Stephen Hawking Has A Beautiful Message For Anyone Who Suffers Depression

As you might already be aware, on March 14, 2018, the world lost a brilliant mind when Stephen Hawking passed away at the age of 76. Though his life was certainly a storied one where he gifted the world with so much, it still seems far too soon. His bright, curious and intelligent mind was a treasure, and he is still missed years later. He was able to articulate big ideas and thoughts so clearly, breaking them down into bite-sized bits of learning. That was just one thing that made him seem approachable, easy to learn from, and welcoming. It seemed like Professor Hawking always had meaningful contributions in any conversation, and the whole world would lean in close to hear them.

Words Of Wisdom

But he wasn’t just a brilliant physicist, he was a quality human too. A human who had seen his share of struggles, and who never seemed afraid to share those bits of humanity alongside the learning. In 1963 he was diagnosed with motor neuron disease (Lou Gherig’s disease). At the age of 21, young Stephen Hawking was given just 2 years to live. But as we all know, instead he went on to become a figure on the world stage.

Stephen Hawking knew a thing or two about fighting, about overcoming odds. And if anyone might have a perspective on depression, it would likely be someone like him. So, back in 2016 when he delivered a speech to the University of Southern California College of Letters, it came as little surprise that he was able to reach his audience in the touching and human way as he did. Though the subject matter of the lecture itself was black holes, he didn’t miss the opportunity to relate it to real life, in a moving sentiment that is worth hearing for those who are suffering the effects of depression. 

From the College of Letters speech:

“The message of this lecture is that black holes ain’t as black as they are painted. They are not the eternal prisons they were once thought.”

“Things can get out of a black hole both on the outside and possibly to another universe. So if you feel you are in a black hole, don’t give up – there’s a way out…” (1)

More beautiful words from Stephen Hawking on depression: 

“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.” (2)

The World Thanks To Stephen

At the time of his death, 50-plus years after his predicted demise, he was the director of research at the prestigious University of Cambridge. His body of work includes Professorial Fellow at Gonville and Caius College and Lucasian Professor at Cambridge (1979-2009), the same post held by Isaac Newton in 1663. Professor Hawking had more than a dozen honorary degrees and was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire, a high honor) in 1982. He was a fellow of the Royal Society, and a member of the US National Academy of Science. For these reasons and many more, Stephen Hawking is regarded as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists since Einstein. (3) 

But for as impossibly brilliant as he was, there was a humble and approachable side to him that always came through. He was funny, he was a fighter and he never seemed to mind showing any of these sides to the world. Mr. Hawking’s influence was solid and so welcome. 

Thanks for everything, Professor Hawking. See you in another space and time