David Hoffman | Why My Son Wanted To Be Stephen Hawking In Spite Of His Infirmities @DavidHoffmanFilmmaker | Uploaded July 2024 | Updated October 2024, 1 hour ago.
Back when my son was nine years old, he expressed a desire to be Steven Hawking. Rather than just ask him why, I told him record why he felt that. This is that recording. Of course Stephen Hawking was still alive at this time.
Stephen Hawking (1942-2018) was a renowned British theoretical physicist, cosmologist,and author. He made significant contributions to the fields of cosmology, general relativity, and quantum gravity, particularly in the context of black holes.
Hawking was diagnosed with a rare, early-onset, slow-progressing form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, at the age of 21. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the progressive loss of muscle control. As the disease progressed, Hawking lost the ability to walk and became wheelchair-bound. Despite this, he continued his academic work and public appearances. By the mid-1980s, Hawking had lost the ability to speak due to a tracheotomy performed as part of his treatment for pneumonia. He initially communicated through a hand-held clicker, but later relied on a speech-generating device operated by a cheek muscle.
Despite these extreme physical limitations, Hawking achieved a great deal through a combination of personal determination, support systems, and technological aids. Hawking possessed an extraordinary intellectual drive and passion for physics. His determination to continue his research and make contributions to science never wavered, even as his physical abilities declined.
His first wife, Jane Hawking, played a crucial role in his care and support, especially in the early years of his illness. Later, a team of dedicated caregivers helped manage his daily needs.
The academic community at Cambridge University provided a supportive environment that accommodated his needs, enabling him to continue his research and teaching.
Advances in wheelchair technology allowed him greater independence and mobility. Hawking used a speech-generating device controlled initially by hand and later by a single cheek muscle. This technology enabled him to communicate complex ideas and engage with the public, write books, and give lectures. Hawking collaborated with other scientists, delegating tasks that required physical effort to colleagues and students. This collaborative approach allowed him to focus on theoretical work and conceptual thinking.
Hawking became a global figure not only for his scientific contributions but also for his ability to communicate complex scientific ideas to the public. His books, such as "A Brief History of Time," made him a best-selling author and brought cosmology to a broader audience.
Hawking's most famous discovery, Hawking radiation, demonstrated that black holes could emit radiation due to quantum effects near the event horizon. This groundbreaking idea merged principles of quantum mechanics and general relativity.
Hawking, along with Roger Penrose, developed theorems regarding the singularities at the core of black holes and the origin of the universe.
Hawking's ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner helped popularize science and inspire future generations of scientists.
If you found this video interesting or enjoyable, please consider supporting my efforts to present more such videos by clicking the Thanks button below the video screen.
David Hoffman filmmaker and father to Henry
Back when my son was nine years old, he expressed a desire to be Steven Hawking. Rather than just ask him why, I told him record why he felt that. This is that recording. Of course Stephen Hawking was still alive at this time.
Stephen Hawking (1942-2018) was a renowned British theoretical physicist, cosmologist,and author. He made significant contributions to the fields of cosmology, general relativity, and quantum gravity, particularly in the context of black holes.
Hawking was diagnosed with a rare, early-onset, slow-progressing form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, at the age of 21. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the progressive loss of muscle control. As the disease progressed, Hawking lost the ability to walk and became wheelchair-bound. Despite this, he continued his academic work and public appearances. By the mid-1980s, Hawking had lost the ability to speak due to a tracheotomy performed as part of his treatment for pneumonia. He initially communicated through a hand-held clicker, but later relied on a speech-generating device operated by a cheek muscle.
Despite these extreme physical limitations, Hawking achieved a great deal through a combination of personal determination, support systems, and technological aids. Hawking possessed an extraordinary intellectual drive and passion for physics. His determination to continue his research and make contributions to science never wavered, even as his physical abilities declined.
His first wife, Jane Hawking, played a crucial role in his care and support, especially in the early years of his illness. Later, a team of dedicated caregivers helped manage his daily needs.
The academic community at Cambridge University provided a supportive environment that accommodated his needs, enabling him to continue his research and teaching.
Advances in wheelchair technology allowed him greater independence and mobility. Hawking used a speech-generating device controlled initially by hand and later by a single cheek muscle. This technology enabled him to communicate complex ideas and engage with the public, write books, and give lectures. Hawking collaborated with other scientists, delegating tasks that required physical effort to colleagues and students. This collaborative approach allowed him to focus on theoretical work and conceptual thinking.
Hawking became a global figure not only for his scientific contributions but also for his ability to communicate complex scientific ideas to the public. His books, such as "A Brief History of Time," made him a best-selling author and brought cosmology to a broader audience.
Hawking's most famous discovery, Hawking radiation, demonstrated that black holes could emit radiation due to quantum effects near the event horizon. This groundbreaking idea merged principles of quantum mechanics and general relativity.
Hawking, along with Roger Penrose, developed theorems regarding the singularities at the core of black holes and the origin of the universe.
Hawking's ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner helped popularize science and inspire future generations of scientists.
If you found this video interesting or enjoyable, please consider supporting my efforts to present more such videos by clicking the Thanks button below the video screen.
David Hoffman filmmaker and father to Henry
