The world’s most famous theoretical physicist and cosmologist passed away during Tuesday’s night, March 13, at the age of 76. His daughter, Lucy, alongside her brothers, Robert and Tim, released the news early morning today, explaining her ‘beloved father’ had died in his home in Cambridge, England.
The family of the scientist made a statement claiming that Mr. Hawking was great at his job, that he was extraordinary, and that he would live eternally for that his legacy. They explained that his courage and persistence, with his brilliance and humor, inspired thousands of people. They will miss him forever.
Hawking never won a Nobel Prize, although his book ‘A Brief History of Time’ was the one that made him the lead beyond his field.
“The Nobel is given only for theoretical work that has been confirmed by observation. It is very, very difficult to observe the things I have worked on,” Hawking said referring to the award he never won.
An amazing life
Hawking, the author and Director of Research at the Center for Theoretical Cosmology, at the University of Cambridge, collaborated with Roger Penrose on gravitational singularity theorems in the framework of general relativity, and the theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation. He was the first to depict a theory of cosmology explained by the union of the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics.
The Honorary Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, receiver of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, was ranked in 2002 by the BBC’s poll of the Greatest Britons, as number 25.
His book “A Brief History of Time” was written for those who are not specialist readers and have no prior knowledge of scientific theories. It was first published in 1988. Hawking decided not to use technical terms about the structure, origin, development, and eventual future of the universe.
In the book, he explained basic concepts like space and time, and also principle building pieces that form the universe and primary sources that govern it.
He first married a friend of his sister, Jane Wilde, back on July 14, 1965. They had their first son, Robert, in May 1967 – then Lucy in 1970, and finally, Tim in April 1979.
After years of traveling so they could both make advances in their careers, the couple returned to Cambridge in 1975.
A twist in the love story
On December of 1977, Jane met an organist who became really close to the family, so she started to develop romantic feelings for him. Hawking told her he accepted the situation, as long as she kept loving him.
Their relation only worsened as Hawking’s wife was uncomfortable with their lives being intruded by several nurses and assistants. Additionally, tensions began to form, considering that Hawking was an atheist and his wife was firmly Cristian.
During 1980, Hawking had slowly become closer and closer to one of his nurses, and his loved ones felt uncomfortable with the situation – of course, including his wife. In February 1990, Hawkin told Jane he was leaving her to get married to the nurse, Elaine Mason. The couple divorced in 1995 and Hawking married Mason months after claiming he was marrying the woman he loved.
After this second marriage, Hawking’s family felt excluded from his life, and they even feared he was physically abused in the early 2000’s. However, the scientist never made a complaint about anything. Police investigated the case.
In 2006 Hawking divorced Elaine and decided to renew his relations with his prior family members, including his ex-wife Jane and their children.
Jane had written a book called “Music to Move the Stars” that was published in 1999. In it, she explained the marriage experience with Hawking and its breakdown. However, even though it caused controversy, Hawking never read it.
Later in 2007, she decided to write another book called “Traveling to Infinity: My Life With Stephen,” in which she talked about the happier period when his husband came back. The book was made into the film “The Theory of Everything.”
‘We are special’
Stephen Hawking not only became famous for his work in paper, but also for his overall perspective of life.
As his death was threatening to come, hoping humanity started looking at those stars he talked about, some decided to make a tribute commemorating the scientist’s beliefs.
He also stated that humans are just an advanced breed of monkeys, and that the universe was so unique because we could understand it.
Among his comments about more significant topics, there is one in which he claimed he was not afraid of death. However, he was not in a hurry to meet it since he had so much to do first.
“Here are the most important pieces of advice that i’ve passed onto my chidren: One, remember to look up at the starts and not down at your feet. Two, never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it. Three, if you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is rare and don’t throw it away,” Hawking stated in an interview with ABC News:
Source: The New York Times