Stephen Hawking is widely celebrated for his groundbreaking work in theoretical physics, especially for his theories on black hole evaporation and the origins of the universe. While he may not be considered the absolute greatest physicist compared to legends like Einstein or Dirac, his influence on popular science is unparalleled. Hawking’s book A Brief History of Time has sold over 30 million copies, making it one of the most successful popular science books ever published. Beyond his scientific achievements, many interesting and lesser-known aspects of his life paint a fuller picture of the man behind the genius.
1. A Modest Start: Not Exactly a Child Prodigy
Contrary to what many might assume, Hawking was not a standout student in his early years. In his primary school, students were divided into groups A, B, and C based on their academic performance; Hawking was placed in the A group, which was respectable but far from exceptional. His father had hoped he would attend Westminster School, one of England’s prestigious private schools, but Hawking missed the scholarship exam due to illness. Throughout his schooling, his grades were never in the top half of the A group, and teachers were often frustrated by his untidy handwriting and careless homework. This early experience shows that even great minds don’t necessarily start out as star pupils.
2. A Family Steeped in Academia and Science
Hawking’s parents were both highly educated, attending Oxford University. His father was a medical doctor specializing later in tropical diseases, while his mother worked as a secretary after university. From a young age, Hawking’s father nurtured his curiosity for science by frequently taking him to visit his laboratory. This early exposure to scientific inquiry undoubtedly planted seeds that would grow into Hawking’s lifelong passion for physics.
3. A Father’s Skepticism About Mathematics
Near the end of secondary school, Hawking wanted to specialize in mathematics and physics. However, his father was not supportive of this choice. He believed that apart from teaching, mathematics offered limited career prospects, and strongly encouraged Hawking to pursue medicine instead. This parental advice reflects a practical, if somewhat shortsighted, perspective common in many families — a reminder that career paths of great scientists are often not straightforward or fully supported.
4. Mostly Self-Taught Mathematics
Remarkably, after leaving St Albans School at 17, Hawking never took a formal mathematics class. His deep understanding of mathematics was largely self-acquired through research and personal study. Even as a professor at Cambridge later in life, he admitted to preparing lectures just a week in advance, often staying just one step ahead of his undergraduate students. This unconventional academic path underlines his extraordinary natural talent and tenacity.
5. A Quiet Start at Oxford, Until Rowing Opened Social Doors
Hawking entered Oxford University at 17 with a scholarship. His classmates were generally older, and in his first two years, he struggled socially, making few friends. To broaden his social circle, he joined the rowing team as a coxswain—a role that requires steering and coordinating the crew but demands little physical exertion. Though his academic performance was poor, the experience helped him connect with others and break out of his social shell.
6. More Play Than Study in College
In his autobiography, Hawking candidly reflects on his university years, estimating he only studied about 1,000 hours across three years—roughly one hour per day. Despite this, he managed to graduate with a degree that was between a first-class and a second-class honors. This laid-back approach did not hinder his later brilliance but speaks to a young man who, at that time, prioritized enjoyment and exploration over intense study.
7. Battling ALS and Finding New Motivation
At 21, while pursuing graduate studies at Cambridge, Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease that was considered a death sentence, with doctors predicting only a few years of life. Around the same time, he met Jane Wilde, whom he soon became engaged to. The diagnosis and the responsibilities of impending family life gave Hawking renewed motivation. He worked diligently to complete his doctoral thesis and secure employment, driven both by urgency and love. Jane’s support played a crucial role in this critical phase of his life.
8. The Infamous Bet with Kip Thorne
During his time at the California Institute of Technology, Hawking engaged in a now-famous wager with physicist Kip Thorne. Hawking bet that the X-ray binary system Cygnus X-1 did not contain a black hole, a position he ultimately lost. As a playful penalty, he was obliged to subscribe to Penthouse magazine for a year, much to the displeasure of Thorne’s wife. This anecdote highlights Hawking’s playful side and his willingness to engage in scientific debates with humor.
9. Near-Death Experience and Technological Lifeline
In 1985, during a trip to the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Switzerland, Hawking contracted severe pneumonia and nearly died. A tracheotomy saved his life but left him unable to speak. Later, a computer programmer named Walt Woltosz created a communication system for him, allowing Hawking to select words on a screen using a switch. This technology became his voice for decades, enabling him to continue his lectures and writings.
10. Personal Turmoil and New Relationships
Jane Wilde, worried about Hawking’s declining health and the future of their children, sought financial and emotional security by developing a relationship with Jonathan Hellyer Jones, an organist. Hawking was deeply upset by this and moved out with his nurse Elaine Mason, whom he later married. Jane and Jonathan married nine months afterward. These events reflect the complex personal struggles Hawking faced alongside his public achievements.
11. The Practical Origins of A Brief History of Time
Hawking’s motivation to write A Brief History of Time partly stemmed from a practical concern: to fund his daughter’s education. He chose a publisher whose books were easily available in airport bookstores, aiming for wide accessibility. The book’s original working title was From the Big Bang to Black Holes: A Short History of Time, but it was changed during editing for simplicity and impact.
Through these lesser-known stories, we see a portrait of Stephen Hawking as a multidimensional individual—one who faced personal hardships, showed humor and resilience, and made science accessible to millions. His legacy extends far beyond equations and theories; it lies in inspiring curiosity and hope in the minds of people worldwide.