Medal of Freedom for Steven Hawking !

britexpat
By britexpat

An amazing person and a true role model......

Stephen Hawking, the physicist, was last night awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honour.

Bestowing the medal on Professor Hawking, whose book A Brief History of Time remained a bestseller for a record 237 weeks, Barack Obama said: "From his wheelchair, he has led us on a journey to the farthest and strangest reaches of the cosmos. In so doing, he has stirred our imagination and showed us the power of the human spirit."

Mr Obama joked that he would not try to explain the 67 year old scientist's work.

Professor Hawking, Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University, was among 16 other recipients of the medal, who were described by Mr Obama as extraordinary "agents of change."

Other recipients include legend Billie Jean King, South African cleric and civil rights activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu, film star Sidney Poitier and former Irish president Mary Robinson at a ceremony in the White House.

Reflecting on those receiving the honour, President Obama said: "....They remind us that we each have it within our powers to fulfil dreams, to advance the dreams of others and remake the world for our children."

The Times

By Formatted Soul• 13 Aug 2009 12:49
Rating: 4/5
Formatted Soul

Yes of course he is living legend....indeed a true inspiration for many.. in spite of his physical disability...his contributions to mankind… is really commendable ..

By anonymous• 13 Aug 2009 12:39
anonymous

have him as our contemporary. A living legend. It's a pleasure to listen to his lectures. Brief History of Time remains a favourite.

Thanks for posting this.

Source:

- A study Conducted by FriedUnicorn - Vol I (September,1999)

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