Research & Sources
The Sourced Stephen Hawking Quotations Archive
A reference archive of genuine Stephen Hawking quotations, each attributed to its original source: the book, interview or lecture it came from. Verify what he actually said.
Last reviewed 23 May 2026 · How we research
The internet is full of quotations attributed to Stephen Hawking, and a great many of them are misquoted, paraphrased, or simply invented. This archive collects genuine, verifiable quotations and, crucially, attributes each one to its original source. Where a popular line is doubtful or misattributed, we say so. Our approach to sourcing is set out in our sources and method.
On life and human curiosity
On the importance of curiosity, from a 2010 interview with Diane Sawyer: he advised remembering to look up at the stars and not down at your feet, and to be curious. The sentiment recurs throughout his work and is explored on the page of quotes on life.
In A Brief History of Time (1988), reflecting on why the universe exists, he closed the book with the celebrated line about hoping to know "the mind of God," meaning, as he later clarified, the fundamental laws of nature rather than any deity. See did Hawking believe in God? for the full context.
On disability and resilience
From his public statements on living with disability, frequently repeated in interviews: his advice was to concentrate on the things his condition did not prevent him doing, and not to be disabled in spirit as well as physically. This theme is collected under quotes on disability and resilience.
On intelligence and adaptability
A widely shared line, "Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change," is very commonly attributed to Hawking. It is worth a note of caution: despite its popularity, this quotation has never been reliably traced to any of his books, papers or recorded talks, and its attribution to him is doubtful. We include it here precisely because it is so often wrongly cited.
On death
From a 2011 interview with The Guardian: he said he was not afraid of death but was in no hurry to die, adding that he had so much he wanted to do first. He also likened the brain to a computer that will stop working when its components fail, describing the afterlife as a fairy story for people afraid of the dark. These are explored on the page about what Hawking thought about death.
On the future and humanity
From Brief Answers to the Big Questions (2018) and related lectures, he urged that humanity must spread out into space to survive, and warned about the risks of artificial intelligence and of contacting alien civilisations. His reflections on the future are gathered under quotes on the future.
On science and understanding
From Black Holes and Baby Universes (1993) and many talks, he spoke of his goal as a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all. His scientific outlook is collected under quotes on science.
On humour
Hawking was known for his wit. From various interviews and appearances, including his cameos in popular culture, he deployed dry humour about his condition, his fame and the universe alike. Examples are gathered under quotes on humour.
A note on verification
We list quotations here only where they can be traced to a credible source: one of his books, a recorded interview, a lecture, or a documented public statement. We deliberately flag famous lines whose attribution is doubtful rather than repeat them as fact. If you believe any attribution here is mistaken, please contact us and we will review it.