“When we understand string theory, we will know how the universe began. It won’t have much effect on how we live, but it is important to understand where we come from and what we can expect to find as we explore.”
- 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
“When we understand string theory, we will know how the universe began. It won’t have much effect on how we live, but it is important to understand where we come from and what we can expect to find as we explore.”
Explanation
In this quote, Stephen Hawking reflects on the significance of string theory as a tool for understanding the origins of the universe, particularly the Big Bang and the fundamental forces that shape reality. String theory, which proposes that the basic building blocks of the universe are not particles but tiny, vibrating strings of energy, is one of the most promising frameworks in theoretical physics. By suggesting that string theory could help us understand how the universe began, Hawking points to its potential to reveal the deep, underlying structure of space, time, and matter, providing insights into some of the most profound questions in cosmology.
However, Hawking also notes that, despite its profound implications for our cosmological understanding, string theory may not have immediate practical consequences for how we live on a day-to-day basis. This underscores an important distinction in science: some areas of study, especially in theoretical physics, may not offer direct, immediate benefits to society, but their value lies in their ability to expand human knowledge and push the boundaries of what we understand about the universe. In this way, Hawking advocates for the importance of pure science—the kind of inquiry that seeks to answer questions about existence, origins, and the nature of reality—regardless of its immediate impact on human life.
Finally, the quote highlights Hawking’s belief in the exploratory spirit of science. Understanding where we come from—both in the cosmological sense (how the universe began) and the scientific sense (how fundamental theories like string theory can illuminate these origins)—is vital for informing our future exploration of the universe. Whether through space exploration, the study of black holes, or the search for life beyond Earth, this quest for knowledge is central to the human condition. Hawking’s words remind us that the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake is an essential part of what it means to be human, even if it doesn’t directly change our lives in the short term.
