“I hope I have helped to raise the profile of science and to show that physics is not a mystery but can be understood by ordinary people.”
- 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 hope I have helped to raise the profile of science and to show that physics is not a mystery but can be understood by ordinary people.”
Explanation
In this quote, Stephen Hawking reflects on his legacy and the impact he hoped to have had on the public’s perception of science, particularly physics. For much of human history, science—especially complex fields like theoretical physics—has often been seen as an inaccessible or esoteric domain, understood only by a select few. Hawking sought to demystify this perception, believing that science should not be a mystery reserved for the elite, but rather something that could be understood and appreciated by anyone with curiosity and interest.
Through his books, lectures, and media appearances, Hawking worked tirelessly to make the fundamental principles of physics—such as black holes, the Big Bang, and the nature of time—more accessible to the general public. His best-selling book, A Brief History of Time, is perhaps the most famous example of this effort, where he aimed to explain profound scientific ideas in a way that was engaging and understandable without requiring a deep background in mathematics. For Hawking, education and public engagement were key to fostering a broader appreciation for science, showing people that the mysteries of the universe are not reserved for a specialized few, but are part of the shared human experience.
This quote also reflects Hawking’s commitment to breaking down barriers in science communication. He recognized the importance of inspiration and accessibility, and believed that by making science more approachable, he could encourage younger generations to pursue careers in science and expand our collective understanding of the world. His efforts to bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and public curiosity have left a lasting impact on how science is presented to the world, and his work continues to inspire those who might once have believed that science was beyond their reach.
