“The doctor who diagnosed me with ALS, or motor neuron disease, told me that it would kill me in two or three years.”
- 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
“The doctor who diagnosed me with ALS, or motor neuron disease, told me that it would kill me in two or three years.”
Explanation
This quote refers to Stephen Hawking’s diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease, which he received at the age of 21. The prognosis at the time was grim: doctors told him that he had only two or three years to live. ALS is a degenerative condition that affects the motor neurons, progressively weakening muscles and impairing movement, speech, and breathing. Hawking’s diagnosis, coupled with the terminal prognosis, could have been devastating for most people, especially considering the rapid progression of the disease in many ALS patients.
However, Hawking defied these expectations, living with ALS for more than 50 years, far surpassing the typical life expectancy for those with the disease. This remarkable survival is part of what made Hawking’s life and career so extraordinary. Despite the physical challenges posed by ALS, which eventually left him almost completely paralyzed and dependent on a computerized speech-generating device, Hawking continued to work, write, and contribute to the field of theoretical physics, becoming one of the most celebrated scientists of his generation. His perseverance in the face of such an overwhelming diagnosis serves as a powerful testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to his intellectual pursuits.
This quote also reflects Hawking’s pragmatic and humble approach to life. He acknowledged the difficulty of his diagnosis but used it as motivation to continue his work with even greater purpose. His ability to continue making groundbreaking contributions to science—including his theories on black holes, cosmology, and quantum mechanics—despite the limitations of ALS, inspired countless people around the world. Hawking’s story became not just one of intellectual achievement but also a symbol of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity, demonstrating that human spirit can transcend even the most severe physical constraints.
