Stephen Hawking 1942-2018

[johncorrigan]

Given two years to live when he was 21, Stephen Hawking went on to become one of the most well known scientists in history and has been an inspiration for many across the world. And of course he helped people to view disability in a totally different way, and for those who have seen his appearances on the Big Bang Theory he had a wicked sense of humour...a truly Great Briton.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43396008

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

[DracoM]

We shall never see his like again.

[Richard Tarleton]

Just listened to an extract on the Today programme of a question and answer session, with questions sent in by listeners, from the programme a few years ago, on time, the origins of the universe, the future of mankind....

[MrGongGong]

Sad news indeed
Will be much missed for his character
and for speaking "truth to power"

[Richard Barrett]

and for speaking "truth to power"

Indeed.

[BBMmk2]

A very sad day. Such a loss. RIP

[teamsaint]

A Brief History of Time is a life changing book. Or it was for me.

[Bryn]

A major loss to both physics and humanity. Good to see he will make further 'come-back' appearances as The Guide Mk II in further episodes of HGTTG Hexagonal Phase. So characteristic of him to wheeled on for such a 'bit part'.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I never really understood how it was possible to create the hi-tech mechanism by which communicated. Knowing that he could still communicate his thoughts must have made huge difference to his well-being.

[Conchis]

I know nothing about Physics but Stephen Hawking was a great communicator and an inspirational figure. It was always a pleasure to bump into him at Covent Garden (he loved Wagner, as is well-known).

[Lat-Literal]

He was absolutely extraordinary. Given that his scientific intellect was way beyond me, I am not in a position to assess his major contribution academically. It just seemed to me that any sort of substantial contribution of that kind would have been significant in itself. On two softer areas - first, I would like to think that he had a major long term impact on attitudes towards appearance and physical disability but fear that society in this regard always needs constant reminders. Secondly, comedy. I was deeply uneasy with "right on" comedians "pushing the boat out" in a period of constant digs at him. On that idea of cleverness, he himself had the cleverest last laugh by, as JC says, taking part in The Big Bang Theory. It is one of the three best - and intelligently scripted - American comedy series of all time. And as Bryn says, he will be back in the new Hitch Hikers Guide To The Galaxy which seems apt.

RIP Stephen Hawking -

[Pabmusic]

We shall never see his like again.

I understand the reason for the sentiment, but we will, though it will be different, and may be a long time coming. Thank you, Stephen...

[Serial_Apologist]

"A triumph over adversity" - someone said on Today this morning: a cliché, but it captures Stephen Hawking.

Earlier on I spotted that the film "The Theory of Everything" is showing on ITV3 on Sunday night, from 10pm to 12.30am. He must have known...

[ardcarp]

It is rather touching that for many years a portrait of SH has hung in Gonville and Caius College Hall (i.e. where they all eat). It is at once striking as it is so different from the usual 'head and shoulders in academic garb' found in such places.