Stephen W. Hawking

[StuartLittle]

We have lost a great mind. May he rest in peace. :'( Perhaps he belongs to the stars.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43396008

"Next time someone complains that you have made a mistake, tell him that may be a good thing. Because without imperfection, neither you nor I would exist." - Stephen Hawking

[Carly Rae Jepsen]

I was hoping to see a thread for him somewhere here, I looked in the physics section. Saddened to lose one of the greatest minds our generation had the chance to witness. 

[PokePsych]

 This makes me sad. RIP

[TakeruK]

Hawking was an inspirational figure for me in the sciences. I feel lucky that I was able to see a talk given by him in my first year of my PhD. In addition to his many scientific accomplishments, I was inspired by his perseverance and ability to succeed despite his illness. He has also done a lot of good advocacy for scientists with illnesses.

People are complex beings though. Hawking was not perfect and we would do a disservice to humanity by pretending he was. I think it is important to remember him for his greatness but also to remember that he was a misogynist and mistreated some of those close to him, including his wife. His actions does seem to normalize / add to the idea that if you are brilliant enough, you should be forgiven for your misdeeds and for me, it is uncomfortable that he contributes to the gender problem already prevalent in physics. 

One thing doesn't erase the other though. I am sad that our world has lost such a person. But I think it's possible to remember him for both his good deeds and bad. It is hard though and I'm still learning the best way to do this.

[itsjoya]

This news has shocked the world, RIP Sir Stephen Hawking. 

[sophiewilson0191]

R.I.P. Sir Hawking