Stephen Hawking, can be seen as the brightest figure in the aether of science, whose perceptions moulded contemporary cosmology and encapsulated universal audiences in the millions, has died aged 76.
The news was released in a statement during the early hours of this morning by his family who confirmed the iconic cosmologists death in his Cambridge home.
In a statement from His Children they commented that “We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today. He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years. His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world.”
They continued on to comment:
“He once said: ‘It would not be much of a universe if it wasn’t home to the people you love.’ We will miss him for ever.”
Stephen Hawkings lived a somewhat extraordinary life, defying the doctors life expectancy of only 1 or 2 years when he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 1963.
Hawkings once stated that:
“Although there was a cloud hanging over my future, I found, to my surprise, that I was enjoying life in the present more than before. I began to make progress with my research,” he once said. Embarking on his career in earnest, he declared: “My goal is simple. It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all.”
Condolences and remembrances have hit twitter and other social networking sites.
Some of Stephen Hawkings famous quotes can be seen below
• Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.
• The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.
• I have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road.
• We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the Universe. That makes us something very special.
• My goal is simple. It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all.
• Life would be tragic if it weren't funny.
• I have no idea. People who boast about their IQ are losers.
• People won't have time for you if you are always angry or complaining.
• We only have to look at ourselves to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn’t want to meet,
• Not only does God play dice, but... he sometimes throws them where they cannot be seen
RIP Stephen Hawking, thank-you for gracing us with your open minded and great determination to tackle life head on.