“Cambridge is one of the best universities in the world, especially in my field.”
- 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
“Cambridge is one of the best universities in the world, especially in my field.”
Explanation
In this quote, Stephen Hawking expresses his deep admiration for Cambridge University, where he spent much of his career as a professor and researcher. Known for its prestige and historical significance, Cambridge is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, particularly in fields like physics and mathematics. Hawking’s statement reflects not only the institution’s reputation but also his personal experience of it as a hub of scientific innovation and intellectual rigor. As someone who made some of the most profound discoveries in the realm of theoretical physics, including his work on black holes and cosmology, Hawking was keenly aware of the importance of being part of a community of leading scholars and thinkers.
Cambridge played a central role in Hawking’s career, providing him with the resources, academic freedom, and intellectual environment that helped him flourish as one of the world’s most influential physicists. In particular, the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), where Hawking worked, was at the cutting edge of research in cosmology and quantum theory. He had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most brilliant minds in the field, further elevating his work. As Hawking himself pointed out, Cambridge is especially notable in his field of theoretical physics, where the university has produced numerous Nobel laureates and groundbreaking theories that have shaped our understanding of the universe.
Additionally, the statement underscores the tradition of excellence at Cambridge in producing thinkers who are able to push the boundaries of knowledge. For Hawking, being a part of such a revered institution was not just about prestige—it was about being surrounded by an intellectual ecosystem that fostered innovation and critical thinking. The university’s long history of producing leading minds in science, from Isaac Newton to Paul Dirac and Stephen Hawking himself, highlights the continuing legacy of Cambridge as a center of scientific achievement. Hawking’s acknowledgment of Cambridge’s role in his own success is a testament to the university’s ongoing importance in the development of scientific thought and its lasting impact on human progress.
