“I first had the idea of writing a popular book about the universe in 1982. My intention was partly to earn money to pay my daughter’s school fees.”
- 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
“I first had the idea of writing a popular book about the universe in 1982. My intention was partly to earn money to pay my daughter’s school fees.”
Explanation
In this candid statement, Stephen Hawking reveals that the initial motivation for writing his famous book, “A Brief History of Time”, was not purely intellectual curiosity or a desire to share groundbreaking scientific discoveries, but also a practical consideration—to earn money for his daughter’s school fees. This down-to-earth reason underscores a common experience for many writers: the need to balance creative and intellectual endeavors with real-world concerns like financial stability. Despite this practical starting point, the book became a global phenomenon, propelling Hawking into the spotlight and introducing complex topics in cosmology to a wide audience.
The fact that his motivation was partly financial also illustrates the unexpected paths that scientific work can take. Hawking had already established himself as a respected theoretical physicist, but it was through the desire to meet personal responsibilities that he turned to writing a popular science book—an endeavor that would, in turn, reach millions of readers around the world. His ability to explain the mysteries of the universe in an accessible way allowed him to connect with people beyond the scientific community and make abstract concepts in physics more relatable.
This revelation also highlights Hawking’s humility and practicality. He doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the personal motivations behind his work, while still maintaining that the book’s success was ultimately a result of his passion for explaining science to the public. The balance of personal needs and intellectual ambition led to a work that has since become a landmark in science communication, demonstrating how even humble beginnings can lead to profound and lasting impact.
