“The voice I use is a very old hardware speech synthesizer made in 1986. I keep it because I have not heard a voice I like better and because I have identified with it.”
- 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 voice I use is a very old hardware speech synthesizer made in 1986. I keep it because I have not heard a voice I like better and because I have identified with it.”
Explanation
In this quote, Stephen Hawking explains his attachment to the speech synthesizer he used to communicate, a piece of technology that became as much a part of his identity as his scientific work. After being diagnosed with ALS, which gradually took away his ability to speak, Hawking began using a speech synthesizer to communicate. The specific device he used was a hardware synthesizer from 1986, which produced a distinctive, computerized voice. Although many advances had been made in speech technology by the time Hawking was using it, he chose to keep this older device because it had become an integral part of who he was.
Hawking’s attachment to the 1986 speech synthesizer goes beyond mere practicality—it represents a symbol of his identity and a reminder of his resilience in the face of his physical limitations. He identified with the voice because it had been with him throughout his career and personal journey, becoming synonymous with his public persona. For many who knew him, the voice became inseparable from his identity as one of the world’s most famous scientists. It was also a tool that allowed him to continue his work and engage with the world, enabling him to deliver lectures, participate in interviews, and remain a visible and influential figure in the scientific community.
This choice also reflects a deeper philosophical stance that Hawking held about technology and personal agency. Despite his condition, he was able to maintain control over his communication through technology, which allowed him to keep contributing to the scientific community and continue sharing his ideas with the world. The old synthesizer was a lifeline, not only allowing him to speak, but also symbolizing his determination to live fully and engage with the world in a way that was true to his personal and professional identity. In choosing to keep this particular voice, Hawking was embracing his uniqueness and the power of technology to help him overcome challenges, while also making a statement about the importance of individuality in the face of adversity.
