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| Stephen Hawking's Quotations |
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| Tuesday, 22 January 2008 | |
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I have recently been reading up a bit on the life and work of British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. In my reading, I have run across a number of his famous quotes that are both funny and insightful. He is widely considered to be among the most intelligent people living today. Here is what he has to say...  9. "I have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road." 8. "My goal is simple. It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all." 7. "I find that American & Scandinavian accents work better with women." In response to a question about the American accent of his synthesiser. 6. "Someone told me that each equation I included in the book would halve the sales. In the end, however, I did put in one equation, Einstein's famous equation, E = mc2. I hope that this will not scare off half of my potential readers." 5. "My expectations were reduced to zero when I was 21. Everything since then has been a bonus." 4. "To show this diagram properly, I would really need a four dimensional screen. However, because of government cuts, we could manage to provide only a two dimensional screen." 3. "Life would be tragic if it weren't funny." 2. "The whole history of science has been the gradual realization that events do not happen in an arbitrary manner, but that they reflect a certain underlying order, which may or may not be divinely inspired." 1. "Eternity is a very long time, especially towards the end."
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Comments (59)
  written by andrew fitzgerald, April 10, 2008
god is real no matter what you say,dont talk all that nonsense cause youre going to be the one judged in the end
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written by RegressLess, February 19, 2008
Referring to a certain poster, not SH, I am amazed by people of science that throw logic right out the window when it comes to certain matters. Most atheists (as well as most scientists) believe in a possible god, and we pride ourselves in our willingness to accept new ideas when evidence reveals them. I am sure no one here considers SH a god, but you should be grateful for his efforts. IF a god exists, Stephen Hawking or another brilliant scientist will find it.
P.S. Why do you trash atheists? You're an atheist of all gods besides your own. report abuse
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Votes: +2
written by Tweed619, January 29, 2008
Going back to what Roger said a few days ago, i have this to say. I'm a physicist, my father's a chemist, most of my closest friends are scietists of some kind. Quite a few of them even lecture at Universities around the world. Yet we are all Christians, who believe in a 6 day creation period, There are tonnes of books you can read on the subject, and if you hadn't noticed, Richard Dawkins has stopped the onslaught of modified science that he preaches because he wasn't getting anywhere. If you want to find out more about this sort of thing read some of the books by John Blanchard or Stuart Burgess.
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written by Michael, January 28, 2008
First, to Brian Flanagan, please do not attempt to manipulate the words of such a brilliant mind to try and enforce a smaller view of the universe. The complete quote is:
"The whole history of science has been the gradual realization that events do not happen in an arbitrary manner, but that they reflect a certain underlying order, which may or may not be divinely inspired." May or may NOT be. To Jenny with regards to the same quote. I take from that a very neutral standpoint. He is smart enough to recognize that although the universe may be a creation of God, it also may not be. He doesn't know, and is waiting to collect more data. It's what scientists do. Instead of saying "God is real, period." and then maintaining a rigid and narrow view of a universe so grand that is boggles the human mind, you lock yourself into a pattern of hypocrisy that you will not quickly free yourself from. For the record, I was raised in a Christian home, but I was allowed to think for myself, as a result I have found myself questioning these same limited teachings because I know God created the universe and Christianity can't tell me why because it feels threatened by Science. report abuse
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Votes: +5
written by daniel, January 28, 2008
Only with an awful amount of wishful thinking would someone read Hawking's books and think he believes in gods. And by the way, yes Kawking is a very famous and important scientist but not a god as he is presented here and it is most arguable if he is the smartest man on earth, that shows only deep ignorance of the works being done in science.
quote: "Do you believe in God? I don't believe in a personal God. " http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/magazine/12QUESTIONS.html?_r=1&oref=slogin i suggest you read his books with a bit more care. report abuse
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Votes: -2
written by MJ, January 26, 2008
I did not think Stephen Hawking's Jaw was that chiseled....
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Votes: +3
written by Brandon, January 26, 2008
Just wanted to inject a bit of grammar logic concerning the LEGO vs. LEGOs thing. First we must make the distinction between a noun modifier and a noun. If you visit the LEGO home page, you find that they have used LEGO over and over as a noun modifier to different products (LEGO racers, etc). This is a noun modifier and would never be used in the plural form.
Being that native English speakers are accustomed to converting brand names to regular nouns (aspirin, kleenex, etc), we have taken to saying "a lego" rather than "a LEGO brick", for example. We can also pluralize these words because, as is the current trend, new words don't take irregular endings. The standard '-s' ending applies. "I like to play with legos." Of course, you could argue that it's just dumb to do it that, considering the word's origins, but you will find that there are far more people on the Internet and elsewhere who use the pluralized for "legos". And, as is the custom with any other language, the masses always succeed in transforming the language. The majority always wins in the end, even as the "educated" folk combat it with fervor. As for SH, the guy is amazing. The world lost a lot when Einstein kicked off, but we are fortunate SH is doing his best to take over the intensely complex matter of physics. Later peeps. report abuse
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Votes: -10
written by Michael S, January 25, 2008
This is pedantic
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Votes: +1
written by Dave P, January 25, 2008
yes, science explains how, but not why, which is where "god" or religion come into play, or ANY sort or spirituality.
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Votes: -3
written by dude, January 24, 2008
I saw Stephen Hawkins almost get hit by a bus at the corner of Harvard Yard. I don't think he looked (the bus driver sure didn't).
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written by Bill Clinton, January 24, 2008
Ooooh boy do I like LEGOS. LEGOS are my favorite. LEGOS! LEGOS! LEGOS!!
(and not so hot babes) report abuse
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Votes: -10
written by Rodger, January 24, 2008
Why is it that people can't see a connection between god and science? It's there, clear as day. Most christians just have their dates wrong. The six days it took Him to create the world, probably more like the 8 billion years or so it took the universe to reach this point. I believe in God, but at the same time I view science with equal respect, and organized religions with a grain of salt.
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Votes: -6
written by Andrew, January 24, 2008
For all you retards bitching about the man saying "Legos"... you don't look any smarter if you repeat what someone else says for the 2nd 3rd 4th and 5th time.
For one, I've never heard anyone say "I have a handful of Lego!" and for 2 does it really matter? It's a children's plaything, just shut up and humor his comment. report abuse
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Votes: -6
written by aw, January 24, 2008
Hawking is a great man.
I read his books when I was a child. That's really hard in China at that time. :) report abuse
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Votes: +3
written by me, January 23, 2008
Isn't this a woody allen quote: "Eternity is a very long time, especially towards the end." ?
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Votes: -3
written by Nutritional Supplements, January 23, 2008
Great collection. Thanks for sharing.
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Votes: -1
written by Anonymous Coward, January 23, 2008
Your web programmers are idiots. The equation is E=MC^2 (squared). However it was written E=MC2, which gives a completely different result. Consider using the HTML tag 'sup' E=MC2.
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Votes: -7
written by ZORRO, January 23, 2008
it's great!i translate it into chinese.thanks 4 share!
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written by Lindsey, January 23, 2008
#3 isn't even really an SH original. That comes right out of the words of Horace Walpole, who said, "Life is a tragedy for those who feel, but a comedy to those who think." Sounds like SH was just letting others know that he is a thinker.
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Votes: +1
written by LNE, January 23, 2008
Ian -
"How does he know eternity gets long towards the end? Nobody's ever got past the beginning." The moment you notice how much time has passed and how endless the road ahead is, you're passed the beginning and are facing the nonexistent end. Haven't you ever had a really really boring task to do for a long time? When you first start, you have some initial energy. But then it clicks in your mind just how much further there is to go, and it gets depressing. Take that times eternity. report abuse
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Votes: -15
written by Nedo S., January 23, 2008
I do not agree with explanation Dr. Stephen Hawking and I ask him what was before Big Bang and why the first 8 billion years was order in the universe, why afterward the universe became chaotic. My understanding is in the first 8 billion years the universe was a ball with patches stitched together similar to a soccer ball. Thousands galaxies collided and explode in Abell 754 this explosion tore a large hole in the wall of the ball and the universe was depressurized. The galaxies escaped from the universe though the opening, faster than the speed of light. After this event the universe became chaotic in the distant future all galaxies will be very far apart in endless dark space.
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Votes: -28
written by Will, January 23, 2008
@Jenny:
"BTW, does the divine references mean that Stephen Hawking believes in God?" I was wondering the same thing. i don't know much about Stephen Hawkings' personal life, except I've seen him before and know who he is. I'm interested in whether or not someone knows if he believed in God or not. Anyways, excellent post. I love #9, excellent stuff. report abuse
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Votes: -1
written by andrew, January 23, 2008
Just because someone says something including the word "god" does not mean they believe in a supreme being. For instance, my belief is that the existence of a supreme being is possible, but no religion has supplied ample support for this claim. The proof and logic of science overwhelms that of religion.
Hawking is a smart man who has had a hell of a lot more ideas about things than most other people. Props to him. report abuse
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Votes: +3
written by The Smartest Man in the World, January 23, 2008
Great quotes. Thank you for posting them. He is a very inspiring person.
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Votes: +6
written by Ian Kemmish, January 23, 2008
How does he know eternity gets long towards the end? Nobody's ever got past the beginning.
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Votes: -17
written by mark, January 23, 2008
My favorite quote is "if you touch my chair one more time I will have my attendant kick your ass".
I think he said it at Harvard. report abuse
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Votes: +22
written by Joco, January 23, 2008
Respect for the man, also I would disagree about the 10th statement...
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Votes: -11
written by James Remshard, January 23, 2008
Best scientist EVER! God I love his books.
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written by Mark, January 23, 2008
best one: I'm working on that. (when visiting a Star Trek set).
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written by Steve, January 23, 2008
Although he probably doesn't realize it, he will be the 21st century's Einstein. I think I'm gonna pinch his quotes #3 & #5. They pretty much sum up my existence as well.
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written by Dan, January 23, 2008
Hmm... a dice quote, but no poker quotes? Problem solved http://pokerquotewisdom.blogspot.com
I bet Stephen Hawkin would make an excellent poker player - hes got a great mind and one mean poker face! Good luck reading that. Brilliant lego pic. report abuse
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Votes: -1
written by annon, January 23, 2008
"The mighty Stephen Hawking is the fucking quake master"
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Votes: -7
written by Thomas G., January 23, 2008
Forgot one:
"There is not enough porn on the internet." report abuse
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Votes: -7
written by smiley , January 23, 2008
its impossible to calculate how much the lego figure cracked me up.
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Votes: +3
written by Seb, January 23, 2008
These quotes give us a nice and quick insight in to the mind of Stephen Hawkings. I'm sure a book full of equations would sell like hot cakes, but only to the science market.
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written by WillFull, January 23, 2008
Perhaps not as light-hearted or humorous as the list above, but still my favorite SH quote:
"I think computer viruses should count as life. I think it says something about human nature that the only form of life we have created so far is purely destructive. We've created life in our own image." report abuse
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Votes: +5
written by Free, January 23, 2008
Number 2... is hawking almost willing to admit perhaps there is design in the universe. It's obvious in even the simplest of things.
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Votes: -8
written by Jerry, January 23, 2008
Eric, the plural of Lego is Lego, not legos; it's like moose.
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Votes: -9
written by Wayne Goode, January 23, 2008
What is it that breathes fire into equations and makes a universe for them to describe? The usual approach of science of constructing a mathematical model cannot answer the question of why there should be a universe for the model to describe. Why does the universe go to all the trouble of existing?
--From a Brief History of Time report abuse
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Votes: +5
written by Jay from Miami, January 23, 2008
Greetings to all from Miami, Florida.
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Votes: -14
written by Lisa, January 23, 2008
and then god said you will not walk again with a nelson "ha ha"
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Votes: -9
written by Warjat, January 23, 2008
Whoever made that figure out of lego, should be awarded with something! That is absolutely gold! :)
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Votes: +3
written by Mr Cheeze, January 23, 2008
It's LEGO, you dimwit.
The plural of LEGO, is .... LEGO not legos. report abuse
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Votes: -16
written by Brian Flanagan, January 23, 2008
Hawking is a really smart guy, but he's wrong about God & dice -- and so is everyone else.
"events do not happen in an arbitrary manner, but [...] reflect a certain underlying order" report abuse
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Votes: -10
written by anil, January 23, 2008
common trait of all great men is their wit. stephen hawking is one of the best there is
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Votes: +2
written by Thomas, January 23, 2008
I love lego!
http://www.spymac.com/details/?2331523 report abuse
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Votes: -1
written by Determinist, January 23, 2008 9. "I have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road." Looking before you cross the road is of course also predestined. report abuse
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Votes: -3
written by PeM, January 23, 2008
The eternity quote is from Kafka I think.
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Votes: +1
written by subcorpus, January 23, 2008
i dont blv most of the stuff he says ...
but there is no disagreeing to the quotes listed above ... hehe ... the pic is good too .... report abuse
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Votes: -6
written by mark, January 23, 2008
First the Indiana Jones lego, now the famous scientists! Just need a little lego Einstein now!
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written by Jenny, January 23, 2008
Awesome picture! Did you make the lego Stephen Hawking yourselves?
BTW, does the divine references mean that Stephen Hawking believes in God? report abuse
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Votes: +1
written by Katie, January 23, 2008
Perfect. But I prefer his Scandinavian accent
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Votes: +13
written by Jared A., January 23, 2008
best picture of all time
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Votes: +18
written by josh, January 23, 2008
[DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][
DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][D
IGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DI
GG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG]
[DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][ DIGG] [DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG] [DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][DIGG][ DIGG] report abuse
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Votes: -95
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