“Even if it turns out that time travel is impossible, it is important that we understand why it is impossible.”
- 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
“Even if it turns out that time travel is impossible, it is important that we understand why it is impossible.”
Explanation
In this quote, Stephen Hawking stresses the importance of understanding the limitations of the universe, even when those limitations might challenge our most ambitious ideas or dreams. Time travel, a concept long popularized in science fiction, presents fascinating theoretical possibilities, especially within the framework of general relativity and the fabric of spacetime. Over the years, physicists have explored whether time travel could be physically feasible, investigating ideas like wormholes, closed timelike curves, and the nature of black holes. However, despite the theoretical groundwork laid by these investigations, the possibility of time travel remains highly speculative.
Hawking suggests that even if time travel ultimately turns out to be impossible, the scientific value lies in the knowledge gained by understanding why it cannot occur. This pursuit of understanding is central to the scientific method—asking the right questions and pushing the boundaries of what is known, even when the answers may not align with our hopes or fantasies. By exploring the laws of physics that govern the flow of time, we can deepen our understanding of spacetime, causality, and the fundamental structure of the universe. This kind of inquiry allows us to refine and test our theoretical frameworks, which may lead to new insights and advancements in other areas of physics.
Hawking’s quote also reflects his broader philosophy about the role of science and curiosity in the human quest for knowledge. The journey of discovery is not always about arriving at a specific goal—like proving time travel is possible—but about the process of expanding our understanding of reality and discovering the laws that govern it. Even when certain dreams or ideas are disproven, the process of testing and eliminating possibilities often brings us closer to fundamental truths. It highlights the importance of pursuing knowledge for its own sake, regardless of whether it aligns with our preconceived notions or fantasies, and reminds us that sometimes, the most important discoveries come from understanding our limits.
