“The media need superheroes in science just as in every sphere of life, but there is really a continuous range of abilities with no clear dividing line.”
- 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”
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Quote
“The media need superheroes in science just as in every sphere of life, but there is really a continuous range of abilities with no clear dividing line.”
Explanation
In this quote, Stephen Hawking reflects on how the media often create larger-than-life figures or “superheroes” in the field of science, similar to how they do in other areas of public life, such as sports or entertainment. These “superheroes” are often celebrated for their exceptional talents or achievements, simplifying complex stories into compelling narratives that are easy for the public to understand and engage with. However, Hawking points out the fallacy in this approach, stating that there is a continuum of ability among scientists, with no clear distinction between a “hero” and an average scientist.
Hawking’s comment underscores the subjectivity of how we view and value intellectual work. In reality, scientific progress is rarely made by a single genius or “superhero” figure. Instead, it is the product of collaborative effort, incremental progress, and cumulative knowledge. For example, many of the most groundbreaking discoveries in physics, such as the development of the theory of relativity or the discovery of quantum mechanics, were not the work of a lone genius but the result of collective contributions from a wide range of scientists over time. The scientific community operates through cooperation, with each person contributing in their own way to the advancement of knowledge.
In modern times, the public’s fascination with celebrity scientists like Hawking, Carl Sagan, or Richard Feynman often overshadows the more routine, but equally important, work done by lesser-known researchers. This dynamic can lead to the misperception that scientific progress is driven by extraordinary individuals rather than a vast network of intellectual contributions. By acknowledging that there is a range of abilities, Hawking encourages a more realistic and humble view of science—one that recognizes the importance of all scientists, not just the “superheroes” in the media.
