On March 14, 2018, Stephen Hawking died aged 76.

The world-famous scientist and physicist was not only one of the greatest minds of our time — he was also renowned for his very human perspectives on the beauty of the world we live in.

Tale Action: Let’s End Polio Forever

Hawking rose to prominence with “A Brief History Of Time”, a bestselling book that examined the origins of space, time, and the universe and sold millions of copies. When he was just 21, Hawking had been diagnosed with a rare form of motor neurone disease — amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — and told by doctors that he had just two or three years to live. 

But Hawking survived and lived with the condition for over five decades. The world renowned scientist spent his life in a wheelchair, speaking through a voice synthesiser immortalised in pop culture with appearances in "The Simpsons," "The Big Bang Theory," and the music of Pink Floyd.

Stephen Hawking was a man who reimagined an entire universe — but these are his most profound comments on the tiny, gorgeous planet he was proud to call home, and the bold persistence of the incredible human beings that shared it with him.

Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.

Hawking also recorded a special message about the importance of the Global Goals.

It would not be much of a universe if it wasn't home to the people you love.

We are all different — but we share the same human spirit.

My goal is simple. It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all.

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.

Quiet people have the loudest minds.

For millions of years, mankind lived just like the animals. Then something happened which unleashed the power of our imagination. We learned to talk and we learned to listen. Speech has allowed the communication of ideas, enabling human beings to work together to build the impossible. Mankind’s greatest achievements have come about by talking, and its greatest failures by not talking. It doesn’t have to be like this. Our greatest hopes could become reality in the future. With the technology at our disposal, the possibilities are unbounded. All we need to do is make sure we keep talking.

I have lived with the prospect of an early death for the last 49 years. I'm not afraid of death, but I'm in no hurry to die. I have so much I want to do first.

People who boast about their IQ are losers.

Life would be tragic if it weren’t funny.

Global Citizen campaigns to achieve the UN’s Global Goals, including to foster innovation. You can join us by taking action here. And on April 17 Global Citizen Live will come to London —  bringing Emeli SandĂ©, Professor Green, and more to O2 Academy Brixton in our fight to end extreme poverty.You can earn free tickets by taking action here.

News

Defeat Poverty

11 Inspirational Stephen Hawking Quotes That Will Fill You With Wonder

By James Hitchings-Hales