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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.
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Books by Stephen Hawking
A Brief History of Time
1989
George's Secret Key to the Universe
2007
A Briefer History of Time
2008
The Universe in a Nutshell
2001
The Grand Design
2010