“I can’t disguise myself with a wig and dark glasses – the wheelchair gives me away.”
- January 8, 1942 – March 14, 2018
- British
- Theoretical physicist, science writer
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Quote
“I can’t disguise myself with a wig and dark glasses – the wheelchair gives me away.”
Explanation
In this quote, Stephen Hawking humorously acknowledges the limitations that come with his condition, motor neuron disease (ALS), which left him reliant on a wheelchair for mobility. The wheelchair, an essential part of his life, is something he recognizes as a visible marker of his disability, one that makes it impossible for him to conceal his identity despite the use of disguises like a wig or sunglasses. This statement reflects Hawking’s characteristic self-awareness and sense of humor, which were central to his ability to navigate both his illness and his highly public life as a scientist.
The quote also highlights the visibility of disability, which often brings attention and sometimes unwelcome focus. Despite his immense intellectual achievements, Hawking’s wheelchair remained a constant, a physical reminder that even genius can be shaped by physical challenges. However, he also used this visibility to further his message that people with disabilities should not be defined by their conditions, but by their contributions and abilities.
At a broader level, this statement touches on societal perceptions of disability and how individuals with visible disabilities often face assumptions about their abilities or worth. Hawking’s casual tone and self-deprecating humor here suggest a rejection of pity and instead, an embrace of who he was—both as a scientist and as a person. His disability became part of his identity, but it did not define him or limit his impact on the world.
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