“Many people find the universe confusing – it’s not.”
- 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
“Many people find the universe confusing – it’s not.”
Explanation
In this quote, Stephen Hawking emphasizes that the universe, while it may seem mysterious and complex to many, is ultimately understandable through the lens of science. His statement reflects his belief in the clarity that can be found by applying reason and scientific inquiry to the most profound questions about the cosmos. For Hawking, the universe is governed by laws of physics, and while these laws may be difficult to grasp, they are not inherently confusing. Instead, the confusion comes from a lack of understanding or familiarity with these fundamental principles.
Hawking’s own work in theoretical physics and cosmology aimed to make the universe’s most bewildering phenomena—from the nature of black holes to the origins of the Big Bang—more comprehensible. He was a strong proponent of the idea that, while certain aspects of the universe may seem chaotic or unfathomable, they can be explained through a combination of mathematical models and scientific theories. He believed that the complexity of the universe does not make it beyond human understanding, but rather that with the right tools and knowledge, we can unlock its secrets.
Moreover, Hawking’s statement could also be seen as a response to the mysticism or superstition that often surrounds cosmological questions. Many people throughout history have turned to religion, mythology, or speculative philosophy to explain the vastness and mystery of the universe, but Hawking emphasized that science—rooted in empirical evidence, observation, and reason—is the most reliable way to find answers. The universe, in Hawking’s view, is not some unknowable force; it is a place that operates according to predictable laws that we can discover, understand, and eventually master. By embracing science, he suggested, we can begin to see the universe not as a source of confusion, but as a grand puzzle—one that can be solved through exploration and discovery.
