“A few years ago, the city council of Monza, Italy, barred pet owners from keeping goldfish in curved bowls... saying that it is cruel to keep a fish in a bowl with curved sides because, gazing out, the fish would have a distorted view of reality. But how do we know we have the true, undistorted picture of reality?”

Theoretical physicist and cosmologist from the UK, active in the 20th and 21st centuries. His work revolutionized the understanding of black holes, singularities, and the origins of the universe. Known for bridging complex physics with accessible public engagement, he also explored the intersection of science and philosophy.