“Someone told me that each equation I included in the book would halve the sales.”
- 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
“Someone told me that each equation I included in the book would halve the sales.”
Explanation
In this quote, Stephen Hawking humorously reflects on the challenge of making complex scientific ideas accessible to a wider audience. The statement about equations potentially halving sales highlights a common tension in writing about science for the general public: while equations and technical details are essential for conveying the depth of scientific concepts, they can also alienate readers who do not have a background in the subject. Hawking’s self-awareness here is evident, as he recognizes that too much technical detail could detract from the appeal of his book, “A Brief History of Time,” which was aimed at a broad, non-specialist audience.
Hawking’s decision to minimize the use of equations in the book was part of his larger goal of making science and cosmology more accessible. He wanted to share the beauty and mystery of the universe with readers who might not have formal training in physics or mathematics. At the same time, his remark about the potential for sales to drop reflects the pragmatism required when communicating complex ideas to a general audience. It also speaks to the trade-off between depth and clarity—how much of the technical side of science can be presented without losing the reader’s interest or understanding?
The quote is also a reminder of how science is often presented in the public realm. The challenge of writing for a general audience involves finding a balance between offering rigorous intellectual content and making the material engaging and understandable. Hawking’s success in reaching millions of readers with a book that simplifies cosmology without dumbing it down is a testament to his skill as a communicator. His ability to make profound scientific concepts palatable and exciting to people from all walks of life helped foster a broader appreciation of science and its potential to address some of humanity’s biggest questions.
