A life of paradox

摘要

THE most recognisable scientist of our age, Stephen Hawking had an iconic status. His genre-defining book, A Brief History of Time, has sold more than 10 million copies, and has been translated into more than 35 languages. He appeared on TV shows Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Big Bang Theory and, in cartoon form, The Simpsons. His early life was the subject of an Oscar-winning performance by Eddie Redmayne in the 2014 film The Theory of Everything. He was routinely consulted for his oracular pronouncements on everything from time travel and alien life to the perils of artificial intelligence and the state of the UK's National Health Service. He had an endearing sense of humour and a daredevil attitude - relatable human traits that, combined with his seemingly superhuman mind, seared him on the public consciousness.