Stephen Hawking's Father Feared Son 'Didn't Study Too Much,' Newly Revealed Journals Show

Newly uncovered family journals from Stephen Hawking's father, Frank Hawking, offer a surprising glimpse into the early concerns about the future physicist's academic drive. Written over 60 years ago and recently deciphered by biographer Graham Farmelo, these documents reveal that Frank Hawking worried his son was not applying himself sufficiently during his university studies.

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We are a little worried about how Stephen is developing. He stays at home without much initiative and doesn't study much.

In a 1961 journal entry, Frank Hawking expressed his apprehension: “We are a little worried about how Stephen is developing. He stays at home without much initiative and doesn't study much.” He contrasted this perceived lack of initiative with his own youthful ambition, noting, “At his age, I had a burning ambition to succeed and, if I had even half his advantages, I would have achieved much more.”

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It would be a great pity if it is like this. At his age, I had a burning ambition to succeed and, if I had even half his advantages, I would have achieved much more.

Biographer Graham Farmelo described the journals as providing an “honest and unfiltered perspective” on Hawking's childhood and the period following his devastating diagnosis of motor neuron disease at age 21. The documents also shed light on Frank Hawking's difficult emotional journey as he grappled with his son's illness. In 1967, he wrote, “It seems to me a slow and terrible experience with [Stephen]. Everything is so terribly slow and prolonged.”

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It seems to me a slow and terrible experience with [Stephen]. Everything is so terribly slow and prolonged.

Despite these early concerns and the immense challenges posed by his progressive illness, Stephen Hawking defied medical expectations. He continued his groundbreaking scientific work for decades, becoming one of the most influential minds of the modern era. His contributions to the understanding of black holes and cosmology were immense. Hawking communicated through a computer and vocal synthesizer, embodying his own philosophy: “Life would be tragic if it weren't funny.” He consistently encouraged curiosity and perseverance, famously stating, “Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.” A biography titled "Hawking" is set to be published on September 24.

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Life would be tragic if it weren't funny.