We only have to look at ourselves to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn't want to meet.
Stephen HawkingRead
Then we shall... be able to take part in the discussion of the question of why it is that we and the universe exist. If we find the answer to that, it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason - for then we would know the mind of God.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quest for understanding our existence and the nature of the universe represents the pinnacle of human intellectual achievement.
Stephen Hawking emphasizes the profound significance of existential questions regarding humanity and the universe. He suggests that discovering the answers to these deep inquiries would not only represent a triumph of human intellect but also imply a connection to the divine, reflecting a pursuit of knowledge that transcends ordinary understanding and touches on the essence of existence itself.
Themes
ExistenceUniverseKnowledgeReasonDivine
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on philosophy, this quote could be used to highlight the importance of existential inquiry.
More from Stephen Hawking
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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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