On March 14, 2018, the world has become much poorer, as one brilliant, curious, and intelligent mind, Stephen Hawking, passed away at the age of 76.

He is regarded as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists since Einstein. At the time of his death, he was the director of research at the prestigious University of Cambridge.

His body of work includes Professorial Fellow at Gonville and Caius College and Lucasian Professor at Cambridge (1979-2009). He also had more than a dozen honorary degrees and in 1982, he was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire, a high honor).

Moreover, Hawking was a fellow of the Royal Society, and a member of the US National Academy of Science.

His huge ideas and thoughts inspired numerous generations, since he shared his wisdom in an easy-to-learn way, always breaking them down into bite-sized bits of learning. This man was also a great man, a human who was not afraid to struggle.

In 1963, he was diagnosed with motor neuron disease (Lou Gehrig’s disease), and at the age of 21, doctors gave him just 2 years to live. As we know, he proved them wrong.

A man who has fought against all odds is a person who knows a lot about life.

Back in 2016, he delivered a speech to the University of Southern California College of Letters, and his words touched every single person in the audience.

Even though the subject matter of the lecture itself words:

 “The message of this lecture is that black holes ain’t as black as they are painted was black holes, he used the opportunity to relate it to real life, and help people who are suffering the effects of depression.

Here are some of his most encouraging:

“They are not the eternal prisons they were once thought.”

“Things can get out of a black hole both on the outside and possibly to another universe. So if you feel you are in a black hole, don’t give up – there’s a way out…”

He also added:

“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 explained that even if a person is somehow disabled, it is no good blaming the world or expecting it to take pity. People need to have a positive attitude and make the best of the situation.

He explained that his disabilities have not been a significant handicap in his field, which is theoretical physics, but they have helped him in a way by shielding him from lecturing and administrative work that he would otherwise have been involved in.

Furthermore, Stephen also maintained that he received a large amount of help from his wife, children, colleagues, and students.

He said that people, in general, are very ready to help, but one should encourage them to feel that their efforts to aid are worthwhile by doing as well as one possibly can.

This advice couldn’t come from a better place, as this strong man has overcome numerous obstacles and lived a brave and amazing life.

Source: www.bbncommunity.com