“I don’t think the human race will survive the next thousand years, unless we spread into space.”
- 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 don’t think the human race will survive the next thousand years, unless we spread into space.”
Explanation
In this quote, Stephen Hawking expresses a sobering view on the future of humanity, highlighting the existential risk we face if we remain confined to Earth. He argues that in order for the human race to survive in the long term, we must expand beyond our planet and colonize space. This reflects his belief that the future of humanity is inherently tied to space exploration and the development of off-world colonies. Hawking has long been an advocate for the idea that humanity’s future may depend on our ability to become a multiplanetary species, spreading across the solar system and beyond.
Hawking’s reasoning is grounded in the reality of various global threats—from nuclear war and climate change to the potential risks posed by asteroid impacts or pandemics. He suggested that as long as we are tied to a single planet, any significant planetary-scale disaster could wipe out human civilization. In contrast, establishing colonies on other planets—such as Mars, or even beyond—could provide a backup for human civilization. This idea of humanity spreading into space aligns with the views of other prominent scientists and entrepreneurs, such as Elon Musk, who have championed the colonization of Mars as a means of ensuring the long-term survival of our species.
In the modern context, the idea of spreading into space has gained momentum with advancements in space technology, particularly with private companies like SpaceX making strides in affordable space travel. Though the challenges of establishing self-sustaining colonies on other planets remain immense, Hawking’s statement underscores the urgent need for bold action and long-term thinking in order to secure humanity’s future. As we face increasingly complex global challenges, the idea of becoming a spacefaring civilization may not just be an ambitious dream but a necessity for ensuring the survival of the human race.
