This week marked the passage of Stephen Hawking. He was one of the most well-known physicists across the globe. He was a remarkable physicist who described theories on the origins of the universe. He worked on explanations of the Big Bang theory and on black holes among other things. He has been considered one of the world’s greatest thinkers and geniuses.

One of the most striking things about him was that at 21, he was diagnosed with ALS and only given two years to live, but he reached the age of 76. For most of his life he was paralyzed completed, and for years unable to talk, communicating through a computer with only eye movements.  Since his twenties he lived his life from his wheelchair.

Words To Remember

Some of his more profound quotes have been published in the last week in tribute to his passing. Two of them are worth thinking about for everyone. The first one is on living with his crippling ALS:

“I accept that there are some things I can’t do. But they are mostly things I don’t particularly want to do anyway…I seem to manage to do anything that I really want.”

The second quote is on life in general:

“One, remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Two, never give up work….Three, if you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don’t throw if away.”

These quotes say a lot about life and having a disability of any sort. Sometimes it is better to let someone else deliver a message. Spend some time thinking about all of what Stephen Hawking said in the above quotes and maybe reflect on how it might impact on your own life.

Have a wonderful week. All the best,

Dr. Cohn.