Book Quote by Stephen Hawking
“Someone told me that each equation I included in the book would halve the sales.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: BBC Horizon, 1995
Including complex equations in a popular book may deter readers, reducing sales.
In simple terms: Too many equations can hurt book sales.
Key Takeaway
Simplify technical content for broader appeal.
Themes
communication
science
publishing
accessibility
Mood
informative
cautious
Type
educational
practical
When to use this quote
- science writing
- education
- marketing
Key Concepts
science communication
public engagement
Questions to Reflect On
- How much technical detail is appropriate?
- What strategies keep readers engaged?
A Different Perspective
Oversimplification may sacrifice accuracy.
![“Geometry, which should only obey Physics, when united with it sometimes commands it. If it happens that the question which we wish to examine is too complicated for all the elements to be able to enter into the analytical comparison we wish to make, we separate the more inconvenient [elements], we…” quote by Jean le Rond d'Alembert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d9/jean-le-rond-d-alembert-26487_able_geometry-which-should-only-obey-physics_6945.jpg)
![“[On President Bush's plan to get to Mars in 10 years] Stupid. Robots would do a better job and be much cheaper because you don't have to bring them back.” quote by Stephen Hawking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4f9/stephen-hawking-389_better-job_on-president-bush-s-plan-to-get-to-mars_42167.jpg)
