What did Stephen Hawking do?

Once upon a time, Stephen Hawking was just another schoolboy. He didn’t have the sort of sparkling early academic career you'd expect from a Grade-A genius. He didn't learn to read properly until the age of 8, and his grades were never better than the average scores of his classmates. Outside of school his pursuits included board games, and he and a few close friends even created new games. During his teens, Hawking, along with several friends, built a computer for solving mathematical equations. He entered University College at Oxford University at the age of 17.

Unfortunately, at the university, he began to notice problems with his physical health. For the most part, Hawking kept these symptoms to himself. But when his father realised the condition, he took him to a doctor. They said he was in the early stages of ALS, a degenerative motor-neuron disease. The nerves that controlled his muscles had started to shut down. At just 21, he was given two and a half years to live. The news was devastating to him and his family but he decided not to waste time: there were still things to do with his life.

Hawking did not let his condition stop him from achieving his goals. “I am quite often asked: ‘How do you feel about having ALS?’ The answer is, not a lot,” Hawking said. “I try to lead as normal a life as possible, and not think about my condition, or regret the things it prevents me from doing, which are not that many.” Thus, he became a brilliant physicist. He taught us many things about the solar system. His books helped everyday people understand complex concepts. In a sense, Hawking's disease helped him become the important scientist he is today.

Hawking’s life story is an inspiration to everyone, especially those who are struggling with a chronic or serious illness. His positive thinking, focusing on what can be accomplished, taking advantage of the time, and ignoring the difficulties, can be taught in all areas of life.