Harry 
title
Imagine a person whose mind could travel
through black holes and explore the mysteries of the Universe, while his body was confined to
a wheelchair. A person who, despite being unable to speak with his own voice, made the whole
world listen. This is the story of Stephen Hawking – a genius trapped in his own body, but
who liberated his mind to conquer the cosmos. But what if this genius foresaw something
terrible? What if his brilliant mind revealed not only the secrets of black holes, but also
the dark future of humanity? "Humanity has been doomed for a long time," Hawking said.
But what
was behind these words? What catastrophe did the great physicist warn about, and why did he
believe that our salvation lies among the stars? On January 8, 1942, exactly 300
years after the death of Galileo, a boy was born in Oxford who was destined
to become one of the greatest minds of our time. But who could have imagined that this
child, born in the midst of World War II, would not only survive it, but would also
live half a century longer than doctors predicted? And that his warnings about the
fate of humanity would make millions think? "Remember to look up at the stars and not down
at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe
exist. Be curious," – these words of Hawking became not just advice,
but a reflection of his own life. But what was hidden behind this call?
Why did he insist on space exploration? We will tell you the story of a man who
challenged not only the laws of physics, but also the laws of human capabilities.
From a schoolboy who was considered lazy, to a scientist whose theories revolutionized
our understanding of the cosmos.
From a young researcher who received a fatal
diagnosis, to a visionary who warned about the coming threats to humanity. Get
ready for a journey through black holes, quantum paradoxes, and perhaps the
unraveling of the mystery of our future. Stephen William Hawking was born into a
family where intellect was valued above all else. His father, Frank Hawking,
was a respected medical researcher specializing in tropical diseases.
His mother, Isobel Eileen Hawking, was one of the first women to enter
Oxford University in the 1930s. However, contrary to expectations, young
Stephen did not show any particular academic talent in elementary school.
His handwriting was so illegible that teachers complained that he was writing in
"hieroglyphics." Classmates teased him with the nickname "Einstein" – not for his genius,
but for his clumsiness and absentmindedness. But behind the seeming laziness and clumsiness hid
a sharp mind. Stephen collected clocks and built computers from old parts with his friends. His
father recalled: "Stephen was always interested in how things worked. He took them apart, but
he couldn't always put them back together." In his teenage years, Hawking's interest
in science began to manifest itself more clearly.
He became fascinated by
books on astronomy and cosmology. He was particularly captivated by the
idea that the Universe could have a beginning – a concept that would later
become central to his scientific work. At the age of 17, Stephen
entered Oxford University, where he chose physics instead of mathematics,
which his father preferred. "I chose physics because it seemed to be the most fundamental
of all the sciences," he later explained.
At Oxford, Hawking quickly gained a reputation
as a brilliant but eccentric student. He was a member of the rowing club and known for his
parties at University College. Hawking often participated in student drinking sessions,
where he demonstrated his ability to drink a pint of beer in 11 seconds. He was also an
active member of the "Aristotle Society" – a student debating club where philosophical and
scientific issues were discussed. However, behind the cheerful facade, there was a deep
boredom. Hawking found the course too easy and spent only an hour a day studying. "It was
very easy, perhaps too easy," he recalled. Despite minimal effort, Hawking received a
first-class honors degree. In the British education system, "first class" is the highest
distinction, equivalent to an American A+ grade. "Second class" is the next most prestigious
grade, divided into upper and lower levels.
When Hawking was called for an interview to
determine whether he was worthy of continuing his postgraduate studies, he boldly declared
to the examiners: "If you award me a First, I will go to Cambridge. If I receive a Second,
I shall stay in Oxford. So I leave it to you." This statement was a manifestation of Hawking's
ambition. Obtaining a "First" would mean that he was worthy of entering the postgraduate program
at the more prestigious Cambridge University for physicists at that time.
A "Second" would have
been sufficient to continue his studies at Oxford, but it would not have given him the
chance to transfer to Cambridge. Thus, Hawking was essentially challenging the examiners, making it clear that only the highest grade would
allow him to realize his ambitions in science. In 1962, Hawking began his postgraduate
studies at Cambridge under the supervision of Dennis Sciama, one of the founders
of modern cosmology. It was here, at the age of 21, that Stephen faced a
diagnosis that would forever change his life: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),
also known as motor neuron disease. The causes of ALS are still not fully understood,
but scientists believe that the disease may be caused by a combination of genetic and
environmental factors. In Hawking's case, there were no obvious genetic predispositions, as
there were no known cases of ALS in his family.
Hawking noticed the first symptoms of
the disease in his final year at Oxford, when he became more clumsy and fell several
times for no apparent reason. However, he did not attach any importance to this,
attributing everything to fatigue. In Cambridge, the symptoms worsened: his speech became slurred,
and his coordination of movements deteriorated. The diagnosis of ALS at 21 is extremely rare,
as this disease usually develops in people over 50. Doctors were puzzled by such an early
onset of the disease in Hawking and suggested that it might be associated with some unknown
environmental factor or a rare genetic mutation.
Doctors gave him only two and
a half years to live. Hawking fell into a deep depression and even
contemplated suicide. But it was at this moment that two events occurred
that gave him back the will to live. Firstly, while in the hospital, he witnessed
the death of a boy from leukemia. "Although my situation was rather grim, I realized
that there were people who were worse off than me," Hawking recalled. This made him
realize the value of the life he still had. Secondly, he fell in love with Jane Wilde, his
future wife. Jane was a linguistics student at Westfield College, University of London. She met
Hawking at a New Year's Eve party in 1962, shortly before he was diagnosed. Jane was fascinated
by Stephen's intellect and sense of humor. Despite the doctors' grim prognosis, Jane
decided to connect her life with Hawking's. "It gave me something to live for," he said of
their relationship. They got engaged in 1964, which shocked many, given
Stephen's health condition. Jane later wrote in her memoirs: "I knew that
life with Stephen would never be easy, but I loved him and wanted to be with him." She understood
that she was taking on a huge responsibility, but she was ready to support Stephen in his fight
against the disease and his scientific career.
They were married in 1965, when Jane was 21 and
Stephen was 23. Jane continued her education, earning a PhD in medieval Spanish
poetry, and became an important support for Hawking in his scientific work,
helping him overcome physical limitations. Despite his progressing illness, Hawking
immersed himself in his work. He began to explore Einstein's theory of relativity
and the concept of black holes. In 1966, he defended his doctoral dissertation
"Properties of Expanding Universes," where he proposed revolutionary ideas
about the nature of space and time. His work attracted the attention
of the scientific community, and in 1969 he was elected a
Fellow of the Royal Society, one of the oldest and most prestigious scientific
societies in the world.
He was only 27 years old. In the 1970s, Hawking made a series of
revolutionary discoveries that forever changed our understanding of the Universe. His work covered a
wide range of topics – from quantum mechanics to cosmology, but his most significant achievements
were related to the study of black holes. One of Hawking's most important contributions
to science was the development of the laws of black hole mechanics.
Together with Roger
Penrose, he formulated the Hawking area theorem, which states that the area of a black
hole's event horizon never decreases. This discovery became fundamental to
understanding the nature of black holes. But the real breakthrough came when Hawking
suggested that black holes are not actually completely "black." He proved that they
can emit radiation, which was later named "Hawking radiation." Imagine a kettle from which
water is constantly evaporating.
Similarly, a black hole, according to Hawking's theory,
gradually loses mass through this radiation. This idea was revolutionary. It meant that
black holes are not eternal – over time, they can "evaporate" and disappear. Many
scientists initially did not believe Hawking. The famous physicist John Wheeler
even joked: "I love your idea, Stephen, but I don't believe a word of it." But years
later, Wheeler admitted that Hawking was right. Hawking also made a significant contribution to
the theory of the origin of the Universe. In 1982, he proposed the theory of cosmic inflation, which
explains the rapid expansion of the Universe in the early moments after the Big Bang. This theory
helped solve a number of problems in the standard model of cosmology and became an important step in
understanding the early history of our Universe. Another revolutionary idea of Hawking's was
the assertion that there was no time before the Big Bang. He suggested that the very concept
of time arose along with the Big Bang, which calls into question the concept of the "beginning"
of the Universe in our usual understanding.
Hawking also predicted the existence of
mini-black holes that could have formed in the early Universe. According to his theory, these microscopic black holes should have
evaporated with a powerful explosion, releasing a huge amount of energy. Although
these objects have not yet been discovered, the search for their traces continues and could
lead to new discoveries in high-energy physics. In 1988, Hawking wrote the book "A Brief History
of Time," where he tried to explain these complex ideas in simple language.
The book became a
bestseller, selling over 10 million copies and being translated into 40 languages.
It made Hawking a true star of science. But popularity also had a downside.
At one of his public lectures, a fanatical admirer ran onto the stage,
trying to "fix" Hawking's artificial ventilation apparatus. Fortunately,
the security guards reacted quickly. Despite his progressing illness, Hawking's
mind remained as sharp as ever. He continued to work on the theory of everything
– a unified theory that could explain all physical phenomena in the Universe.
Although this work remained unfinished, it continues to inspire a
new generation of physicists. Hawking often joked about his condition:
"My disadvantage is that I can't run to the board to emphasize arguments like other
lecturers. But maybe it's for the best, since no one can understand my handwriting." Hawking's scientific legacy is immense and
continues to influence modern physics.
His ideas about black holes, the origin of the Universe,
and the nature of time have not only expanded the boundaries of our understanding of the cosmos but
have also opened up new directions for research. Hawking proved that even the most complex concepts
of theoretical physics can be explained to the general public, making science more accessible and
inspiring for millions of people around the world. Despite his scientific achievements,
Hawking's personal life was full of trials. His first marriage to Jane
Wilde, which lasted 30 years, ended in 1995. Jane later wrote a book
about their life, where she frankly spoke about the difficulties of being married
to a genius confined to a wheelchair.
In 1985, Hawking underwent a
tracheostomy after a severe bout of pneumonia. This operation deprived
him of the ability to speak. However, thanks to a special computer developed for
him, he was able to continue to communicate and work. Hawking controlled the device with
cheek movements, selecting words on the screen. In 1995, Hawking married for the second time
to his nurse Elaine Mason. This marriage caused much controversy, especially among his
children. In 2003, Hawking's daughter, Lucy, expressed concern about a number of injuries her
father had sustained, including a broken wrist, cuts on his face and lip, and on one occasion
he was left out in the sun in the garden, suffering severe burns. Police launched
an investigation into suspected abuse, but Hawking denied the allegations and the
case was closed due to lack of evidence.
Hawking's son, Tim, also expressed concerns
about Elaine's treatment of his father. In a 2014 interview, he said: "I believed
my father was at risk." However, it is important to note that Stephen Hawking himself
never publicly confirmed these allegations. In 2006, the couple divorced, and Hawking
reconnected with his first family. After the divorce, he said: "I married Elaine
out of love, but our marriage was not successful. I am very happy to have
restored relations with my children." Despite his physical limitations, Hawking led
an active life. He took a zero-gravity flight in 2007, calling it an "amazing" experience.
"I have long dreamed of weightlessness," he said.
"Weightlessness is the closest thing
to how I imagine flight. It was amazing." Hawking was also known for his sharp sense
of humor. Once, when asked about his IQ, he replied: "I have no idea. People who
brag about their IQ are losers." And when asked if there is life after death, he
joked: "I regard the brain as a computer which will stop working when its components
fail. There is no heaven or afterlife for broken down computers; that is a fairy
story for people afraid of the dark." Stephen Hawking died on March
14, 2018 at the age of 76, having lived 55 years longer than doctors
predicted. His ashes were interred in Westminster Abbey between the graves
of Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin – a recognition of his contribution to science
on par with the greatest minds in history.
Hawking's scientific legacy is
enormous. His work on black holes and the origin of the Universe changed our
understanding of the cosmos. He also made science accessible to millions of people
through his books and public appearances. But Hawking's influence goes far beyond science.
He became a symbol of the power of the human spirit, proving that physical limitations cannot
hold back the power of the mind. As Hawking himself said: "However bad life may seem, there
is always something you can do and succeed at." Hawking was also an active public figure.
He advocated for nuclear disarmament, fought climate change, and warned about
the dangers of artificial intelligence. "Success in creating AI could be the biggest
event in the history of our civilization. But it could also be the last, unless we
learn how to avoid the risks," he said.
In the last years of his life, Hawking worked
on the theory of everything – a unified theory that could explain all physical phenomena in the
Universe. Although this work remained unfinished, it continues to inspire a
new generation of physicists. One of the most controversial aspects
of Hawking's legacy was his position on the issue of God and religion. As an
atheist, he often spoke out on this topic, causing heated debates. "God may
exist, but science can explain the universe without the need for a divine
creator," he argued. These statements drew criticism from religious leaders, but
Hawking remained steadfast in his views. In the final years of his life, Hawking
continued to surprise the world not only with his scientific ideas, but also with
unexpected facets of his personality.
He appeared in cameo roles in the popular television
series "The Big Bang Theory" and "Star Trek," demonstrating his sense of humor and willingness
to poke fun at himself. In one episode of "The Big Bang Theory," he even played poker
with Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton, comically stating: "I don't often
say this, but I'm out of my league." Hawking was also known for his love of betting
on scientific topics. One of the most famous was the one he made with physicist Kip Thorne
in 1974 about the existence of black holes. Hawking lost this bet in 1990 when evidence of
the existence of black holes was discovered, and as a "penalty" he gave Thorne a
year's subscription to Penthouse magazine. In 2009, Hawking threw a party for "time
travelers," sending out invitations after the event had already taken place. No one showed
up, which Hawking used as experimental proof of the impossibility of time travel. "I sat there
a long time, but no one came," he later joked.
Despite his fame, Hawking remained a modest
man. When asked about the secret of his success, he replied: "Remember to look up at the
stars and not down at your feet… And no matter how difficult life may seem, there is
always something you can do and succeed at." The story of Stephen Hawking is not just
a biography of an outstanding scientist. It is a story about a man who challenged
all limitations: physical, intellectual, and even existential.
From a
schoolboy considered incapable, to a scientist who explained the mysteries
of the Universe to millions. From a young man who received a fatal diagnosis, to a symbol
of indomitable will and intellectual power. Hawking proved that the limits of human
capabilities exist only in our imagination. His life is a reminder that even in the most
difficult circumstances, one can find meaning and purpose, and humor and curiosity can
be powerful weapons against adversity. "Remember that you are stardust," Hawking
said. And indeed, his life was like a supernova – bright, unique, and leaving an
indelible mark on the history of mankind. Stephen Hawking passed away, leaving us
not only revolutionary scientific theories, but also an inspiring example of how to live
life to the fullest despite everything. His legacy continues to inspire scientists,
philosophers, and ordinary people around the world, reminding us of the limitless
possibilities of the human mind and spirit.
In a world where cynicism and pessimism often
prevail, Hawking's story remains a beacon of hope and a reminder that our curiosity
and pursuit of knowledge can overcome any obstacles. As Hawking himself said: "The most
important thing is to never stop questioning." Perhaps Hawking's greatest achievement was
not his scientific legacy, but how he changed our perception of human potential. He showed
that physical limitations are not a sentence, but a challenge that can be accepted and
overcome by the power of intellect and will. In a world where we often complain
about minor inconveniences, Hawking's life serves as a powerful reminder
that true limitations exist only in our minds. His story teaches us to look at the
stars even when we cannot lift our heads, and to dream of infinity even
while trapped in our own bodies. Stephen Hawking proved that one person can
change our understanding of the Universe. And perhaps his main message is that
each of us, regardless of circumstances, can make our unique contribution
to this endless cosmic story.
And now, dear viewers, we would like
to hear your opinion. How has Stephen Hawking's story affected you? Has
it changed your perception of human capabilities? Perhaps it has inspired
you to overcome your own difficulties? Which part of Hawking's life impressed you
the most – his scientific achievements, his fight against illness, or perhaps his
sense of humor in the face of adversity? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Your opinion may inspire others and
spark an interesting discussion. If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to like
it and subscribe to our channel. Click the bell so you don't miss new releases about outstanding
personalities who have changed the world. Remember, as Hawking himself said: "The
most important thing is to never stop asking questions." So let's continue to explore,
learn, and be inspired together. See you soon!.
