“There is no heaven or afterlife for broken-down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark.”

Share & Save

Meaning

The quote compares a broken-down computer to a person at the end of life and rejects the idea of an afterlife. It suggests that belief in heaven is a comforting story rather than something supported by evidence. The wording is deliberately blunt and skeptical.

When It Was Said

2011

Who It Was Said To

Not documented yet.

Historical Context

Not documented yet.

Source

As quoted in "Stephen Hawking: 'There is no heaven; it's a fairy story'" by Ian Sample, in ''The Guardian'' (15 May 2011)

Original Language & Translation

Originally said in English.

Did They Really Say It?

Listed with a cited source on Wikiquote.

Did You Know?

Wikiquote cites this quote as appearing in an article by Ian Sample in The Guardian.

About Stephen Hawking

English theoretical astrophysicist, cosmologist, and author

Stephen Hawking was an English theoretical astrophysicist, cosmologist, and author. He was director of research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge, and from 1979 to 2009 he held the Lucasian Professorship of Mathematics there. He is known for his work in theoretical astrophysics and cosmology, as well as for his writing. His career was closely associated with Cambridge, where he occupied a post widely regarded as among the most prestigious in academic life.

More from Stephen Hawking (238 quotes) →

READ THE SOURCE

Books by Stephen Hawking

A Brief History of Time

1989

VIEW ON AMAZON

George's Secret Key to the Universe

2007

VIEW ON AMAZON

A Briefer History of Time

2008

VIEW ON AMAZON

The Universe in a Nutshell

2001

VIEW ON AMAZON

The Grand Design

2010

VIEW ON AMAZON