Stephen W. Hawking

A young man sits in a doctor's office waiting. The clock ticks, time passes, as he awaits the pronouncement that will change his life forever. In a few moments, the doctor will tell him that he has a mere two years left to live: two years for a twenty-one-year-old man ready to live a lifetime. Furthermore, he will spend one of those years in a wheelchair, unable to walk or speak. His life changed, he ponders his fate, and wonders what is to become of him. Such an event could destroy a person mentally and emotionally. However, Stephen Hawking is not just any person. Born into a family of scientists, Hawking became interested in mathematics at an early age, and dreamed of becoming a cosmologist. His dream began to take shape when he was accepted into Oxford University, where "[he] became very popular, known for his long hair, interest in classical music and science fiction, and keen wit" ("Stephen W. Hawking (Biography Today)"). After completing his undergraduate studies, Hawking attended the highly prestigious University of Cambridge. It was there, while working on his PhD, that "he was finally given the devastating diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) [a neurological disease which affects muscle control] and the prognosis of death within two years" (LarsenXIV). Despite his evident bleak future, Hawking completed his PhD, became the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University, proved the existence of dark matter, and formulated many theories that have changed how scientists think of physics. (Additionally, Hawking got married and raised a family.) Two years passed, then four, six, and eight, yet Hawking did not die. Although he is now confined to his wheelchair and speaks through an electronic voice synthesizer, Hawking maintains a positive attitude, remains steadfast with no regrets. Despite life's difficulties, Stephen William Hawking never gave up on his life's ambitions. Hawking overcame the self-pity that most people in his situation would have, and, though he is humble, exemplifies an incredible amount of tenacity through his daily life; traits that make him a heroic figure. 

It took about a year for Hawking to come to terms with his disease. He eventually learned that self-pity was not an option and would not help him accomplish his goals. When he was first diagnosed with ALS, Hawking did feel sorry for himself. He did not even want to go on with life: "However, while he was feeling sorry for his apparent fate, he watched a young boy die of leukemia in the bed across from him and realized there were people with a harder fate than his. For many years, he thought of that boy whenever he fell into a bout of self-pity" (Larsen19). Hawking's ability to dismiss his feelings of sorrow and continue on with his life is uncommon, and exhibits why he is unlike most people. While most would feel depressed and melancholy, by wasting their two years left to live, Hawking decided that he should make those years worthwhile, and, since then, has not wallowed in what he could not do, but rather focused on what he still could. Hawking has told the story of his reaction to the diagnosis many times, and, though his words are modest, never fails to portray his optimism: "I felt somewhat of a tragic character... But I didn't die. In fact, although there was a cloud hanging over my future, I found, to my surprise, that I was enjoying life in the present more than before. I began to make progress with my research, and I got engaged to a girl called Jane Wilde...That engagement changed my life. It gave me something to live for..." (Hawking, Stephen W. Stephen Hawking: The Official Website.). Hawking eventually realized that, through his science, he could still make a significant impact. He decided that, even if he did have only a short time left, he would give his best effort toward scientific progress. Hawking's life is not easy, but he does not pity his condition. Through his engagement, he looked toward the future, and at the happy years to come with his new wife. Though he may never walk or speak again, he has expressed that his disease cannot rule his life if he does not let it. He played an exemplary role in elevating both science and humanity.

The most obvious, incredible trait Stephen Hawking possesses is simply his tenacity. His ability to persevere is beyond extraordinary; surmounting challenges is his specialty. However, Hawking feels that recognition for his accomplishments is unnecessary: "Hawking has repeatedly said that pronouncements of his great courage as a disabled person are embarrassing. He countered that 'I have only done what I intended to do anyway, before I had ALS...'" (Larsen130). Through Hawking's modest words, one can see that he possesses a steadfast manner, and, as a goal-setter, is able to meet any expectation he gives himself. He "did what [he] intended to do," despite the many complications he has encountered along the way: more than a few failed theories, being surpassed for a Nobel Prize, and most importantly, his disability. In an attempt to give his needy fans what they desire, Hawking wrote these inspirational words: "I have had motor neurone disease for practically all my adult life. Yet it has not prevented me from having a very attractive family, and being successful in my work. This is thanks to the help I have received from Jane, my children, and a large number of other people and organisations. I have been lucky, that my condition has progressed more slowly than is often the case. But it shows that one need not lose hope" (Hawking, Stephen W. Stephen Hawking: The Official Website.). Hawking said it himself: "one need not lose hope." He certainly has not lost any hope through his difficult and painful years. Many events in Hawking's life where so challenging that it is practically impossible not to marvel at his determination and eventual succession of them all. Hawking is a role-model for all who need hope or support through challenges in their daily lives. Diligence and stamina are traits that everyone hopes to possess. Stephen Hawking exemplifies that if one takes a goal to heart, nothing can stand in their way. 

Stephen Hawking will be remembered for his strength, paired with his optimistic outlook and determination to achieve his goals. Hawking has never been one to accept defeat. He never gave up on his dreams, even when he lost his ability to speak, walk, or move independently. In spite of his limiting condition, Hawking does not pity himself, and has no regrets. Hawking lifts his spirits, as well as the spirits of those around him, with his humorous ways. "Hawking embodies the very spirit of scientific exploration and the self-correcting nature of science, where admitting one's error is a normal sign of progress rather than shame. Perhaps the true nature of Stephen Hawking is best embodied in his happiness over the fact that our search for understanding will never come to an end, and that we will always have the challenge of new discovery'" (Larsen131). Hawking demonstrates that a person can fulfill any dream despite possible restrictions. Personally, I am inspired by Hawking's persistence and incredible intellect. When I think of what he has been able to achieve, I feel like I can do so with my dreams. He has changed the perspective of physics and burned his image into our minds forever. When most people think about Stephen Hawking, they think of a brilliant scientist with a deteriorating physical condition. While he does fit this image, Hawking can also be remembered as a goal-setter and tenacious man. Hawking proves that a doctor cannot tell you what you will be able to accomplish. Even though we may sometimes feel like an innocent person, waiting for a pronouncement of our fate, that fate cannot alter who we are. A circumstance cannot limit us if we do not let it. Like Stephen Hawking, we must not allow a possible limitation rule our lives and we must all be our own hero.

Works Cited

Hawking, Stephen W. Stephen Hawking: The Official Website. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2013..

Larsen, Kristine M. Stephen Hawking: A Biography. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 2005. Print.

Murphy B. Keith. "Stephen Hawking." Cyclopedia Of World Authors, Fourth Revised Edition (2003): 1. Biography Reference Center. Web. 21 Mar. 

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"Stephen W. Hawking." Newsmakers. Detroit: Gale, 1990. Biography In Context. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.

"Stephen W. Hawking." Stephen W. Hawking (Biography Today) (2010): 1. Biography Reference Center. Web. 9 Apr. 2013.