RIP Stephen Hawking

As the world mourns the loss of one of the biggest physicists, cosmologists and authors of our times, Stephen Hawking, let’s reflect on what we can learn from his life.

He has contributed not only to the world of science, but is also an inspiration to those struggling or lost. From the from the disease he suffered from in the early phase of his life to the passion with which he followed his dreams, the life of Stephen Hawking holds many lessons for us:

Question Relentlessly

“I am just a child who has never grown up. I still keep asking these ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions. Occasionally, I find an answer.”

Hawking reminds us to stay as curious as we once were as children. He was of the view that that we can discover the answers just by asking the right questions.

Never Give Up

Hawking served as a prime example in never giving up. Hawking was given a death sentence with 2 1 / 2 years to live, and in the nearly 5 decades since then he has accomplished so much.

We should remember that in the face of obstacles, which are inevitable, we should never lose sight of the belief that the solutions are out there.

Communicate Simply

Despite its complex subject matter, Hawking’s “A Brief History of Time” has been read far and wide because he made it so clear and easily comprehensible.

A popular story goes that Hawking’s publisher told him readership would be cut in half for every equation in the book, so Hawking included only one: E = mc². Had he not simplified the content and managed to communicate it simply, the information in his mind would have gone to waste.

Aim High

Hawking’s said: “My goal is simple. It is complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all.”

Although there is wisdom in setting achievable goals, having ambition and setting high goals drives people to accomplish them.

Hawking will live forever in history for his extraordinary role in propagating determination, positivity and love for life.