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British Physicist Stephen Hawking, the most iconic and brilliant scientist of his generation, has died aged 76.

Despite a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain, leading to paralysis, Hawking was able to bring to light several groundbreaking theories in the field of quantum physics, while making the complex field accessible to millions through a series of bestselling books.

Hawking was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in 1963, after experiencing difficulties with his movements in his final year at Oxford University. He was given just two years to live by doctors at the time, but went on to live with it for more than 50 years, an incredibly long time for an ALS sufferer. Unfortunately there is still very little known about the causes of ALS, and currently no cure. You may remember the successful awareness raising campaign for ALS that went viral a couple of years back, the ‘Ice Bucket Challenge.’ $115 million dollars were raised for research into the disease, resulting in some important discoveries.

Devastated by his diagnosis, Hawking nevertheless continued his work while his physical capabilities declined. Despite all of the setbacks he encountered, he always found ways to overcome them. He got around in a motorized wheelchair, and was able to communicate through an automated speech system, which gave him his iconic, computerized voice.

As well as his achievements in the field of quantum physics, and his determined quest to find a ‘unified theory’ that would aid us in our goal to gain a ‘complete understanding of the events around us, and of our own existence,’ Hawking’s celebrity helped to popularize and bring cosmology to a whole new generation of people.

His bestselling books and appearances on TV shows such as The Simpsons and The Big Bang Theory helped to promote an enthusiasm for science that will endure well beyond his passing. He has opened the door for present and future scientists through his brilliant theories and discoveries, his determination in the face of adversity, and his inspiration to millions of people all over the world. He will be sorely missed.

Stephen Hawking has passed away at age 76

Image credits: Lwp Kommunikáció

His children gave this statement

Stephen's curious mind led him to begin studying physics at Oxford University

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Image credits: rexfeatures

Where he flourished despite finding his academic work 'ridiculously easy'

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Image credits: unknown

He met Jane Wilde, and married at the age of 23

Image credits: The Telegraph

He soon became a father of three, but by then his health has already started to deteriorate

Image credits: unknown

Doctors diagnosed him with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) when he was only 21 and gave Stephen only 2 years to live

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Image credits: Darlow Smithson Productions

Devastating news was quickly followed by paralysis and speech impairment that left him nearly mute

Image credits: Collect

He was on home care until he partnered with 'Words Plus' who helped to engineer his iconic wheelchair and soundbox

Image credits: Mirrorpix / gettyimages

Despite the grim prognosis Stephen managed to finish his thesis which has become a groundbreaking study of Black Holes

Image credits: Boston Globe / gettyimages

He later went on to discover that black holes actually emit radiation

Image credits: David Montgomery / gettyimages

Known today as Hawking radiation

Image credits: gozerog.com

Before moving into the study of quantum gravity and quantum mechanics

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Image credits: The Guardian

Writing several bestselling books on the complex subject of physics, and making the science much more accessible to the average person

Image credits: Lwp Kommunikáció

Throughout his life, Stephen has received countless awards including the Order of the Companions of Honour from the Queen

Image credits: unknown

And a Presidential Medal Of Freedom by U.S. president Barrack Obama, to name a few

Image credits: Chip Somodevilla / gettyimages

He has been hosted by people like Nelson Mandela

Image credits: AFP / gettyimages

Queen Elizabeth

Image credits: WPA Pool / gettyimages

And became a pop culture icon

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Lately, a fully fledged biopic movie was filmed which went on to win an Oscar

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Image credits: Tim P. Whitby / gettyimages

Image credits: Karwai Tang / gettyimages

Stephen died due to complications from his illness on 14th March, which is, coincidentally, also Pi Day and Albert Einstein's birthday

Image credits: AFP PHOTO

His life touched many others' and left a footprint on the scientific community as big as only a few have ever managed before

Image credits: rexfeatures

The internet was flooded with tributes to Stephen

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    #7

    Stephen Hawking Tribute

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    Nepal Holiday Treks And Tours
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    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours is founded by two brothers, Ramesh Bajgainand Pradip Bajgain in 2016, however, prior to owning their company both of them worked relentlessly in the field of tourism since 15 years. Ramesh and Pradip is an appropriate example of someone who has been greatly affected by the benefits of tourism, having not let life circumstances and hardships come in the way they established Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours with the sole purpose of giving their clients a well-worth experience. Both of them started from the basic in the field, their experience of support staff and trekking guide for many years led them to understand the business thoroughly.At present Ramesh is operating and managing Kathmandu office while Pradip is working from Germany as a liaison officer for Europe. Till date, the company has served over 100 groups of Tourists from many countries and continues to keep this stream going through with relentless efforts. Our objective through the company is to e

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    #11

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    Agnes Jekyll
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    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow. Amazing to have the opportunity to learn from Stephen Hawking

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    Lulik
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    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope so! Professor Hawkin couldn't be wasted by Universe!

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    Cactuar Jon
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    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is by far the most amazing piece of art of SH i have seen thus far <3 <3 <3

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    #26

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    Bioluminescent Jellywoman
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    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We got a babysitter and drove 60 miles through driving rain to see the movie, "A Brief History of Time" when it was released.

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    Lilly Friedman
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    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amazing how he could manage to smile even in the face of his illness.

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    #32

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    DaBigDude8
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    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The reason that there are no comments here is that everyone is speechless. RIP Stephen Hawking

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    #33

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    Ellis Clevenger
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    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, we are intelligent enough to adapt. But, damn. RIP Mr. Hawking.

    #35

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    hsfastpitch@yahoo.com
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    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    depending on what you believe, he is conferring with Albert, Isaac, and Galileo, and maybe Prossesor Proton. Humanity, Thanks You.

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    #36

    Hawking's Birthday Lines Up With Galileo's Day Of Death, And His Own Death Aligns With Einstein's Birthday. Too Bad He's No Longer Alive To Explain That Miraculous Set Of Facts.

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    Alex Craig
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    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He needed to be here and he was and he has made the world a better place.

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    #39

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    Alex Craig
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    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I agree I have cried throughout these tributes. i don't really know why but this is breaking my heart. genius is not a strong enough word with this amazing human being that was Stephen Hawking.

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    #40

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    #43

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    Jonno Wade
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    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Except that as an atheist with a great sense of humour, this sentiment would have been hilarious to him.

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    #45

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    Miriam L
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    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always have trouble comprehending the death of a famous person, but here, I felt the void as soon as I read the news. Maybe it's because my family has a strong science background, but it was so immediate to realize, or get a small picture of, the number of people who would be deeply affected by his passing and the ripple effect it would cause. Imagining all that collective loss makes me feel like I've lost someone I know personally, even though I've never even read his books

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    #46

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    #48

    Rest Easy, Stephen Hawking.

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    Joan Rogers
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    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and admiration for this remarkable man. For a man of science to have touched so many lives gives me some hope for our species. We can rise above the stupidity, pettiness and greed that defines most humans and recognize and be humbled in the face of genius. The world as we know it is a sadder place without him in it.

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    #49

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    Jonno Wade
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    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And with his steadfast non-belief in things such as souls during his lifetime, it is a perfect way to memorialize him, by wishing upon a "soul."

    #50

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    #52

    His Mind

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    #53

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    #54

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    #55

    Goodbye

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    #56

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    Alex Craig
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    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes I am crying too and never met him but it just sad he is no longer for us he is now for the cosmos. Happy travels Stephen.

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    #57

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    #58

    We Got A Babysitter And Drove 60 Miles Through Driving Rain To See The Movie, "A Brief History Of Time" When It Was Released.

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    bpanther
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    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The chicken and the egg are one and the same. As within, so without. As without, so within.

    #60

    My Black Velvet Portrait Of Dr Hawking.

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    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I sent Dr Hawking an 18"x24" color copy of the painting when I did it back in pre-digital times. The letter I received in response is hanging on my wall next to my letter from Nelson Mandela.

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    #61

    Lucasian Professor Of Mathematics

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    #62

    Honoring Stephen Hawking

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    #63

    Stephen Hawking 1942 - 2018

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    Carol Schulz LaDeaux
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    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm pretty sure I get what this is saying, but could you give a brief description of the piece? Thanks! :)

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    #64

    We Miss You And We Will See You In The Cosmos

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