We only have to look at ourselves to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn't want to meet.
Stephen HawkingRead
One does not have to appeal to God to set the initial conditions for the creation of the universe, but if one does He would have to act through the laws of physics.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that the universe can be understood through physics without invoking a deity, although if one does, that deity must work within natural laws.
Stephen Hawking's quote emphasizes the idea that the origins of the universe can be explained through scientific principles and physical laws, rather than needing a divine explanation. It reflects a perspective that encourages reliance on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning while acknowledging the philosophical implications of invoking a higher power in the discussion of cosmic creation.
Themes
UniversePhysicsCreationScienceGod
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on cosmology, this quote could be used to illustrate the intersection of science and faith.
More from Stephen Hawking
All quotes →I regard the brain as a computer which will stop working when its components fail. There is no heaven or afterlife for broken down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark.
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It surprises me how disinterested we are today about things like physics, space, the universe and philosophy of our existence, our purpose, our final destination. Its a crazy world out there. Be curious.
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I was not a good student. I did not spend much time at college; I was too busy enjoying myself.
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The world has changed far more in the past 100 years than in any other century in history. The reason is not political or economic but technological-technologies that flowed directly from advances in basic science. Clearly, no scientist better represents those advances than Albert Einstein: TIME's Person of the Century.
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In my opinion, there is no aspect of reality beyond the reach of the human mind.
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