“Most people don’t have time to master the very mathematical details of theoretical physics.”
- 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
“Most people don’t have time to master the very mathematical details of theoretical physics.”
Explanation
This statement highlights a common challenge for both scientists and non-scientists alike: the complexity and specialized knowledge required to understand the more technical aspects of theoretical physics. Physics, particularly at the cutting edge, involves advanced mathematics that can be difficult for most people to grasp without years of study. Concepts like quantum mechanics, general relativity, and string theory rely heavily on mathematical frameworks that can seem impenetrable to the average person.
While the scientific community often debates these deep and abstract ideas, the reality is that most people are focused on other aspects of life—such as work, family, and practical concerns—and simply don’t have the time or resources to learn the intricate details of these theories. However, this doesn’t mean that science is inaccessible or irrelevant to the general public. In fact, one of the goals of popular science communication is to bridge this gap and make these complex ideas understandable and engaging for a wider audience, often through simplified explanations, analogies, and visual representations.
The statement also reflects the role of science communicators, like Stephen Hawking, who work to translate the hard-to-understand concepts of theoretical physics into language that everyone can appreciate. By doing so, they allow non-experts to engage with the bigger questions of the universe—why it exists, how it began, and what our place in it is—without needing to master the detailed mathematics themselves. Through books, talks, and media, these ideas become more accessible, encouraging a broader understanding of science and its relevance to human existence.
