Stephen Hawking, Renowned Physicist and Cosmologist, Passes Away
Stephen William Hawking, a prominent British theoretical physicist and cosmologist, author of numerous bestselling books and theoretical treatises, who was also a widely recognized figure among the general public, passed away at the age of 76.
In a statement released by Mr. Hawking’s family on March 14, it was stated, “It is with deep sorrow that we announce that our beloved father passed away today.”
In another section of this statement, it was written, “He was a great researcher and an extraordinary man whose works and legacy will endure for years to come.”
The family of the British cosmologist, recalling Mr. Hawking’s renowned character, wrote, “His courage and perseverance, coupled with his wit and humor, were an inspiration to countless people around the world.”
Many media outlets and news agencies that published the news of Stephen Hawking’s death recalled that he was probably, if not the most famous, at least one of the most renowned scientists and researchers of our time.
He was known not only for his theories, books, and research, but also for his popularity in popular culture, from famous films and television series to animations and even his wit and humor; all this despite suffering from a severe illness and “locked-in syndrome” that afflicted him for many years.
Hawking was born in January 1942.
He was not only the holder of a senior professorship at Cambridge University, but was also a Fellow of the Royal Society and a recipient of the Medal of Freedom—the highest civilian award of the United States government.
In 2002, the BBC, based on a public poll, named him the 25th “Great Briton” throughout the history of the country.
Among other awards that Stephen Hawking received during his lifetime were the “Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics,” the “Royal Society Medal,” the “Princess of Asturias Award” from Spain, and the Albert Einstein Prize in Theoretical Physics.
Among the books he wrote, several are considered among the most renowned books of popular science that ordinary people without deep theoretical knowledge have also read. His book titled “A Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes” is among such works of popular science that have sold over 10 million copies and have been reprinted over 20 years and translated into various languages.
“The Grand Design,” another book he wrote in collaboration with Leonard Mlodinow, an American scientist, became the second bestselling book on Amazon UK on the day of its release, and shortly thereafter topped The New York Times bestseller list for nonfiction.
Despite the wit in speech and character that made Hawking a beloved figure, in the final months of his life, he was not optimistic about humanity’s future. Hawking said last year in an interview with Larry King, “We have not diminished our greed and folly.”
The British cosmologist made no secret of his concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in weapons production, air pollution, and the runaway process of population growth.
In November 2016, during a lecture at Oxford University, he said, “Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet.”
Source: Radio Farda
