We only have to look at ourselves to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn't want to meet.
Time travel used to be thought of as just science fiction, but Einstein's general theory of relativity allows for the possibility that we could warp space-time so much that you could go off in a rocket and return before you set out.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that time travel, once considered only a fantasy, may be possible due to scientific principles outlined in Einstein's theory of relativity.
Stephen Hawking's quote emphasizes the extraordinary implications of Einstein's general theory of relativity, proposing that the fabric of space-time can be manipulated in ways that challenge our conventional understanding of time. This opens up the idea that time travel may not just belong in the realm of science fiction, but rather could become a reality through advances in science and technology.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a science class discussing relativity, a teacher might quote Hawking to inspire students about the potential of scientific exploration.
More from Stephen Hawking
All quotes →I 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.
Similar quotes
There is a great difference between discoveries and inventions. With discoveries, one can always be skeptical, and many surprises can take place. In the case of inventions, surprises can really only occur for people who have not had anything to do with it.
A lot of the time, when I find myself critiquing scientific accuracy in movies, I have to remind myself that it had to get close enough to getting it right to get things wrong.
The real purpose of the scientific method is to make sure nature hasn’t misled you into thinking you know something you actually don’t know.
Mathematics allows for no hypocrisy and no vagueness.
Wind power, if not properly planned and sited, can harm birds and bats (although Danish studies of 10,000 bird kills revealed that almost all died in collisions with buildings, cars and wires; only 10 were killed by windmills). Alternative energy sources are absolutely necessary. Global warming will kill birds and bats, as well as other species, in much greater numbers than wind power.
Most institutions demand unqualified faith; but the institution of science makes skepticism a virtue.