“When people ask me if a god created the universe, I tell them that the question itself makes no sense. Time didn’t exist before the big bang, so there is no time for god to make the universe in. It’s like asking directions to the edge of the earth; The Earth is a sphere; it doesn’t have an edge; so looking for it is a futile exercise. We are each free to believe what we want, and it’s my view that the simplest explanation is; there is no god. No one created our universe,and no one directs our fate. This leads me to a profound realization; There is probably no heaven, and no afterlife either. We have this one life to appreciate the grand design of the universe, and for that I am extremely grateful.”

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Originally said in English.

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About Stephen Hawking

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.

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"When people ask me if a god created the universe, I tell them that th…" — Stephen Hawking | Daily Quotes