Stephen Hawking, a legendary theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author, struggled with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The disease influenced the scientist’s views on religion, which he shared several times, most notably in his final book, “Brief Answers to the Big Questions.”
Hawking’s warnings to humanity
Before he died in 2018, the celebrated astrophysicist warned about the future of the human race. He was always outspoken, and way before we learned about the reality of artificial intelligence, in 2014, Hawking told BBC that the rise of AI could end humanity.
Other warnings
Two weeks before his death, Hawking predicted the universe would eventually end when stars ran out of energy. The scientist, best known for his work on black holes and the theory of relativity, also suggested that the Earth could turn into a giant ball of fire by 2600. That’s why he said humans should occupy another planet.
Hawking’s on aliens
In 2010, an astrophysicist said that making contact with aliens would not be a good idea. He repeated these claims in 2017 in the documentary “Stephen Hawking’s Favorite Places.” He compared meeting an advanced civilization to the Native Americans meeting Columbus.
The question of God
Hawking touched on the existence of God by saying that many people long time believed that those with disabilities, like him, were cursed. He added in his 2002 book “The Theory of Everything: The Origin and Fate of the Universe” that this statement might be true, yet he believed in the laws of nature. Hawking continued that if people want to think these laws are a work of God, it is his definition, not proof of existence.
Believing in science
Hawking said that he, as a scientist, believes in the laws of nature but noted that people are free to believe in whatever they want. He further shared that he does not believe there is God, nor afterlife or heaven. The scientist added that we have one life and we should be grateful for it, and in his case, he appreciated the vast universe.
Hawking’s views in his last book
In “Brief Answers to the Big Questions,” Hawking wondered whether the universe was chosen by God for reasons we can’t understand or was determined by a law of science. He chose the latter and said that the laws of nature are what he calls a God.
Hawking’s atheist beliefs
In 2011, Hawking spoke to the Guardian and compared the brain to a computer. He said that once it stops working, all components do the same. Hawking added a bold claim that the afterlife or heaven was a fairytale for those afraid of the dark. He credited our existence to spontaneous creation.
The superhumans
The book also details the possibility of superhumans taking over the planet. These superhumans would not be limited by biological evolution like humans. However, he did not discuss some new species but the rise and rise of AI. He used an example of manipulating DNA and how people will not use these achievements to create a greater good.
1,000 years left on Earth
Hawking often discussed the demise of the human race, and in one scenario, he warned of the dangers of climate change. In some predictions, he gave humans up to 1,000 years on Earth, which many scientists today see as generous. But the vast majority agrees with Hawking: disaster is inevitable.
Science and religion
Science and religion should not go together, but around half of scientists believe in a higher power. The Pew Research Center found that around one-third of all scientists believe in God. Interestingly, chemists are more likely to believe in God than in other scientific fields.
Einstein and Tesla
Albert Einstein was not an atheist, but he instead saw God as an abstract concept, a kind of cosmic unity that underlies the universe. Nikola Tesla was a child of a priest, but he never practiced religion in his adult life. Instead, he was dedicated to a concept well-reflected in modern quantum physics.
Religion rejected scientists
Religious institutions historically rejected scientific ideas. For instance, the Catholic Church burned Giordano Bruno at the stake in 1600 for supporting the Copernican theory. Galileo Galilei was also sentenced to life in prison, later commuted to house arrest.
Top 3 U.S. States That Almost No One Leaves (And for Good Reason)
Top 3 U.S. States That Almost No One Leaves (And for Good Reason)
Kate Smith, a self-proclaimed word nerd who relishes the power of language to inform, entertain, and inspire. Kate's passion for sharing knowledge and sparking meaningful conversations fuels her every word.