“So long as the universe had a beginning, we could suppose it had a creator. But if the universe is really completely self-contained, having no boundary or edge, it would have neither beginning nor end: it would simply be. What place, then, for a creator?”
- 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
“So long as the universe had a beginning, we could suppose it had a creator. But if the universe is really completely self-contained, having no boundary or edge, it would have neither beginning nor end: it would simply be. What place, then, for a creator?”
Explanation
In this quote, Stephen Hawking raises a profound question about the nature of the universe and the concept of a creator. He is exploring the implications of modern cosmology, particularly in relation to the origin and structure of the universe. If the universe had a definite beginning—what we call the Big Bang—then it opens the possibility of a creator who set it into motion. This aligns with traditional theological perspectives, which often posit that a divine creator initiated the universe and its laws.
However, Hawking introduces an alternative possibility that challenges this view: if the universe is self-contained and has no boundary or edge, it could be eternal and self-sustaining, existing without a clear beginning or end. In this scenario, the universe would simply “be,” independent of any external cause. The suggestion that the universe might be a closed system—one that does not require an external creator—has profound implications for philosophy, religion, and science. It raises the question: if the universe does not need an external cause or a creator to begin its existence, then what role does a divine being play in its creation?
This line of thinking aligns with Hawking’s broader philosophical stance, which is deeply influenced by scientific determinism and naturalism. His work in cosmology suggests that the universe can be understood entirely through the laws of physics, such as the theory of general relativity and quantum mechanics. These laws describe how the universe evolves without invoking a supernatural cause. For instance, in his later work, particularly in his book The Grand Design, Hawking suggests that the law of gravity could provide an explanation for the creation of the universe itself, making the concept of a creator unnecessary.
Hawking’s view does not necessarily dismiss the possibility of spirituality or personal beliefs but emphasizes that science, by understanding the laws of nature, offers an alternative narrative to traditional ideas of creation. He challenges us to rethink the origin of the universe, suggesting that the answers may lie in the self-contained nature of the cosmos itself, not in a supernatural origin.
This quote is problematic because it perpetuates stereotypes about gender differences in intellectual abilities and reinforces gender biases. Although Stephen Hawking is known for his groundbreaking work in theoretical physics, this statement appears to contradict the values of equality and opportunity that have become central to modern discussions about gender and intellectual pursuits.
