The hype over Hawking

Chris E — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 02:19:40 GMT

There's a caution to be expressed here about Stephen’s eventual sub-orbital ride. Yes, it would be great for us all to do that, but what if something happens. When you're a person in his position and can help change the world, do you risk that for any reason? If the industry was struggling, maybe then his going would help spur travelers and that would ultimately lead to better access to space for all. That would be a worthy goal to risk, but Virgin Galactic already has thousands of people signed up for these flights. The industry is not struggling and if there were an accident involving him, it would hurt the industry far more than a successful mission would help.

The hype over Hawking

Greg Collins, Barrington IL., Ventura Ca. — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 04:48:57 GMT

This is fantastic news Stephen Hawking is a personal hero of mine no one deserves to go more than him.Few people have contributed more to humanity that Stephen Hawking. I would love to help him, however ------- sub-prime lender has stolen several hundred thousand from me and caused a million plus in collateral damage . Since I can't send him it would be great if someone like Bill Gates or Warren Buffet could help put him on the fast track to space. Shocked and disgusted to see a pop culture chef mentioned in the same breath as one of the greatest people anywhere in the world since the beginning of human history.

Thank you so much Peter Diamandis and Zero Gravity!

The hype over Hawking

Wayne, Alamogordo, NM — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 14:37:06 GMT

I enjoyed reading Mr. Hawking's text transcript that is posted in this article. Here's a man who has overcome severe physical handicaps to become a true leader in his field. He is an inspiration for us all.

I don't believe we'll ever know exactly how our universe was formed, but by digging ever deeper into the mysteries of science and physics maybe someday we'll as least understand some of the mechanics behind it. The why is also a mystery that the human race will have to continually contend with until we either destroy ourselves, an asteroid or comet takes us out, our sun goes into its Red Giant phase, or God comes to take us away. And God, it you're listening, make it soon. This old body is wearing out fast.

The hype over Hawking

John C — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 14:40:44 GMT

I hope Dr. Hawking DOES get a lift into space. Even if it might kill him; he deserves it [the ride into space part I mean].

The hype over Hawking

Shaun Hansel, Pennsylvania, USA — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 15:23:37 GMT

Honestly, I don't see anything wrong with your original statements. These people are focusing on the disease. Stephen Hawking doesn't focus on his disease, he focuses on physics.

To say that Stephen Hawking is NOT suffering from his disease is more offensive. How in the world do they know he isn't suffering? Because he is rich, famous, and a pure genius? Rich, famous, smart people can't feel bad about certain negative aspects of their own lives? I would say that Stephen Hawking does suffer from ALS, but that he does not allow his suffering to impede his work or his passion. Would this statement not put him in a more heroic light? As an atheist, I hate to pull this one but, didn't Jesus suffer? I'm pretty sure that's how the story goes, and I'm also pretty sure that his suffering didn't stop him from doing his thing. But, I guess that is the problem with fundamentalists. They tend to care more about the misery than the heroism.

In light of the recent Imus controversy, I'll add another. If Stephen were black, would we feel the need to say so? Would we, after saying "black," then feel the need to change it to "African-American," or rather, "African-Briton?" Who cares, he's a great physicist, regardless of any other factor, and most certainly, regardless of physical appearance and circumstance.

And, come on now, there is absolutely no difference between "Made him" quadriplegic, and "has turned him into a" quadriplegic. Both statements convey the same meaning.

Stephen Hawking is a physicist first and a quadriplegic, ALS patient last. You people are missing the forest for the trees.

Soapbox: Vacancy.

The hype over Hawking

ron--toronto — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 17:43:15 GMT

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease.Lou Gehrig died of this disease,and so did my neighbor.I don't believe he cared what you called it.Anyway,congratulations to Stephen Hawking.May he enjoy thehell out of what he's doing.

The hype over Hawking

Ed Daniels — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 20:51:38 GMT

I disagree with Deanna Holt's comments and inferences about someone with Motor Neuron Disease "not suffering." It may be easier for a special education teacher to "think positive," but surely almost everyone with a disability including Stephen Hawking would be better far off not being disabled.

The hype over Hawking

Frank Glover, Rochester, NY — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 21:30:40 GMT

To Chris: I understand your point, but then, how does Stephen Hawking (or anyone like him, famous for actually producing something constructive) just get to be a guy who goes and does something interesting that he simply wants to do?

I know he enjoys mystery novels and has other interests. He's not a theoretical physicist 24-7. Do we have the right to say to an adult of (very) sound mind: "You can't take even this moderate risk, you're too important?"

Would we say it if he didn't have ALS? Would we say it to a person with ALS, of no particular noteriety?

The hype over Hawking

JC, Fairbanks, AK — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:01:25 GMT

Chris E: Dr. Hawking has done his part and more for humankind. His decisions are surely his own to make. I only wish he'd take Arthur C. Clarke 'upstairs' with him....

The hype over Hawking

Chris E — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 03:05:34 GMT

Thanks for the feedback JC and Frank! I know one of his most important goals in life is to try to encourage humanity to become a two-planet species. He may not have many years and if he could indeed encourage that, I'm all for it! I don't like the idea of manned ‘exploration,’ but indeed colonization (even if it starts through tourism) is something that I am all for over the next few centuries. I don't think I'd mind him going as much if Virgin Galactic had hundreds of safe flights under their belt, say, after the first few years. But isn't Hawking going on that companies first year?

On a random side note, as far as dedicating oneself to the betterment of society, I don't think many people realize that people like monks aren't necessarily against being married or sex or anything like that by any means. It's just that those things complicate one's life and take away from their duty to serve others. Professional people are often like this about their research and careers, which is a lot more important to them than anything else. Anyway…

The hype over Hawking

John, PA — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 21:34:50 GMT

If anyone should have an encounter with the heavens, it's Dr. Hawking. I hold him in high regards on the same level as Einstein, Newton, and the likes. In addition to making history in science, it's a landmark for people with disabilities, and I'm very proud. To everyone in accommodating this watershed event, my hat's off to you.

The hype over Hawking

Mike Roach, Fairfield, MT — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:19:42 GMT

Despite what one of the other posters declared, ALS is NOT always fatal. Patients have the option of extending their lives INDEFINITELY by means of tracheostomy ventilation. Most do not, but this option is available.

The hype over Hawking

Haddayr Copley-Woods, Minneapolis, Minn., U.S.A. — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 20:57:45 GMT

I came across the blog post late. You say "for what it's worth," you've revised your article.

For me, it's worth a lot. Every time anyone, able-bodied or not, pay attention to language like this and writes about disabled people as people first and disability second, and removes pitying language, it helps fewer people to stare at me like I have seven heads when I'm out in my chair. So, a very personal thank-you. Much appreciated.