Does Stephen Hawking give autographs?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the topic of whether Stephen Hawking gives autographs, particularly in the context of attending one of his talks. Participants explore the practicalities of his ability to sign autographs and share anecdotes related to his communication methods and public appearances.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about potentially offending Hawking and questions his ability to give autographs.
  • Another participant asserts that Hawking does not give autographs due to his physical limitations, stating he can only move his eyes and a cheek muscle.
  • Some humor is introduced with the suggestion that Hawking might give "audiographs."
  • There is a discussion about how Hawking communicates, with one participant noting that he used to use a joystick but now relies on a cheek switch due to the progression of his illness.
  • Several participants mention the significance of Hawking holding Isaac Newton's chair, with comments on the prestige associated with it and humorous remarks about its condition.
  • A participant shares their experience of attending a talk, mentioning they did not get a photo with Hawking but took pictures of him and noted a signed document with a smudge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether Hawking gives autographs, with some asserting he does not due to his physical condition, while others humorously suggest alternatives. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the practicality of obtaining an autograph.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference Hawking's communication methods and physical limitations, which may depend on individual interpretations and assumptions about his condition and capabilities.

Ben Niehoff
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I'm going to a talk he's giving tonight, and I don't want to offend him somehow. I also don't know if he actually can, practically speaking...
 
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Given that the guy can only move his eyes and his cheek muscle, no, he does not give autographs!
 
Maybe he gives audiographs.
 
hmmm, just wondering. How does he communicate then? I thought he could move his hands enough to controls a joystick or something. Surely he didnt morsecode eye blink his books? :)
 
FredericGos said:
hmmm, just wondering. How does he communicate then? I thought he could move his hands enough to controls a joystick or something. Surely he didnt morsecode eye blink his books? :)
He used to have a joystick but his illness has progressed so he can now only move a switch with his cheek.
The software uses something like the predictive texting on a mobile phone but it's still pretty long winded to get an answer.

On the plus side he isn't such a menace to cyclists anymore :-p
 
Sure he does. I got him to sign this post:

Stephen Hawking, Ph.D.
 
maybe you could get a photo with the guy
 
Brilliant! said:
Sure he does. I got him to sign this post:

Stephen Hawking, Ph.D.
This is funny, because it seems that he would care about the "PhD" title. Please realize that a PhD is awarded by academic institutions. The vast majority of academic institutions out there would be happy if Stephen Hawking would award them a compliment ! Stephen Hawking holds Isaac Newton's chair.
 
humanino said:
Stephen Hawking holds Isaac Newton's chair.

and their administrative skills are both legendary
 
  • #10
humanino said:
Stephen Hawking holds Isaac Newton's chair.
Although he seems to have had it 'pimped' since then.
 
Last edited:
  • #11
mgb_phys said:
Although he seems to have had it 'pimped' since then.

LOL. Not even Newton could have imagined how the chair wouldve been. Who know what it will be in another 200 years... time travel anyone? :O
 
  • #12
humanino said:
This is funny, because it seems that he would care about the "PhD" title. Please realize that a PhD is awarded by academic institutions. The vast majority of academic institutions out there would be happy if Stephen Hawking would award them a compliment ! Stephen Hawking holds Isaac Newton's chair.
If he can't move his hands, how is he holding up that chair?

Bolted to his wheelchair, I assume.
 
  • #13
You are incredibly lucky to get to go see hims speak, I'd love to see that.

I second the photo idea.
 
  • #14
Well, I didn't get a chance for a photo at all. I took photos of him, but I never got near him. It was a nice speech, though.

And in one slide he showed us the official bet with Thorne and Preskill. He did sign that document, with a smudge (that was probably a fingerprint).
 

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