Stephen Hawking, Renowned Physicist and Cosmologist, Passes Away

Stephen William Hawking, a prominent British theoretical physicist and cosmologist, author of several bestselling books and theoretical essays, who was also a well-known figure among the general public, passed away at the age of 76. In a statement released by Mr. Hawking's family on March 14, they said, "With deep sorrow, we announce that our beloved father has passed away today." The statement further noted, "He was a great researcher and an extraordinary man whose works and legacy will live on for many years." The family of the British cosmologist recalled Mr. Hawking's famous temperament, stating, "His courage and resilience, alongside his wit and humor, inspired many people around the world." Many media outlets that reported on Stephen Hawking's death noted that he was likely, if not the most famous, at least one of the most renowned scientists and researchers of our time. He is known not only for his theories, books, and research but also for his popularity in popular culture, from famous films and series to the humor he displayed, despite suffering from a severe illness and 'sleeping limbs' that afflicted him for many years. Last year, he stated in a speech, "Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet." Hawking was born in January 1942. He not only held a prestigious chair at the University of Cambridge but was also an honorary member of the Royal Society of Arts and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom - the highest civilian award in the United States. In 2002, the BBC, based on a public poll, named him the 25th "Greatest Briton" in the history of the country. Other awards received by Stephen Hawking during his lifetime include the "Pioneers of Science Award in Fundamental Physics," the Royal Society of Arts Medal, the Princess of Asturias Award in Spain, and the Albert Einstein Award in theoretical physics. Among the books he wrote, some are considered the most famous popular science books that ordinary people without deep theoretical knowledge have read. His book titled "A Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes" is one of the popular science works that has sold over 10 million copies and has been reprinted and translated into various languages for 20 years. "The Grand Design," another book he co-wrote with American scientist Leonard Mlodinow, became the second bestselling book on Amazon in the UK on its release day and soon topped the New York Times' list of nonfiction bestsellers. Queen Elizabeth and Hawking are seen chatting during a flower ceremony in Chelsea in May 2010. Despite the humor and temperament that made Hawking a beloved figure, he was not very optimistic about the future of humanity in the final months of his life. Last year, he told Larry King, "Our greed and stupidity have not diminished." The British cosmologist did not hide his concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in weapon production, air pollution, and the unchecked population growth. In a speech at the University of Oxford in November 2016, he said, "Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet."