanding.
At the same time, it’s worth noting that, like many men of his era, Hawking’s statement might also reflect a certain degree of naivety or stereotypical thinking about women. Women have long been seen as complex or mysterious due to cultural narratives that often position them as enigmatic or unknowable. While Hawking’s humor may be light-hearted, it also serves as a reminder of the long-standing cultural myths surrounding gender and how even highly intelligent people can fall prey to these oversimplified views. As times have changed, there has been increasing recognition of the importance of gender equality and the contributions of women to science, philosophy, and every other field, and it’s in this context that Hawking’s comment might be understood with a more critical eye.
