If you’re someone who’s interested in science, or someone who’s a fan of the television show The Big Bang Theory, there’s a great chance that you’re already familiar with Stephen Hawking. If you aren’t, don’t worry! In this article, we’re going to look at some fun facts about Stephen Hawking’s life and work.
Without further ado, let’s get right into it!
8 Interesting Facts About Stephen Hawking
1. Stephen Hawking was not a good student at school.
One of the most fascinating facts about Stephen Hawking is that he was not a good student in his early years! Although he is widely regarded as one of the most brilliant men in the world, and is known for his significant contributions to science, Hawking was not a good student and did not do well academically.
This is also ironic because his nickname at school was Einstein. However, after studying hard and spending more time with his books, Hawking began to show more promise and eventually went on to study mathematics at university.
2. He was diagnosed with motor neuron disease when he was only twenty years old.
Even though he had a bright future ahead of him, and was just beginning a new chapter of his life as a doctoral student, Stephen Hawking’s health took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
The disease showed up when he was in his first year at Oxford. He noticed that his movements were more clumsy than normal and that his words sounded like he was slurring when he talked. As the years passed, his symptoms worsened, and he began to lose the ability to write and speak.
3. Stephen Hawking was a part of the rowing team at Oxford.
When Hawking first joined Oxford, he felt isolated from the other students and often felt very unhappy. However, he joined the rowing team, and found that it made him feel better! His fellow teammates were surprised; Hawking didn’t have the build of a physically fit person, but he enjoyed rowing all the same.
It’s also interesting to note that the rowing team caused problems with his studies, and for a time, Hawking turned in homework and lab reports late! However, after being diagnosed with his neuron disease, he was forced to quit the team.
4. Stephen Hawking came up with the theory that the universe was boundless.
One of Stephen Hawking’s most notable contributions to astrophysics was the theory that the universe has no boundaries. He worked with a fellow researcher named Jim Hartle, and together the two scientists combined concepts in general relativity and quantum mechanics. The idea that they put forth stated that although the universe is a contained entity, it also contains no boundaries.
5. Stephen Hawking wasn’t supposed to live past the age of 21.
When he was diagnosed with his illness at 20, his doctors told him that his neurological disease was progressive and that he had no more than a few months to live! However, Hawking defied the odds and lived to the age of 76. He had stated several times that becoming engaged to his first wife Jane is what gave him a sense of purpose and a reason to keep fighting for himself.
6. Stephen Hawking has authored several children’s books.
Aside from his many scientific achievements, Stephen Hawking is also the author of a few children’s books! He co-wrote a series of five books with his daughter Lucy about a young boy named George. The books feature George and his adventures around the universe.
7. Stephen Hawking didn’t have a great relationship with his first wife.
Although their relationship had a strong start, Stephen Hawking’s relationship with his first wife, Jane Wilde, began to fall apart after his illness started to affect his life greatly. The film based on Hawking’s life, The Theory of Everything, portrayed Jane inaccurately as a woman who was willing to make huge sacrifices for her husband in the wake of his illness.
However, her reality was quite different! Hawking refused to talk to Jane about his illness, and its progressive nature meant that he was physically unable to help out with household chores. Eventually, Hawking’s relationship with Jane ended, and he left her for his nurse, Elaine Mason. Mason later became Hawking’s second wife.
8. Stephen Hawking did not like the idea of artificial intelligence.
Although AI has taken over so much of digital life as we know it today, Hawking was someone that did not like the idea of AI, and it made him quite uncomfortable! Although he supported the idea of technology being developed to better human life, he stated that AI was dangerous. Hawking also believed that it had the power to become either the best or worst thing humanity has ever encountered.
Conclusion
In this article, we took a closer look at some fun facts about one of the most brilliant men in the field of science, Stephen Hawking. As you can see from this article, Hawking was someone that was so much more than the ALS that took away his physical abilities, but was someone deeply intelligent, creative, and wonderful. We hope that you enjoyed reading this article, and that you will look up Hawking’s work after!
