Stephen Hawking is one of the greatest, most ingenious minds in this world. As a mastermind of our time, Professor Hawking is a well-renowned theoretical physicist, cosmologist, author, and Director of Research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology within the University of Cambridge.
His life story, somewhat tragic, yet so inspirational begins at 1942 in Oxford, England. His existence revolved around natural sciences from an early age. Unfortunately, shortly after starting his first college year, he started experiencing strong symptoms that eventually revealed the sad truth about his condition.
At the age of 21-year, Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with a motor neuron disease also known as ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
“When I turned 21 my expectations were reduced to zero. You probably know this already because there’s been a movie about it. In this situation, it was important that I came to appreciate what I did have.”
However, despite being diagnosed at an early age with a disease so incurable, Hawking’s brilliant mind couldn’t be stopped at anything. He never allowed his physical challenges to stop him from achieving his deepest desires.
He continued studying, working hard and eventually got 12 honorary degrees. Hawking fought against all odds and dedicated his life to procure the best possible answers about the universe, the great creation also known as the Big Bang and many other scientific theories.
When talking about his medical condition, Hawking says: “Although I was unfortunate to get motor neuron disease, I have been very fortunate in almost everything else.”
It might have slowed him down, but despite all the circumstances he kept inspiring our world and never stopped encouraging us to search for the true meaning of our existence.
” I have been lucky to work in theoretical physics at a fascinating time, and it’s one of the few areas in which my disability was not a serious handicap. It’s also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life may seem because you can lose all hope if you can’t laugh at yourself and life in general.”
At a recent Reith lecture in London, in front of a 400 people, the prominent scientist poetically compared black holes with depression and shared a poignant message that black holes are not as black as they are painted.
Hawking said: “They are not the eternal prisons they were once thought. Things can get out of black hole both on the outside and possibly to another universe.”
And while depression is one of the most common and dangerous enemies of this world, Hawking advises: “If you ever feel like you are in a black hole, don’t give up – there is a way out.”
He also shared some of his experience as a person with a physical disability and spread these inspiring words:
“The victim should have the right to end his life if he wants. But I think it would be a great mistake. However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. While there’s life, there is hope.”
These powerful statements went viral and piqued the interest of even those people who aren’t interested in theoretical physics. You may not reveal the absolute truth about black holes, but I’m you’ll find some deeper meaning and an even bigger motivation to keep moving on regardless of life’s difficulties.
As Hawking advises:
“If you are disabled, it is probably not your fault, but it is no good blaming the world or expecting it to take pity on you. One has to have a positive attitude and must make the best of the situation that one finds oneself in; if one is physically disabled, one cannot afford to be psychologically disabled as well. “
Now, tell me. Is there a biggest inspiration and motivation than a person who got to celebrate their 76th birthday, while passionately pursuing his career and at the same time living with the most horrid and progressive disease of the century? I think not.
So, no matter where you are in life and whatever it is that you are going through, let these words be your guide through the most difficult stages:
“One, remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Two, never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life are empty without it. Three, if you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don’t throw it away.” – Stephen Hawking
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