What is Stephen Hawking's IQ?

Stephen Hawking is regarded as one of the most intelligent men of our time. His professional pursuits included physics and cosmology, and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century.

Making groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of black holes, the Big Bang theory, and the nature of time and space, he was also known for his work on the unification of the laws of physics and his popular books on science, which made complex scientific subjects accessible to a wide audience.

Hawking's Life

Stephen Hawking was born on January 8th, 1942, in Oxford, England. He studied at University College, Oxford and Trinity College, and eventually Cambridge, where he earned his Doctorate in Cosmology.

At the age of 21, Hawking was diagnosed with a rare form of motor neuron disease called ALS. Despite this dire diagnosis, he went on to make a number of innovative contributions to the fields of physics and cosmology, including his discovery that black holes emit radiation (also called Hawking radiation), and his work on the concept of cosmic inflation.

Hawking was a celebrated author, writing several popular books including "A Brief History of Time", which has sold millions of copies worldwide. He was awarded a number of honors and awards throughout his life, including the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.

Stephen Hawking IQ: More Intelligent Than Most?

Hawking was and still is, considered one of the most intelligent people of his generation. While many would love to have an exact number, it is only estimated that the Stephen Hawking IQ measured over 160, as he never actually took an IQ test. Much like his intelligent counterpart Albert Einstein, he was far too busy with experiments and studies to take an IQ test.

It remains clear that he possessed a rare level of intelligence and a thorough understanding of complex mathematical and scientific concepts. His contributions to theoretical physical and cosmology continue to challenge ever-changing theories about the origins and expansion of the universe we live in.

Stephen also had a very unique ability to explain complex scientific ideas in a clear and accessible way, which brought difficult scientific concepts within reach of the common man. His work was widely understood and appreciated by scientists and wider audiences alike.

While intelligence is not the only factor that contributes to his discoveries, it certainly played a part in yielding him some of the notoriety that he gained in his lifetime. It's no doubt that determination, hard work, and a passion for the subjects he studied also played a large role in his success. Hawking's story is truly a testament to the power of the human spirit and the ability to overcome adversity.

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Little Known Facts About Hawking

The fascinating contributions Hawking made to science and society in general are extraordinary, though he came from humble beginnings. Here are some little known facts about the intellectual giant you might enjoy knowing as you try to relate to him.

He Was An Ordinary Student

Despite erroneous beliefs that Hawking was always destined for greatness, his elementary school scores indicate that he was just an average student. It wasn't necessarily that he was unintelligent, but he was not motivated by a desire to demonstrate excellence in learning. He spent much time in exploration of the world around him, and was far too interested in how things worked than in mastering pencil and paper tests.

He Experienced An Epiphany After ALS Diagnosis

His late teen years were fraught with clumsiness and lack of physical coordination that concerned his family greatly. After a two-week hospitalization and subsequent testing, he received the heartbreaking diagnosis of ALS at the young age of 21. While that may have thrown others not so strong into a mental and emotional tailspin, he had the privilege of meeting and befriending many terminally ill children in the hospital that gave him a new appreciation of life in general and the time he had left.

He Is Not A MENSA Member

The Stephen Hawking IQ is not among the elite numbers of the MENSA organization. According to this oldest high-IQ society in the world, group leaders asked him to join their society, and he refused. Though he was more than qualified to join their ranks, he refused to boast about his high intelligence during his lifetime, claiming that "people who boast about their IQ are losers".

He Has The Best Of Both Worlds

It is theorized that those with high intelligence do not have the luxury of laying claim to common sense and humor, though Hawking charmingly displayed all three talents and traits during his lifetime. He capitalized on popular appeal and made guest appearances on shows such as Star Trek, The Simpsons, and The Big Bang Theory. His triumph over adversity and involvement in public outreach attracted millions of fans.

He Experienced Zero Gravity

In 2007, Hawking had the opportunity to travel on a flight with the Zero Gravity Corporation. The airline launched a plane carrying Hawking and several others into the air, committing to a free fall that would allow passengers to experience the effects of zero gravity. He described it as one of the "highlights" of his life.

He Was The Author of Children's Books

Hawking partnered with daughter Lucy to write a three-book compilation of children's space adventures. In the series, a character named George travels the galaxies to unravel the mysteries and attributes of black holes.

He Has Many Distinguished Awards

• Gold Medal For Science Pius XI

• Albert Einstein Award

• Hughes Medal

• Commander of the British Empire

• Companion of Honor for National Service

• Presidential Medal of Freedom

Despite many of these achievements, he was never nominated for or awarded a Nobel Prize.

Amazing Man, Amazing Achievements

Despite a number of adverse life experiences, physical and emotional challenges, Stephen Hawking's contributions to society are numerous and significant. Not one to back down in the face of adversity, he took what life offered him and made something great for himself and others. While not many of us can boast an IQ comparable to Hawking, we have talents and potentials that can make a difference in society if we follow our passions and carve out a unique purpose that uses our natural gifts and abilities to make life better for others.

Amazing Man, Amazing Achievements

Despite a number of adverse life experiences, physical and emotional challenges, Stephen Hawking's contributions to society are numerous and significant. Not one to back down in the face of adversity, he took what life offered him and made something great for himself and others. While not many of us can boast an IQ comparable to Hawking, we have talents and potentials that can make a difference in society if we follow our passions and carve out a unique purpose that uses our natural gifts and abilities to make life better for others.

Know Your Talents, Test Your Intelligence!

Are you curious about the kind of raw, untapped potential that you hold as you contemplate the mysteries of life? Perhaps taking some intelligence and aptitude tests will yield you more information about possible careers and pathways to uncover a true purpose for you. While there's no need to achieve the perfect intelligence test score, you can begin right now to take inventory of what you have to offer your communities and the larger world as a whole.

Curious about what your future holds for you? Do you have a thorough understanding of your unique talents and abilities? Use what you have and rise to greatness, like Stephen Hawking did.