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Stephen Hawking's birth anniversary: Take a look at some of his best moments

Stephen Hawking got to meet Britain's Queen Elizabeth during a reception at St. James Palace in London

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Stephen Hawking got to meet Britain's Queen Elizabeth during a reception at St. James Palace in London

The late legendary physicist Stephen Hawking was born on January 8, 1942. He lived with the motor neurone disease for 50 years and passed away at the age of 76. On his 78th birth anniversary, let's take a look at some of his best moments and most famous quotes:

The physicist once jokingly said, "The downside of my celebrity is that I cannot go anywhere in the world without being recognized. It is not enough for me to wear dark sunglasses and a wig. The wheelchair gives me away.”

Stephen Hawking in 2008 met former South African President Nelson Mandela

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Stephen Hawking in 2008 met former South African President Nelson Mandela

Talking about humans, Stephen said, “We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the Universe. That makes us something very special.”

On a visit to Cambridge University in 1997 Stephen Hawking met Microsoft founder Bill Gates

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On a visit to Cambridge University in 1997 Stephen Hawking met Microsoft founder Bill Gates

Speaking about his motor neuron disease, Stephen said, “My expectations were reduced to zero when I was 21. Everything since then has been a bonus.”

Stephen Hawking addressed a public meeting in Cape Town in 2008

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Stephen Hawking addressed a public meeting in Cape Town in 2008

While talking about the need for colonies in space, he said “I don't think the human race will survive the next 1,000 years, unless we spread into space. There are too many accidents that can befall life on a single planet. But I'm an optimist. We will reach out to the stars.”

Stephen Hawking was greeted by Pope Benedict XVI during a meeting of science academics at the Vatican

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Stephen Hawking was greeted by Pope Benedict XVI during a meeting of science academics at the Vatican

While speaking about euthanasia, he said, “The victim should have the right to end his life, if he wants. 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's life, there is hope.”

Stephen Hawking and his second wife Elaine

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Stephen Hawking and his second wife Elaine

“Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.”