Stephen Hawking, scientist: “I don’t think humanity will survive the next thousand years, at least not without us spreading into space”

Stephen Hawking, one of the most influential scientists of the modern era, dedicated his life not only to unlocking the universe’s secrets but also to contemplating humanity’s future.

Hawking’s warning for humanity

He famously warned, “I don’t think the human race will survive the next thousand years, unless we spread into space.” This stark statement reflected one of his deepest concerns: the vulnerability of our species in the face of its own innovations and threats.

Born in Oxford in 1942, Hawking became a leading figure in theoretical physics and cosmology. His groundbreaking work on black holes, particularly his prediction of what is now called Hawking radiation, reshaped our scientific understanding of the cosmos.

A life defined by resilience

At 21, Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that gradually restricted his movement and speech. Despite grim medical predictions, he defied the odds for decades. Rather than withdrawing, he turned his personal challenges into a platform to champion knowledge, international cooperation, and space exploration as tools for human survival.

Hawking repeatedly warned about existential threats including climate change, nuclear war, pandemics, uncontrolled artificial intelligence, and overpopulation.

Space essential for survival

For Hawking, space exploration was not a dream lifted from science fiction but a practical necessity. He argued that expanding into space and eventually colonizing other planets was essential to ensure humanity’s long-term survival. “We have to continue exploring space for the future of humanity,” he said, emphasizing that scientific ingenuity must be paired with ethical responsibility.

Stephen Hawkings’ legacy

Hawking was also a master communicator. Books like “A Brief History of Time” brought complex scientific ideas to the general public, cementing his role as a global thinker. His legacy extends beyond equations and theories, carrying a clear message: knowledge is humanity’s most powerful survival tool.

Stephen Hawking passed away in 2018, but his warnings continue to resonate. For him, looking to the stars was not just about curiosity, it was a bet on the future of humankind.

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