5 Facts About The Scientist Of Our Generation, Stephen Hawking

Several people are involved in unravelling mysteries of the universe through scientific research. But few have managed to transform the way we see the world around us with their work.

Born in 1942, Stephen Hawking was probably one of the most well known minds in history as he inspired the world with his courage as much as he did through his work. Audiences carefully listened to every word Hawking said, as the general public followed him as much as scientists.

* Although he is known as a brilliant mind for his theories, Stephen Hawking was not particularly good when it came to grades. He ranked among the worst in his class when he was nine, and he couldn’t push his grades beyond average despite his efforts.

* Despite his love for science, Hawking wasn’t particularly fond of biology which he described as “too inexact, too descriptive”. He took a liking to mathematics from an early age but since Oxford didn’t have the subject as a major, Hawking majored in physics.

* Long before he was diagnosed with a paralysing illness, Hawking joined the rowing team at Oxford. As a coxswain he was supposed to control the steering and stroke rate.

* Stephen Hawking’s work has inspired a large number of people and he is also known for his courage. His family grew concerned as he showed signs of tripping and clumsiness ahead of turning 21.Two weeks of tests at the hospital revealed that he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and was given only few years to live. The neurological disease causes people to lose control of voluntary muscles.

* While he was one of the most brilliant minds, Stephen Hawkings was also a good sport who could admit when he was wrong. Back in 2004 he said he conceded a bet made in 1997 with theoretical physicist John Preskill who contested his conclusion about information being lost in a black hole.