Who is your favourite ? Stephan Hawkings or Albert Einstein or Buddha ?

Question

Who among the 3 best understood the universe ?

Each was great in his own way , but who do you think could best comprehend reality and the universe ?

Answer 1

Never heard of any of them

Answer 2

All 3 understood the Universe in a distinct way. Who are we to say who got what right and what wrong? Personally, I feel more sympathetic towards Einstein's view. Buddha would be higher in my consideration but I always have trouble understanding how he could abstain and fast so much and still be that fat... something just doesn't sit right or at least, I haven't heard a credible explanation so far. I'm half joking there, I have tons of respect and sympathy for Buddhism. Stephen Hawkings is a genius, but I think there's not much place for heart in his views, and that can get my my respect, but hardly my sympathy. Besides, Einstein was witty, and he said some of the truest things one can quote!

Answer 3

Stephan Hawking - Given his disabilities, for him to achieve what he has done is the epitome of endurance.

Albert Einstein - The greatest scientist PERIOD. Feynman comes second.

Buddha - Best understood the universe. Because man's ultimate aim is to understand "why are we here". Even today with all the scientific discoveries we are no way close to answer this question. Only "logical reasoning" by great minds can help answer this query.

Answer 4

Buddha. As discussed in an earlier answer, Buddha had the ultimate perspective on our place in that universe, our capabilities, and how to live in peace and compassion for all beings.

In addition, Buddha also had a better and more comprehensive understanding of the universe than any scientist. Of course the most publicized and well-read aspect of Buddha's 50 year teaching career (longer than any scientist of old and longer than most today) are focused on spiritual aspects. Buddha, as a being who was completely realized as to the true nature of all phenomenon, also gave many many teachings where he explained scientific phenomenon in detail.

For example he explained about the fact that there are countless billions and billions of tiny beings so small we can never see them, which at the time seemed like nonsense but today of course is common knowledge, bacteria viruses etc. He also explained atomic theory and about the creation and destruction of world systems, of which he said ours is only one of a limitless number throughout time and space. This is only the beginning, I am a practicing buddhist and I don't get as much into this academic side of it, but it is out there for those with the interest.

Answer 5

I'm going with Buddha for my favorite. I'm not sure he had a better conceptual understanding of the universe than Hawking and Einstein, but he definelty had a better perspective on our place in the universe.

Hawking and Einstein were scientists, focused on the mechanincs of, and specific facts about, the making and continued existance of the physical universe. Buddha was more concerned with humanity's place in that universe; about what each and every person is capable of, about living in peace and harmony with one another. Not to take away anything from the scientists, but Buddha had the better message.

Answer 6

Hawking is overrated due to public sympathy with his disability. Einstein was a brilliant thinker but a thousand years from now he will share a place in history with Aristotle and Ptolemy (other brilliant thinkers who got some things right but were profoundly incorrect in regard to the bigger picture).

So that leaves Buddha for me...rub the tummy!

My conviction is that it is the ultimately in human vanity to think we are capable of understanding the nature of the universe...either through science or religion. Thus, I feel the answer to your question is a moot point.

Answer 7

I don't know or understand much about Einstein. I do know that he said something about creativity being more important than knowledge. that in itself says something great, especially coming from him.

I do understand Hawkins though. I think his theories are totally practical. He communicates in a direct and simple way. His theories make sense on a personal and historical level. There is nothing about what he's said that I could disprove, and some that my life has served as proof. I see evidence of his writing in my life, (parts of the Tao Te Ching also).

I don't think the Buddha should be included in this question. Buddhism, to me, is more of a process of unlearning than learning. The Buddha did zazen, during zazen frontal lobe activity decreases. Although I do zazen, I don't really think much about what the Buddha thought or said. For me, Buddism is about being who I am. Zazen is the most important thing about Buddhism, for me, and it's very personal. I can't rightly talk about the Buddha. He had his life and I have mine. I'm sure he saw things as they were/are though, beyond Newton's linear theory.

Answer 8

My vote is for Einstein. His Theory of Relativity was so advanced that no one else understood it at the time. Almost a century later and we are just now able to carry out experiments to find out if his theories were correct.

I would rate Stephen Hawking a close second.

Answer 9

Hi. In my opinion Einstein made the most profound leap of understanding.

Answer 10

hawkings = big bang
einstein = relativity
buddha = buddhist religion

all three contributes something to mankind's progress in this world... personally, my favourite is einstein...

Answer 11

Jimmy Krankie understood the World more than anyone.