Is Professor Stephen W Hawking's best work behind him? Has he peaked like most creative people do?

Question

Here is a recent interview he had, http://tinyurl.com/rh75h , that makes me ask the question.

In response to Edwin H. , I found the following at, http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=2833

"World-renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking recently said that humans need to colonize a planet or moon because the Earth might face destruction -- A manmade disaster -- global warming being a good example -- or natural disaster could potentially destroy the planet. "

Answer 1

I don't think that Mr. Hawking is through with the world of theoretical astronomy just yet. About all he has is his mind and boy does he use it. A lot of his most creative work has come to us after his 40th birthday. Keep on thinkin' Steevo!!!!

Answer 2

I totally loved his earlier works, but his later works just don't have the same edge and vibe that they used to.

I think it all started with "Brief History of Time" and all these newbie physics-wannabes started crashing the scene. They just totally didn't get the whole Hawking scene, and turned it into a big circus.

When the Hawk appeared on Star Trek, I knew it was over. He'd sold out, man!

Now he's just coasting on his previous brilliance. I won't even read his latest papers. I might just skim the abstract once or twice.

But his live shows are not to be missed. He may be slowing down, but he can still kick @ss in concert. I miss the warmer tones of his old synthesizer though. The new one might be easier to comprehend, but it doesn't have the soul of the old model.

Answer 3

I saw a quote attributed to Hawkings that mankind would have to eventually leave planet Earth to survive - to another solar system presumably. The nearest star, that might have a solar system (a long shot), is four light years away. It is obvious that there is no way to get there by any stretch of scientific imagination. No doubt there are other stars in the universe that have a human compatible solar system but again they are light years away. Was that Hawkings quote accurate?

Answer 4

Oh it is common wisdom that in his field if you haven't done it by 40 you are not going to do it. It is quite accepted that the human brain just cannot be terribly "mathematically creative" after a certain point. It is one of the biggest reasons that people like Hawking and Einstein seem more the philosopher than the theorist in their later careers.

Answer 5

I think he has a ways to go before he can be considered past his prime. Dr. Hawking is a unigue person who will still be important in science (and in everyones' lvies) for a long long time.

Answer 6

Yes, he is being swayed too much by loony environmentalist and losing the science

Answer 7

I just hope that Hawking will spread optimism.

Answer 8

Whether he has "peaked" or not, his work will live forever because it has been printed. Therefore, it doesn't matter, does it? Read: http://www.hawking.org.uk/home/hindex.html - interesting!