Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

10 Facts and quotes from Stephen Hawking's life to mesmerise you

TNN | Last updated on - Mar 14, 2018, 15:02 IST
Comments
Share
1/10

On looking up...always

Legendary British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking died at the age of 76 at his home in Cambridge on March 14, 2018. He was known for his path-breaking work revolving black holes and relativity and also authored several popular science books including 'A Brief History of Time' and ‘Black Holes and Baby Universes’.

2/10

On perseverance

Despite his poor grades in school, both his teachers and his peers seemed to understand that they had a future genius among them, evidenced by the fact that his nickname was "Einstein."
3/10

On silence

Hawking wanted to pursue Mathematics, while his father wanted him to pursue medicine. Due to unviability of the Mathematics in the university, he took up Physics for which he was awarded the first class honours degree in natural science on graduation.
4/10

On secret powers the universe holds

Hawkins was an excellent oarsman. Because rowing was so important and competitive at Oxford, Hawking's role on the team made him very popular. Remembering Hawking from those days, one fellow boatsman called him "the adventurous type".
5/10

On perspectives

At the age of 21, Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a type of motor neurone disease. ALS affects the nerves controlling voluntary movement and the doctors didn’t expect Hawking to live for more than two years after being diagnosed.
6/10

On games with God

Professor Hawking had 13 honorary degrees including CBE in 1982, Companion of Honour in 1989 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009. He was also the recipient of many awards like Fundamental Physics prize in 2013, Copley Medal in 2006 and the Wolf Foundation prize in 1988. Apart from being a fellow at the Royal Society, he was also a member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the US National Academy of Sciences.
7/10

On perfection

In 1979 Hawking was appointed as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University. The prestigious post was previosuly held by the 17th-century scientist Isaac Newton.
8/10

On destiny

In 2007, at the age of 65, Hawking put Newton's theories of gravity to the test and went on a weightless flight in the United States of America. Sharing his views on the trip he said that 'he wanted to show that disability was no bar to achievement and to encourage interest in space, where he believed humankind's destiny lay'.
9/10

On acceptance

Hawking also authored several international bestsellers which explained the fundamental theories of the universe to non-scientists. His first book ‘A Brief History of Time’ was published in 1988, followed by ‘The Universe in a Nutshell’ in 2001. He also co-authored a children’s book series with his daughter Lucy.
10/10

On the humour that is life

Hawking’s other popular books include 'Black Holes, Baby Universes and Other Essays', 'The Grand Design' and 'My Brief History'. He also did cameos in several movies and television series namely, ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’, ‘The Simpsons’, and popular sitcom 'The Big Bang Theory'. Interestingly, Hawking’s distinct voice due to the computer speech synthesiser also appeared in Pink Floyd songs!

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Featured In lifestyle
  • "I will marry you one day": When Lalit Modi said this to Rima Boduri at their first meeting and how she became his partner 25 years later
  • A mother gave her 3-year old Maggi and chips for the first time ever: The child's reaction is a huge lesson for modern parents
  • When the JEE Advanced rank-holder was asked "how hard can she study?”, she gave a reply every child needs to hear
  • How to respond to difficult people without getting triggered: 10 practical ways
  • Chinese proverb of the day on love: "With love, water is enough; without love..."
  • Top 7 Pune localities offering affordable rentals and excellent connectivity
  • Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce wedding rumours intensify: Madison Square Garden venue claim, no plus-ones for guests
  • Are you a frazzled parent? 4 ways to know it and what can help
  • Success quote of the day by Ralph Waldo Emerson: "The only person you are destined to become is..."
Photostories
  • 5 effective money habits that protect you from going broke
  • How to respond to difficult people without getting triggered: 10 practical ways
  • From Kedarnath to Kamakhya: 5 iconic hill temples in India to visit at least once in lifetime
  • Inside Sunil Grover’s stunning two-storey dream home: A massive living room, artistic interiors and more
  • Can Jamun help control blood sugar? Expert explains its benefits for people with diabetes
  • Top 7 Pune localities offering affordable rentals and excellent connectivity
  • How to make South Indian Raw Mango Rice for Saturday lunch at home
  • 7 cardiologist-recommended summer diet tips for a stronger, healthier heart
  • Single Malt vs Pure Malt vs Blended Whiskey: What exactly is the difference
Explore more Stories
  • 6
    From Kedarnath to Kamakhya: 5 iconic hill temples in India to visit at least once in lifetime
  • 9
    How to make South Indian Raw Mango Rice for Saturday lunch at home
  • 6
    Are you a frazzled parent? 4 ways to know it and what can help
  • 9
    8 protein-rich chilla for weekend breakfast made under 10 minutes
  • 12
    10 exciting ways to spark your child’s curiosity about nature
Up Next
  • ETimes
  • /
  • Life & Style
  • /
  • Books
  • /
  • Photo Stories
  • /
  • 10 Facts and quotes from Stephen Hawking's life to mesmerise you
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © Jun 6, 2026, 07.57PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service