“Nothing cannot exist forever.”
- 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
“Nothing cannot exist forever.”
Explanation
This quote from Stephen Hawking reflects his perspective on the inevitability of change in the universe, grounded in the laws of physics. It suggests that even the most stable states, such as “nothingness,” cannot persist eternally. Hawking’s ideas about the universe’s origin and cosmology often revolved around the concept of the universe having a definite beginning, as in the Big Bang, and eventually reaching some kind of conclusion, whether through cosmic collapse or eternal expansion. His assertion that “nothing” cannot last forever aligns with his scientific view that the universe is constantly evolving, subject to entropy and the fundamental laws of thermodynamics.
Hawking was known for rejecting the idea of a static, eternal universe in favor of one that is dynamic and governed by natural laws. This view challenges earlier philosophical or theological concepts of an eternal, unchanging existence. The notion that “nothing” cannot exist forever also touches on the philosophical debate about the nature of the universe and existence itself—whether there was ever a true “void,” or whether the idea of nothingness is itself a concept that requires something to be defined. For example, even in a vacuum of space, quantum fluctuations imply that “nothing” is never truly empty.
In modern discussions of cosmology and quantum mechanics, Hawking’s statement can be seen as a reminder that the universe operates within a framework of change and transformation, and even the most abstract concepts like “nothingness” must follow the laws of physics. As we continue to explore the origins of the universe and the possibilities of multiverses, Hawking’s views on time and entropy serve as a foundation for understanding the impermanence of everything, whether material or conceptual.
