Stephen Hawking (1942–2018) was a renowned British theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author, celebrated for his work on black holes and the origins of the universe. He held the prestigious Lucasian Professorship of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, a position once held by Isaac Newton. Despite being diagnosed with ALS in his early 20s, which left him almost entirely paralyzed, Hawking continued to contribute groundbreaking research in physics and became an influential figure in popular science through his books such as A Brief History of Time.

Hawking’s work aimed to make complex scientific theories accessible to the public. His final book, Brief Answers to the Big Questions, reflects his lifelong fascination with the cosmos and humanity’s place within it. His profound insights into the future of artificial intelligence, space colonization, and the nature of reality continue to inspire both scientists and the general public alike.