Stephen Hawking

Wikipedia commonsOriginal WorkFor every 100,000 people, only six are diagnosed annually with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a rare disease which impairs the ability to move and speak properly, and in most cases proves fatal (ALS Association). The probability of contracting ALS is 0.006%, which puts the rarity of this disease into perspective. After being one of these few people, diagnosed at 21 and given few years to live, Stephen Hawking remarkably persevered to become one of the world’s most renowned scientists. Even when permanently restricted to a wheelchair without the ability to speak, he was still able to make a groundbreaking discovery regarding radiation with black holes, becoming the first scientist to do so. Hawking was highly honored for his hard work, receiving multiple, prestigious awards, including the US Medal Of Freedom awarded by President Barack Obama (Hansler). The awards and achievements he earned, along with the adversity and restrictions he faced, make him a hero for people dedicated to making a difference and achieving what they want. While battling ALS, Hawking showed immense bravery and determination, as he did not quit on his life, which started when he was born on January 8, 1942, in Oxford, England, to Frank and E. Isobel Hawking (Contemporary Authors Online). Hawking spent most of his time in England, where he was educated. Soon after being diagnosed, Hawking finished his B.A. at the University College at Oxford and continued continued his research at Cambridge University, despite facing determinantal health problems at the time. This drive and passion for his work would be the foundation that would later make him the honorable and world-famous scientist that he became. A hero is different for everyone, and heroes all possess different abilities. Stephen Hawking’s bravery and determination were his special abilities, and those make him a deserving hero.

Stephen Hawking is a deserving hero because of the bravery he showed when fighting ALS. His courage was highlighted when he embraced his handicap, saying, “The realisation that I had an incurable disease that was likely to kill me in a few years was a bit of a shock (Ryan). When Hawking was diagnosed, he understood the gravity of the situation. He later spoke about the sudden realization he had, as though there was a jolt of thought that occured. The shock that Hawking experienced was understandable. It felt like there was a time stamp placed on his life, a limitation that would impede his career and passion to work in science. With minimal years left, Hawking could have easily given in to the circumstances and chosen to give up entirely on his life, and what he loved to do. However,that is not the path he took. Defying all odds, Stephen Hawking lived to be 76 and became the first scientist to discover that black holes emit radiation, and therefore have a limited life span. The amount of courage needed to continue to pursue one’s dreams and goals, despite being told one can’t because of the various limitations that came with ALS, is beyond remarkable. Another example of Hawking’s courage is acknowledged by his children, stating, “He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years. His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world” (ABC News). Stephen Hawking had a lasting impact on people, especially on individuals who were close to him. They talk about the legacy he created as a scientist and has an inspiration, which will forever be remembered. His work in the science field was menial compared to the work he did inspiring people. His own kids made note of his courage as part of his legacy, something that will live on. Stephen Hawking proved himself a deserving hero with the bravery he showed in the face of adversity and limitations.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Barack_Obama_speaks_to_Stephen_Hawking.jpgPete Souza [Public domain]Stephen Hawking is also a deserving hero because of the determination he showed. Despite being diagnosed with ALS at a young age, Hawking continued to work towards finishing his education and the theory he was trying to prove. He did what no other scientist was able to accomplish, in spite of his physical condition. His immense amount of determination is evident, as he became a pioneer in his field of science even with ALS: “Until the 1960s, black holes remained interesting quirks of physics. Only after British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking (1942-) discovered that black holes radiate heat did their importance in the evolution of the universe come to be appreciated” (“Stephen Hawking.” Newsmakers, Gale). Without Stephen Hawking, the importance of the universe would be undermined. The value of the world around us would be nonexist, if not for the efforts of Hawking. The determination and pride he took in his work is nothing short of spectacular, and not even a determinantal disease could get in the way of that. Fortunately, Hawking’s efforts did not go unnoticed. Although he was a British citizen, then-president Barack Obama awarded Hawking with the US Medal Freedom, the highest ranking honor for an American Citizen: “Although Hawking was a British citizen, the theoretical physicist -- considered by many as one of the most brilliant scientific minds in the world -- was being honored with America's highest civilian honor: the Presidential Medal of Freedom” (Hasler). Hawking had been defying odds and barriers for most of his life. With a rough childhood to contracting ALS at 21, Hawking has the heart and mental toughness of a champion. His hard work, bravery, and determination made him a visionary, a pioneer to millions of people trying to achieve their dreams. Winning the US Medal of Freedom was fitting for a man like Hawking, someone who never stopped fighting for things that he believed were worth fighting for. His determination while battling ALS makes Hawking a true deserving hero.

Stephen Hawking is the epitome of a hero. The bravery and determination that he showed while fighting ALS is unmatched.  With limited time left in his life and a permanent handicap, Hawking chose to pursue his passion of science instead of giving up. Hawking was not solely admired for his work as a scientist, but also for the effort that he put forth to get there. The awards and achievements he earned for his success despite having ALS make him an inspirational figure, someone who symbolizes a beacon of hope for individuals who struggle to achieve what they want. People who were close to Hawking acknowledged the effect he had on people, as his own kids stated:  ‘His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world. He once said, ‘It would not be much of a universe if it wasn’t home to the people you love.’ We will miss him forever’” (Yeatman). Defying all odds, Stephen Hawking became a visionary in his field and in the minds of the general public. He taught me and others like me that obstacles are put in our way to show us what is truly worth fighting for. Hawking died at the ripe old age of 76 (which was so much longer than expected), but his memory lives on, for he is a truly deserving hero and an inspiration.

Works Cited

"Stephen Hawking." Contemporary Authors Online, Gale, 2018. Biography In Context, https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/H1000043504/BIC?u=powa9245&sid=BIC&xid=3841abbf. Accessed 25 Mar. 2019.

Mosher, Dave, and Skye Gould. “A Brief History of Stephen Hawking's Time on Planet Earth in One Chart.” Business Insider, Business Insider, 14 Mar. 2018, www.businessinsider.com/stephen-hawking-biography-life-events-timeline-chart-2018-3.

Source Citation   (MLA 8th Edition)

"Stephen Hawking." Newsmakers, Gale, 1990. Student Resources In Context, https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/K1618002264/SUIC?u=powa9245&sid=SUIC&xid=190194ad. Accessed 27 Mar. 2019.

"Stephen Hawking." Math & Mathematicians: The History of Math Discoveries Around the World, edited by Leonard C. Bruno, UXL, 2008. Student Resources In Context, https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/K1669000096/SUIC?u=powa9245&sid=SUIC&xid=994bc80f. Accessed 27 Mar. 2019.