The name Stephen Hawking is synonymous with determination and intelligence — and an understanding of the Universe the likes of which has never been seen before. Throughout his illustrious career, the renowned physicist earned his place among the great minds of science, revolutionising our knowledge of cosmology, General Relativity, and quantum mechanics. While battling a debilitating motor neuron disease, Hawking made a lasting contribution to the field of science, becoming a figure of hope for many. This article will take a look at Stephen Hawking, his life and career, and his legacy.
Early Life and Education
Stephen William Hawking was born in Oxford, England on January 8, 1942 — the 300th anniversary of the death of Galileo — which he found both “ironic and appropriate”. He was the eldest of his parent’s four children.
At the age of 17, Hawking won a scholarship to Oxford University, where he studied physics, despite his parent’s precautionary wishes for him to pursue medicine. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Science and subsequently accepted the opportunity to pursue a PhD at the prestigious Trinity Hall in Cambridge.
Diagnosis and Illness
At the age of 21, while studying for his PhD, Hawking was diagnosed with motor neuron disease (now known as ALS). With a life expectancy of only two years, Hawking was adamant to continue conducting research and make his mark in the field of physics — striving to defy the odds.
The Life and Career of Stephen Hawking
From 1979 to 2009, Hawking held the position of Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University, a post which was formerly held by Isaac Newton. While in this post, he researched cosmology, General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics, and was able to apply these theories to our current understanding of the Universe.
Hawking wrote several successful books, the most famous of which being “A Brief History of Time,” which has since become a bestseller. Through his books, lectures and television appearances, Hawking gained a reputation as a populariser of science —being a figure of inspiration and determination in the face of his illness.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his life, Hawking developed several groundbreaking theories and discoveries, the most notable being:
-The 4 Laws of Black Hole Mechanics -Hawking Radiation -The Hawking-Penrose Singularity Theorems -Mathematical derivation of the Second Law of Thermodynamics
Legacy
The legacy of Stephen Hawking is one of unparalleled determination and an unwavering commitment to knowledge. With his illness slowly taking his ability to communicate, Hawking was able to defy the odds, still producing world-changing works and imparting knowledge to the generation before him — an inspiration to many.
This legacy will be remembered for many years, and there is no doubting what Hawking was able to achieve within such a short period of time. He has been a source of illumination within the fields of cosmology and quantum physics — and for many, a source of hope and courage in the face of adversity.
Stephen Hawking was a revolutionary scientist and mathematician, whose life and career could be appropriately described as an inspiration. From Cambridge to the stars, Hawking made a lasting contribution to the field of science, introducing revolutionary concepts and theories that changed our entire understanding of the universe.
In the face of immense hardship, Hawking remained determined to achieve his goals, becoming a symbol of courage in the face of adversity. Now, his legacy and memory will remain with us forever – a reminder of the power of knowledge and the power of the human spirit.
