Last updated at 10:43 PM on 10th May 2011
- Scientist says ‘it has taught me not to pity myself’
His brilliant mind may be caged within an all but lifeless body, but Stephen Hawking has never been happier.
At the age of just 21, the world's most famous scientist was struck down by a nerve-ravaging type of Motor Neurone Disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
But as his body was eaten alive by the terrifying condition, he says he never allowed himself to be consumed by self pity.
Inspiration: As his body was eaten alive by the terrifying condition, he says he never allowed himself to be consumed by self pity
Instead he strove to shed light on the universe's darkest secrets, from Big Bang theory to the mystery of black holes.
'It taught me not to pity myself, because others were worse off and to get on with what I still could do', he told the New York Times. 'I’m happier now than before I developed the condition.
'I am lucky to be working in theoretical physics, one of the few areas in which disability is not a serious handicap.'
Normally ALS victims are expected to survive up to just five years. But at 69, the theoretical physicist and cosmologist has defied logic for 48 years.
Greatest honour: U.S. President Barack Obama presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Prof Hawking during a White House ceremony in 2009
And he has never lost his sense of humour.
At a New York conference last month, he told his audience in his distinctive mechanical voice: 'I wouldn't compare [the joys of scientific discovery] to sex. But it lasts longer.'
He communicates only with a twitch in his cheek that is linked to a sensor that translates the tiniest movements into words. The result has made his voice one of the most famous on earth.
And it his love of life in all its forms that has kept him going.
Asked when he would visit if he could time-travel, as some physicists believe is possible, he told the N.Y. Times that it would be to 1967 to relive the birth of his first son Robert.
Family man: Professor Hawking with his second wife, Elaine. The couple separated in 2006
'My three children have brought me great joy', he added.
Prof Hawking has never used his fame for anything other than the pursuit of scientific discovery.
However, in 2009 he was forced to defend Britain's National Health Service after American newspaper claimed: 'People such as scientist Stephen Hawking wouldn't have a chance in the UK, where the National Health Service would say the life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless.'
He said he was forced to release a statement in the NHS's defence.
'I am British, I live in Cambridge, England, and the National Health Service has taken great care of me for over 40 years', he told the N.Y. Times.
'I have received excellent medical attention in Britain, and I felt it was important to set the record straight.
'I believe in universal health care. And I am not afraid to say so'
Between 1965 and 1975, Professor Hawking developed the theory that black holes emerged after the Big Bang and developed a theory that collapsed stars radiate heat, which became known as ‘Hawking radiation’.
He also related Einstein's Theory of Relativity to quantum physics.
His book about science and the universe for the layman, A Brief History of Time, was published on 1 April 1988 and made Hawking into a superstar of cosmology.
The book has sold more than ten million copies and was on best-seller lists for over two years.
He says he never expected the book to be as successful as it was. And was even forced to simplify it to attract a greater audience.
Prof Hawking is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a lifetime member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, and in 2009 was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, by Barack Obama.
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Wednesday, 11 May 2011
¿It has taught me not to pity myself¿: Stephen Hawking reveals he is ¿happier¿ with Motor Neurone Disease than before he was diagnosed | Mail Online
via dailymail.co.uk
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