Stephen Hawking was an extraordinary person. The mathematical physicist transformed theories of gravity, black holes and the universe while overcoming severe physical disability to become one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century. Although he communicated through a computer, he also became one of the world’s most famous science communicators.

Although Hawking’s theories have not yet been empirically tested, the questions he asked and the methods he developed continue to influence physics. His courage and concern for humanity also made him a symbol of resilience for people facing adversity.

Graham Farmello’s meticulously researched and highly readable biography is dedicated to “anyone considering giving up on life.” The book tells the story of how Hawking overcame physical limitations to make and popularize groundbreaking contributions to science. It also explores the outgoing personality, humor and friendships that were central to his success.

Hawking’s insight and determination continue to inspire the people who knew him. Fortunately, I became a close friend when I worked with him at the University of Cambridge in England in 1996 and, like many others, benefited from his warm and generous spirit.

Farmello’s book chronicles Hawking’s dedication to his students and colleagues, his kindness and support for them, and the ways they supported him in return. It offers a balanced account of the many ups and downs of his life, including the breakdown of his two marriages and the dangerous situations created by his frail health.

Just as Hawking began his doctoral studies and felt he had found his calling, he was diagnosed with motor neuron disease and given two to three years to live. He ultimately defied the odds and lived to the age of 76.

Hawking chose to study one of the most difficult areas of science: the application of Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity to understanding how gravity governs the universe. General relativity is perhaps the most sophisticated scientific theory ever devised, but it is extremely difficult to treat mathematically. Hawking used his deep geometrical insights to master its complex equations and obtain powerful results.

After gaining worldwide recognition for his scientific work, Hawking published a best-selling book in 1988, A Brief History of Time, which generated enormous public interest in cosmology. He sometimes overreached, lost bets, changed his mind and, towards the end of his life, held on to the unlikely hope of winning a Nobel Prize. Farmello covers all of this with skill. His frank, calm and objective tone provides a welcome antidote to the hysteria that characterized much of the coverage of Hawking before his death.

Stephen Hawking’s Social Justice Concerns

It would be impossible to discuss such a rich life without making some omissions. The book underestimates Hawking’s broader concerns. He had a natural affinity for people facing difficult circumstances and used his influence to support them. For example, there is little mention of his efforts to support social justice in South Africa and the Palestinian territories.

Hawking had a close friendship with Roelof Botha, who served as South Africa’s foreign minister from 1977 to 1994 and played a pivotal role in negotiations to end apartheid. In 2008, Hawking became a patron and strong supporter of the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in Muizenberg, South Africa, which I helped found in 2003.

When Hawking visited AIMS in 2008, he also met former South African President Nelson Mandela. During the visit, Hawking expressed his hope that Israel and the Palestinian territories would follow South Africa’s example of reconciliation. He had visited Birzeit University in the Palestinian territories in 2006 to widespread local acclaim and later publicly opposed the direction of Israeli policy.

In 1997, Hawking visited Vietnam, another country affected by decades of war. He told me that it was a wonderful visit and later became the godfather of a Vietnamese orphan, Tu Nhan, who visited him in Cambridge. These are just a few examples of Hawking’s global interests and diverse experiences.

Stephen Hawking’s Early Interest in Physics and Mathematics

Farmello explains how Hawking became interested in physics and mathematics at school. He gained admission to Oxford University in England, where he was considered bright but lazy. He dabbled in politics but spent much of his time partying, rowing and pulling pranks.

At the end of his second year, Hawking became interested in cosmology and attended a summer school at the Royal Greenwich Observatory in Herstmonceux, England. He then decided to apply for a PhD at Cambridge University, hoping to work with the famous cosmologist Fred Hoyle. Despite doing little work, he received a first-class degree at Oxford and was accepted to study with the young theorist Dennis Sciama at Cambridge. Sciama proved to be an excellent adviser.

As Hawking’s health deteriorated, he became determined to do something important. During the first two years of his doctoral programme, he studied general relativity. His talent was becoming clear, but he had not yet focused on a specific problem.

Things changed when Roger Penrose made mathematical advances showing how stars above a certain mass collapse to form black holes, according to Einstein’s theory. Sciama invited Penrose to give a seminar in Cambridge, and Hawking was one of several students who met him. Soon afterwards, Hawking realized how to extend Penrose’s method to cosmology and the Big Bang.

PhD students in theoretical physics commonly spend most of their time studying the field and may feel unable to produce original work. In many cases, their research only comes to fruition in their final year. Hawking was a notable example.

Inspired by Penrose’s lecture, he submitted a paper titled Nature of the Expanding Universe. Sciama appointed Penrose as Hawking’s external examiner. Although Penrose discovered an error in the final chapter of the paper, he was impressed and became one of Hawking’s strongest supporters.

Farmello’s carefully researched account of this important early period is a welcome addition to the 2014 film All Theory. The film captures the spirit of Hawking’s life, and Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal is compelling, but it lacks the details of the period. When I asked Hawking whether he liked the movie, he raised an eyebrow and said, “Yes.” When I asked how accurate it was, he replied, “Pure fiction.”

The Search for Experimental Evidence