For 53 years, Hawking has lived with a debilitating motor neuron disease. The disease was diagnosed during his first year as a doctoral student and it left him severely depressed. In the lecture, he shared a few nuggets of wisdom on how to cope with depression.
Although his doctors said Hawking won't survive past two years after his diagnosis in the early 60s, the cosmologist continued to beat the odds. The renowned theoretical physicist just turned 74 after the lecture.
Hawking's speech may have deteriorated by the late 70s and required assistance as his physical condition worsened, he was fiercely independent and unwilling to be treated any differently for his disabilities.
How to Cope With Severe Depression According to Stephen Hawking
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Stephen Hawking is without a doubt, one of the most intelligent human beings on our planet. So, it should come as no surprise that he had some brilliant wisdom to give regarding depression.
While speaking about black holes, Hawking compared the two to make a brilliant analogy. In his own words, “The message of this lecture is that black holes ain’t as black as they are painted. They are not the eternal prisons they were once thought.
“Things can get out of a black hole both on the outside and possibly to another universe. So if you feel you are in a black hole, don’t give up – there’s a way out.”
“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it. If you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don’t throw it away.”
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Image courtesy of: x-ray delta one
