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Stephen Hawking Dies At 76, And Here’s How The Internet Responds
British Physicist Stephen Hawking, the most iconic and brilliant scientist of his generation, has died aged 76.
Despite a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain, leading to paralysis, Hawking was able to bring to light several groundbreaking theories in the field of quantum physics, while making the complex field accessible to millions through a series of bestselling books.
Hawking was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in 1963, after experiencing difficulties with his movements in his final year at Oxford University. He was given just two years to live by doctors at the time, but went on to live with it for more than 50 years, an incredibly long time for an ALS sufferer. Unfortunately there is still very little known about the causes of ALS, and currently no cure. You may remember the successful awareness raising campaign for ALS that went viral a couple of years back, the ‘Ice Bucket Challenge.’ $115 million dollars were raised for research into the disease, resulting in some important discoveries.
Devastated by his diagnosis, Hawking nevertheless continued his work while his physical capabilities declined. Despite all of the setbacks he encountered, he always found ways to overcome them. He got around in a motorized wheelchair, and was able to communicate through an automated speech system, which gave him his iconic, computerized voice.
As well as his achievements in the field of quantum physics, and his determined quest to find a ‘unified theory’ that would aid us in our goal to gain a ‘complete understanding of the events around us, and of our own existence,’ Hawking’s celebrity helped to popularize and bring cosmology to a whole new generation of people.
His bestselling books and appearances on TV shows such as The Simpsons and The Big Bang Theory helped to promote an enthusiasm for science that will endure well beyond his passing. He has opened the door for present and future scientists through his brilliant theories and discoveries, his determination in the face of adversity, and his inspiration to millions of people all over the world. He will be sorely missed.
Stephen Hawking has passed away at age 76
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His children gave this statement
Stephen's curious mind led him to begin studying physics at Oxford University
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Where he flourished despite finding his academic work 'ridiculously easy'
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He met Jane Wilde, and married at the age of 23
Image credits: The Telegraph
He soon became a father of three, but by then his health has already started to deteriorate
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Doctors diagnosed him with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) when he was only 21 and gave Stephen only 2 years to live
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Devastating news was quickly followed by paralysis and speech impairment that left him nearly mute
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He was on home care until he partnered with 'Words Plus' who helped to engineer his iconic wheelchair and soundbox
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Despite the grim prognosis Stephen managed to finish his thesis which has become a groundbreaking study of Black Holes
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He later went on to discover that black holes actually emit radiation
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Known today as Hawking radiation
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Before moving into the study of quantum gravity and quantum mechanics
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Writing several bestselling books on the complex subject of physics, and making the science much more accessible to the average person
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Throughout his life, Stephen has received countless awards including the Order of the Companions of Honour from the Queen
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And a Presidential Medal Of Freedom by U.S. president Barrack Obama, to name a few
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He has been hosted by people like Nelson Mandela
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Queen Elizabeth
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And became a pop culture icon
Lately, a fully fledged biopic movie was filmed which went on to win an Oscar
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Stephen died due to complications from his illness on 14th March, which is, coincidentally, also Pi Day and Albert Einstein's birthday
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His life touched many others' and left a footprint on the scientific community as big as only a few have ever managed before
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The internet was flooded with tributes to Stephen
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This is by far the most amazing piece of art of SH i have seen thus far <3 <3 <3
We got a babysitter and drove 60 miles through driving rain to see the movie, "A Brief History of Time" when it was released.
Amazing how he could manage to smile even in the face of his illness.
The reason that there are no comments here is that everyone is speechless. RIP Stephen Hawking
Yes, we are intelligent enough to adapt. But, damn. RIP Mr. Hawking.
depending on what you believe, he is conferring with Albert, Isaac, and Galileo, and maybe Prossesor Proton. Humanity, Thanks You.
He needed to be here and he was and he has made the world a better place.
Although I am certain he no longer needs that stupid chair and is enjoying a freedom he'd all but forgotten in being able to move on his own!
I agree I have cried throughout these tributes. i don't really know why but this is breaking my heart. genius is not a strong enough word with this amazing human being that was Stephen Hawking.
Except that as an atheist with a great sense of humour, this sentiment would have been hilarious to him.
I always have trouble comprehending the death of a famous person, but here, I felt the void as soon as I read the news. Maybe it's because my family has a strong science background, but it was so immediate to realize, or get a small picture of, the number of people who would be deeply affected by his passing and the ripple effect it would cause. Imagining all that collective loss makes me feel like I've lost someone I know personally, even though I've never even read his books
I am overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and admiration for this remarkable man. For a man of science to have touched so many lives gives me some hope for our species. We can rise above the stupidity, pettiness and greed that defines most humans and recognize and be humbled in the face of genius. The world as we know it is a sadder place without him in it.
And with his steadfast non-belief in things such as souls during his lifetime, it is a perfect way to memorialize him, by wishing upon a "soul."
Yes I am crying too and never met him but it just sad he is no longer for us he is now for the cosmos. Happy travels Stephen.
I sent Dr Hawking an 18"x24" color copy of the painting when I did it back in pre-digital times. The letter I received in response is hanging on my wall next to my letter from Nelson Mandela.
I'm pretty sure I get what this is saying, but could you give a brief description of the piece? Thanks! :)
Stephen Hawking is my role model and I'm deeply saddened by this. However, it is incredible he managed to live to 76 when the doctors told him he had 2 years
Not only he made groundbreaking discoveries to science, he also defied it! Stephen Hawking was undoubtedly an extraordinary man :)
Load More Replies...Hawking threw a Champagne party for time travelers and didn’t release the invitations until after the party had taken place. If people had shown up, he hypothesized, it would be proof that time travel is real. Since people didn’t show up, time travel is not real, probably.
Or they just don't want us to know they come back to study us.
Load More Replies...Among everything else, his sense of humor is my the most favorite thing. Also because, rest of the things are way too complicated for me. RIP.
Stephen Hawking is my role model and I'm deeply saddened by this. However, it is incredible he managed to live to 76 when the doctors told him he had 2 years
Not only he made groundbreaking discoveries to science, he also defied it! Stephen Hawking was undoubtedly an extraordinary man :)
Load More Replies...Hawking threw a Champagne party for time travelers and didn’t release the invitations until after the party had taken place. If people had shown up, he hypothesized, it would be proof that time travel is real. Since people didn’t show up, time travel is not real, probably.
Or they just don't want us to know they come back to study us.
Load More Replies...Among everything else, his sense of humor is my the most favorite thing. Also because, rest of the things are way too complicated for me. RIP.