We only have to look at ourselves to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn't want to meet.
Stephen HawkingRead
Though we feel we can choose what we do, our understanding of the molecular basis of biology shows that biological processes are governed by the laws of physics and chemistry and therefore are as determined as the orbits of the planets.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our choices are influenced by underlying biological and physical laws, suggesting a deterministic view of human behavior.
Stephen Hawking's quote reflects on the tension between free will and determinism, suggesting that while we may feel we have the power to make choices, our decisions are ultimately shaped by biological processes governed by the immutable laws of physics and chemistry. This perspective challenges the notion of absolute freedom, implying that just as the planets follow predictable orbits, human actions may also be influenced by these fundamental natural laws.
Themes
DeterminismBiologyPhysicsFree WillHuman Behavior
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on free will, I mentioned Hawking's insight to illustrate the complexity of choice.
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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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