Stephen Hawking fundamentally changed how we understand topics as grand and mystifying as the origin of time and space itself. His pioneering theories on phenomena like black holes and the Big Bang redefined modern physics. Meanwhile, his determination to make challenging scientific ideas accessible through massively popular books cemented his legacy as one of history‘s most influential scientists.
But how intelligent was Stephen Hawking actually? What does his ability to reshape entire fields of science tell us about the power of his mind? Let‘s examine Hawking‘s intellect in more detail – from his early aptitude for physics to the adversity he overcame; from his record-breaking book sales to the wealth he accumulated. Piece together these fragments of a remarkable life, and the picture of a singular genius emerges.
Estimating Hawking‘s IQ
Hawking possessed an estimated IQ of 160, placing him close to the 99.9th percentile relative to the overall population. Keep in mind, however, that Hawking never formally took a standardized intelligence test. As Hawking told the New York Times when asked about his IQ: "I have no idea. People who boast about their IQ are losers."
Still, few scientists in modern history contributed more fundamentally new ideas that reshaped entire fields of physics. Hawking rattled even the most seasoned experts with radical theories about phenomena they long believed were settled science. This ability points to an exceptionally high level of intelligence.
The Making of a Physics Prodigy
Hawking showed exceptional aptitude for science and mathematics from an early age:
- Built a computer from spare electronic parts as a teenager
- Achieved nearly perfect physics exam scores in college entrance testing
- Quickly rose to become Cambridge‘s Lucasian Professor of Mathematics by age 37 – a post once held by Isaac Newton
However, Hawking had an uneven start to his academic career. As he recalled in a 2017 article:
I was never more than about halfway up the class…My classmates nicknamed me ‘Einstein‘ so presumably they saw signs of something better.
This anecdote tells us two important things about Hawking‘s intellect:
His sheer creativity and ability to grasp abstract concepts is what set him apart – not necessarily effortless mastery of every subject. Hawking himself had to work hard to comprehend complex principles early on.
His classmates recognized Hawking‘s affinity for physics before he even graduated high school. Their nickname suggests his future potential was evident even then.
Defying the Odds: How Hawking Overcame Physical Decline
Hawking faced one of the biggest obstacles imaginable when just starting his career. At only 21 years old while still a PhD student at Cambridge, he received a heartbreaking ALS diagnosis.
Doctors gave Hawking only two to three more years of life expectancy at first. Instead, he lived for over five more decades completely transforming theoretical physics in the process.
Hawking‘s positive, forward-looking mindset in the face of terminal illness tells us a lot about his resilience and determination. Let‘s look at key milestones where Hawking repeatedly overcame challenges:
- 1985 – Lost his natural speaking ability due to a tracheotomy. Learned to communicate with a spelling card, tracking responses via small facial muscle movements
- 1997 – Struggling with slower communication as ALS progressed, received early speech software allowing 15 words per minute
- 2009 – Further declines meant even this basic software was no longer usable. A graduate assistant then created a cheek switch device detecting facial twitches allowing Hawking to keep writing emails and even more books
Hawking‘s ability to stay dedicated to his life‘s work despite the inertia of ALS points toward a tremendous inner resolve in tandem with his brilliant intellect.
Revolutionizing Our Understanding of Time and Space
Hawking produced theories from the 1970s through the 2000s that fundamentally changed paradigms across physics and cosmology. He demonstrated that:
- Black holes emit radiation and eventually vanish
- The universe likely emerged from a singularity during the Big Bang when time itself began
- Refined mathematical models explain spacetime singularities like those thought to exist in black holes
- An alternative "no boundary" model replaces the point-like Big Bang singularity and smooths out the emergence of time entirely
Let‘s break down his two most famous theories and how they reshaped modern physics:
Black Holes Radiate Energy
In 1974 Hawking demonstrated that quantum effects occurring near the boundary of black holes causes them to emit radiation – now known as Hawking radiation. This radiation carries away energy, causing black holes to eventually dissipate and vanish.
This revelation shocked the physics community because it contradicted Einstein‘s theory of general relativity. Einstein‘s frameworks suggested black holes trap everything behind an "event horizon" preventing even light itself from escaping. Yet Hawking‘s careful calculations proved light and energy can gradually radiate away into space.
Hawking initially met disbelief from peers like Nobel prize-winning physicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar. But today Hawking radiation represents mainstream consensus, proving his genius insight correct.
The No Boundary Proposal and Origin of Time
Later in his career, Hawking focused extensively on tracing time all the way back to the Big Bang itself. Collaborating with physicist James Hartle, Hawking proposed the radical "no boundary theory" where time emanates smoothly from space rather than an abrupt, point-like beginning.
This provided an improved mathematical framework for the origin of time while aligning with inflation theory suggesting a period of exponentially rapid expansion right after the Big Bang. It also avoiding tricky infinities proposed in earlier Big Bang models trying to determine "what happened before."
By suggesting time itself emerges from the structure of space, Hawking elegantly circumvented the problem altogether. This fundamental shift in perspective opened entirely new avenues for understanding the complete cosmic timeline.
Hawking‘s Blockbuster Books Make Science Accessible
Stephen Hawking authored multiple popular-level books conveying challenging ideas about space and time to everyday readers. He insisted that his physical condition would not stop him from making physics engaging and understandable:
My goal is simple. It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all.
A few metrics capturing the wild success of his mass-market books:
- Over 25 million copies sold of 1988‘s A Brief History of Time – a record for a book by a scientist
- Translated into 40 different languages spanning the globe
- A Brief History of Time stayed on the Sunday Times bestseller list for a staggering 237 weeks
Follow-ups including The Universe In a Nutshell (2001) and Brief Answers to the Big Question (published posthumously in 2018) carried forward his mission to promote public understanding. While still complex, Hawking successfully conveyed ideas from theoretical physics and cosmology accurately while connecting with general readers.
Wealthy and Renowned (But Not the Richest)
While arguably the most famous modern physicist alongside Einstein, Hawking did not accumulate the largest personal wealth during his 76 years of life. His net worth at the time of his passing stood at an estimated:
$20 million
Compare this to contemporary scientists who commercialized their research innovations like:
- Craig Venter – Genomics entrepreneur estimated around $300 to $500 million
- James Watson – Co-discoverer of DNA structure with $15.8 million in auction sales of his Nobel Prize medal in 2014
Rather than riches, Hawking cared most deeply about furthering collective scientific knowledge. He gave generously to causes he believed in like disabled rights and advocated passionately about threats facing humanity.
In recognition of his revolutionary work, Hawking accumulated numerous prestigious honors including:
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (US)
- Companion of Honour (UK)
- Copley Medal from the Royal Society
- Albert Einstein Award
Upon his death, his family inherited these esteemed awards alongside degrees from Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and 10 other elite institutions that had granted Hawking honorary doctorates through the years.
Still an Enduring Inspiration Today
Despite his passing in 2018, Hawking‘s name and transformative work still capture headlines demonstrating his lasting cultural relevance:
- May 2022 – His final collaboration suggesting primordial black holes evidence potential multiverse scenarios
- December 2022 – Former doctoral students organize essay collection reflecting on how he still influences new physicists today
- February 2023 – Daughter Lucy publishes children‘s book You and the Universe based on previously unreleased speech highlighting his hopefulness about the future
Clearly the genius of Hawking continues inspiring new generations to contemplate humanity‘s place in the cosmos. That rare brilliance paired with determination to overcome adversity and communicate big ideas cements his legacy.
What illness did Stephen Hawking live with?
Hawking lived over 50 years after an ALS diagnosis at just 21 years old. This motor neuron disease caused increasing paralysis and loss of muscle control over time.
Did Hawking ever reveal his IQ?
No – he avoided discussing IQ specifically. When asked in an interview, he called people who boast about scores "losers." Based on achievements, experts estimate around 160.
What scientific theories made Hawking most famous?
Hawking demonstrated black holes emit Hawking radiation and eventually evaporate over extremely long timeframes. He also co-proposed the "no boundary theory" for the smooth emergence of time from space itself after the Big Bang.
Which book by Hawking is the best introduction?
His epic worldwide bestseller A Brief History of Time provides the most accessible overview of complex principles in physics and cosmology spanning space, time, cosmic origins, and more. Over 25 million copies sold demonstrates its broad mainstream popularity.
Unlocking Genius By Embracing Wonder
Stephen Hawking fundamentally reshaped our comprehension of time, black holes, singularities, and cosmic origins. He wrapped that rare brilliance within a layer of cordial wit and determination to make challenging principles graspable across languages and cultures. His popular books on topics most find bewildering continue sparking curiosity in new generations.
That insatiable wonder paired with dogged persistence in the face constraints enabled Hawking to transcend bounds few thought possible. He captivated global imagination with big ideas and an even bigger heart for collective growth. Hawking represents the soaring heights possible when we embrace curiosity rather than fear in the face of life‘s immense mysteries.
