“If we do discover a complete theory, it should be in time understandable in broad principle by everyone. Then we shall all, philosophers, scientists, and just ordinary people be able to take part in the discussion of why we and the universe exist.”
- 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
“If we do discover a complete theory, it should be in time understandable in broad principle by everyone. Then we shall all, philosophers, scientists, and just ordinary people be able to take part in the discussion of why we and the universe exist.”
Explanation
In this quote, Stephen Hawking expresses his vision for the future of scientific understanding—a time when a complete theory of the universe would be comprehensible not just to scientists, but to everyone. Hawking’s pursuit of a theory of everything—a unified explanation that links the fundamental forces of nature, including gravity, electromagnetism, and the quantum forces—was driven by the belief that such a theory could answer the deepest questions of existence. His goal was not to make this understanding exclusive to the academic community, but to make it accessible to the broader public, including philosophers and ordinary people.
This idea of universal accessibility is central to Hawking’s belief in the democratization of knowledge. He argued that science should not be confined to elite circles of academia but should be something that everyone could engage with and understand. He envisioned a world where philosophical inquiry, scientific exploration, and the everyday curiosity of people could intersect, allowing for a shared discussion about the nature of existence. By making complex ideas understandable, science could bridge the gap between specialized knowledge and the general public, creating a more inclusive dialogue about the universe.
In modern times, this aspiration is more relevant than ever. The rise of popular science books, online resources, and documentaries has allowed more people than ever to engage with complex scientific concepts. Hawking himself played a major role in this, with works like A Brief History of Time and his public talks, making complex physics accessible to millions. This shift towards public engagement reflects a growing recognition that the questions of why we exist and how the universe works are not just for scientists to answer but are questions that resonate with everyone—questions that touch on philosophy, culture, and the human experience as a whole.
