Skip to content

Disaster Quote by Stephen Hawking

“For years, my early work with Roger Penrose seemed to be a disaster for science. It showed that the universe must have begun with a singularity, if Einstein's general theory of relativity is correct. That appeared to indicate that science could not predict how the universe would begin.” quote by Stephen Hawking
Download Open image
“For years, my early work with Roger Penrose seemed to be a disaster for science. It showed that the universe must have begun with a singularity, if Einstein's general theory of relativity is correct. That appeared to indicate that science could not predict how the universe would begin.”

Stephen Hawking

About This Quote

Source Book: A Brief History of Time, 1988

The early work suggested a singularity start, implying limits of scientific prediction about the universe's origin.

In simple terms: Science may not explain the universe's beginning.

Key Takeaway

Accept unknown limits.

Themes

cosmology science philosophy

Mood

curious thoughtful

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • research discussions
  • public lectures
  • education
  • philosophical debates

Key Concepts

singularity predictability theory of relativity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does this mean for the role of theory in science?
  • How should we handle unknowable aspects of reality?
A Different Perspective

Science can still progress despite unsolvable questions.

2.6 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Stephen Hawking

Explore all 601 Stephen Hawking quotes

More Disaster quotes

Browse all 2,239 Disaster quotes