“In my school, the brightest boys did math and physics, the less bright did physics and chemistry, and the least bright did biology. I wanted to do math and physics, but my father made me do chemistry because he thought there would be no jobs for mathematicians.”
- 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
“In my school, the brightest boys did math and physics, the less bright did physics and chemistry, and the least bright did biology. I wanted to do math and physics, but my father made me do chemistry because he thought there would be no jobs for mathematicians.”
Explanation
This quote offers a glimpse into Stephen Hawking’s educational background and the role of his father’s influence on his academic choices. Hawking’s description of the subject hierarchy at his school reveals a somewhat traditional view of science and academic ability, where math and physics were considered the domain of the brightest students, while subjects like chemistry and biology were seen as more accessible. The mention of his father’s decision to push him toward chemistry rather than mathematics speaks to the practical concerns of the time: mathematics, as Hawking’s father believed, was not seen as a field with many career opportunities.
Hawking’s father, a research scientist in tropical medicine, likely had a pragmatic approach to his son’s education, driven by his own experiences and understanding of career prospects. In the mid-20th century, mathematics was often considered more abstract and less directly applicable to many industries compared to the more practical sciences like chemistry and biology. However, Hawking’s eventual success in theoretical physics and his groundbreaking work in cosmology turned this assumption on its head, showing that, contrary to his father’s concern, mathematicians and physicists can contribute to some of the most important scientific advances of the modern age.
This moment also underscores Hawking’s early curiosity and drive for intellectual exploration. Despite his father’s decision, he ultimately followed his passion for math and physics, leading to a career that would revolutionize our understanding of the universe. The story highlights the importance of pursuing one’s passions and interests, even when external pressures or conventional wisdom suggest a different path. It also illustrates how the perception of career opportunities in certain fields can evolve over time, particularly as new technologies and scientific breakthroughs create unforeseen opportunities.
