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Stephen W. Hawking

Born

in Oxford, England, The United Kingdom

January 08, 1942

Died

March 14, 2018

Website

http://www.hawking.org.uk

Genre

Science, Nonfiction

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Stephen William Hawking was an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author who was director of research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge. Between 1979 and 2009, he was the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge, widely viewed as one of the most prestigious academic posts in the world.
Hawking was born in Oxford into a family of physicians. In October 1959, at the age of 17, he began his university education at University College, Oxford, where he received a first-class BA degree in physics. In October 1962, he began his graduate work at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where, in March 1966, he obtained his PhD degree in applied mathematics and theoretical physics, specialising in general relat Stephen William Hawking was an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author who was director of research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge. Between 1979 and 2009, he was the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge, widely viewed as one of the most prestigious academic posts in the world.
Hawking was born in Oxford into a family of physicians. In October 1959, at the age of 17, he began his university education at University College, Oxford, where he received a first-class BA degree in physics. In October 1962, he began his graduate work at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where, in March 1966, he obtained his PhD degree in applied mathematics and theoretical physics, specialising in general relativity and cosmology. In 1963, at age 21, Hawking was diagnosed with an early-onset slow-progressing form of motor neurone disease that gradually, over decades, paralysed him. After the loss of his speech, he communicated through a speech-generating device initially through use of a handheld switch, and eventually by using a single cheek muscle.
Hawking's scientific works included a collaboration with Roger Penrose on gravitational singularity theorems in the framework of general relativity, and the theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, often called Hawking radiation. Initially, Hawking radiation was controversial. By the late 1970s, and following the publication of further research, the discovery was widely accepted as a major breakthrough in theoretical physics. Hawking was the first to set out a theory of cosmology explained by a union of the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. He was a vigorous supporter of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics.
Hawking achieved commercial success with several works of popular science in which he discussed his theories and cosmology in general. His book A Brief History of Time appeared on the Sunday Times bestseller list for a record-breaking 237 weeks. Hawking was a Fellow of the Royal Society, a lifetime member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. In 2002, Hawking was ranked number 25 in the BBC's poll of the 100 Greatest Britons. He died in 2018 at the age of 76, having lived more than 50 years following his diagnosis of motor neurone disease. ...more

Combine Editions
Stephen W. Hawking’s books

Average rating: 4.19 · 859,534 ratings · 34,382 reviews · 242 distinct works • Similar authors

	A Brief History of Time 4.21 avg rating — 478,850 ratings — published 1988 — 489 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Brief Answers to the Big Questions 4.26 avg rating — 87,376 ratings — published 2018 — 152 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Grand Design by Stephen W. Hawking, Leonard Mlodinow 4.06 avg rating — 77,389 ratings — published 2010 — 6 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Universe in a Nutshell 4.19 avg rating — 45,308 ratings — published 2001	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	A Briefer History of Time 4.26 avg rating — 42,981 ratings — published 2005 — 4 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Theory of Everything: The Origin and Fate of the Universe 4.18 avg rating — 28,229 ratings — published 2002 — 125 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Black Holes and Baby Universes and Other Essays 4.18 avg rating — 18,448 ratings — published 1993 — 7 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Illustrated A Brief History of Time/The Universe in a Nutshell 4.31 avg rating — 10,120 ratings — published 1988 — 26 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	My Brief History 3.64 avg rating — 11,288 ratings — published 2013 — 94 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Black Holes The Reith Lectures 4.27 avg rating — 8,244 ratings — published 2016 — 41 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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Quotes by Stephen W. Hawking (?)

“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 is empty without it. Three, if you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don't throw it away.”
― Stephen Hawking

tags: philosophy, science

8638 likes

“We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the Universe. That makes us something very special.”
― Stephen Hawking

tags: inspirational, science

3952 likes

“Quiet people have the loudest minds.”
― Stephen Hawking

2166 likes

See all Stephen W. Hawking's quotes »

Polls

BOTM Poll for September 2018 - Modern Classic/Popular Read
Please pick your preferred group read below!
You can change your vote any time up until closing of the poll. Polls will be open until Sunday night.

A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

127 votes, 19.0%

Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward

124 votes, 18.5%

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

108 votes, 16.1%

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

106 votes, 15.8%

Paper Towns by John Green

70 votes, 10.4%

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

68 votes, 10.1%

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

67 votes, 10.0%

670 total votes

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