We only have to look at ourselves to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn't want to meet.
We could call order by the name of God, but it would be an impersonal God. There's not much personal about the laws of physics.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that while we can attribute order in the universe to a divine being, this concept is detached and does not reflect personal characteristics.
Stephen Hawking's quote reflects on the idea that the laws of physics, which govern the universe, can be viewed as a form of order that can be associated with a higher power. However, this association is described as 'impersonal' because the fundamental laws are cold, systematic, and lack the warmth or personal connection typically associated with a deity. It challenges the traditional notion of God as a personal entity and invites contemplation about the nature of order and the universe.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on the intersection of science and spirituality, one might use this quote to provoke thought.
More from Stephen Hawking
All quotes βI regard the brain as a computer which will stop working when its components fail. There is no heaven or afterlife for broken down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark.
It surprises me how disinterested we are today about things like physics, space, the universe and philosophy of our existence, our purpose, our final destination. Its a crazy world out there. Be curious.
I was not a good student. I did not spend much time at college; I was too busy enjoying myself.
The world has changed far more in the past 100 years than in any other century in history. The reason is not political or economic but technological-technologies that flowed directly from advances in basic science. Clearly, no scientist better represents those advances than Albert Einstein: TIME's Person of the Century.
In my opinion, there is no aspect of reality beyond the reach of the human mind.
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You make observations, write theories to fit them, try experiments to disprove the theories and, if you can't, you've got something.
I am an enthusiast, but not a crank in the sense that I have some pet theories as to the proper construction of a flying machine. I wish to avail myself of all that is already known and then, if possible, add my mite to help on the future worker who will attain final success.