“Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.”
- 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
“Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.”
Explanation
In this quote, Stephen Hawking encourages a sense of wonder and curiosity about the universe. The image of “looking up at the stars” serves as a metaphor for aiming high, thinking expansively, and allowing oneself to be inspired by the vastness and mystery of the cosmos. By advising us to “not down at your feet,” Hawking implies that we should not focus solely on our immediate, everyday concerns, but instead look beyond to the grand questions that define our existence. It is a call to embrace the spirit of exploration and inquiry, to always seek to understand the world around us and ask the big questions, like why the universe exists and what its underlying principles are.
This quote reflects Hawking’s own approach to life and science. Throughout his career, he emphasized the importance of curiosity as a driving force for scientific progress and personal growth. His own work was driven by a desire to understand the fundamental laws of the universe, such as the nature of black holes, the origin of the universe, and the nature of time. In suggesting that we “try to make sense of what you see,” Hawking invites us to think critically about the world and seek deeper understanding, rather than accepting things at face value. It encourages an active engagement with the mysteries of existence, and an acknowledgment that answers to profound questions are within reach if we are willing to ask the right questions and pursue them with dedication and imagination.
Lastly, the quote serves as a reminder of the importance of curiosity in shaping our future, both as individuals and as a society. Whether it is exploring space, understanding the laws of physics, or simply contemplating our place in the universe, curiosity fuels progress and innovation. Hawking’s message is timeless: the pursuit of knowledge is not just a scientific endeavor, but a deeply human trait that connects us all and allows us to push the boundaries of what is possible.
