Hawking On Suicide: "While There Is Life, There Is Hope"
By
Dave Reynolds, Inclusion Daily Express
December 11, 2006
JERUSALEM,
ISRAEL--Professor Stephen Hawking made light of his disability and celebrity
status Monday, but said he would never consider suicide, during an interview
for an Israeli talk show.
According to the International Herald Tribune, the astrophysicist who
was diagnosed more than 40 years ago with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a form
of progressive motor neuron disease commonly known as 'Lou Gehrig's Disease',
said that the only good thing about his disability was that "I do not get put
on a lot of boring committees."
The Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University, considered by many
to be the greatest scientist of his time, is paralyzed except for the use of
some facial muscles. He now speaks through a computerized voice synthesizer,
which he controls through sensors by moving his cheek.
"The downside of my celebrity is that I cannot go anywhere in the world
without being recognized," Hawking said.
"It is not enough for me to wear dark sunglasses and a wig. The
wheelchair gives me away. People want to be photographed with me, but it can be
a nuisance when I am in a hurry."
When asked if he had ever considered taking his own life because of his
condition, Hawking replied: "I think a person should have a right to end their
life if they want, but I think it would be a great mistake."
"However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do and
succeed at. While there is life, there is hope."
Related:
Stephen Hawking's Website
http://www.hawking.org.uk
"Hawking's
Visit Had Powerful Impact On Accessibility" February 20, 2001 (Inclusion Daily
Express Archives)
http://www.inclusiondaily.com/news/advocacy/india.htm#022001
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with Inclusion Daily Express international disability rights news service.
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