Stephen Hawking: 'I believe things cannot make themselves impossible.'

I believe things cannot make themselves impossible.

Stephen Hawking once said, "I believe things cannot make themselves impossible." This simple yet profound statement holds great meaning and importance when exploring the limits of our universe. In straightforward terms, Hawking is suggesting that the laws of nature, or the fundamental principles that govern our reality, prevent things from happening in a way that contradicts their very essence. Essentially, he is asserting that the universe follows a set of rules that cannot be broken.To fully grasp the significance of this quote, we must dive into the realms of philosophy and contemplate the idea of possibility itself. What does it mean for something to be possible? Traditionally, possibility has been viewed as a vague concept, subject to interpretation and context. However, Hawking's statement challenges this notion by proposing that possibilities are not arbitrary but are instead limited by the fundamental laws that shape our reality.This introduces us to an unexpected philosophical concept called essentialism. Essentialism argues that everything in the universe has an underlying essence, a set of core properties that define its very nature. These properties determine what is possible and what is not. For instance, water can freeze at certain temperatures because its essence allows for this transformation, while rocks cannot.In essentialism, possibilities are not infinite or indefinite, but rather, they are shaped by a thing's essential nature. Therefore, something cannot make itself impossible because its essence defines its limits. This notion aligns with Hawking's statement, suggesting that the laws of nature act as boundary conditions that prevent things from defying their own nature and transforming into something impossible.Considering this perspective, one might argue that the concept of possibility is not simply a result of chance or circumstances but is deeply rooted in the essence of things. This idea challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of reality and the limits of what can be achieved.Furthermore, this concept resonates with Hawking's own scientific contributions. Throughout his career, he sought to uncover the fundamental laws of the universe, such as the theory of general relativity and the nature of black holes. By studying these laws, he aimed to reveal the true essence of the cosmos and shed light on the possibilities that arise from it.In contrast, there are those who argue against essentialism and propose a view of possibility that is contingent and context-dependent. These individuals argue that possibilities are not confined by some underlying essence, but rather, they are determined by the specific circumstances in which something exists. According to this perspective, a thing's nature is not fixed but can change based on its environment, which in turn alters its realm of possibilities.However, even within this contingent view, Hawking's statement still holds relevance. While the scope of possibilities may be more extensive within a contingent framework, it is still limited by the very nature of the thing in question. It cannot surpass the boundaries imposed by its essential properties. Thus, whether one ascribes to essentialism or contingency, the idea that things cannot make themselves impossible remains a constant and thought-provoking proposition.In conclusion, Stephen Hawking's quote, "I believe things cannot make themselves impossible," highlights the timeless importance of understanding the boundaries and possibilities of our universe. By introducing the philosophical concept of essentialism, we can further appreciate the idea that possibilities are not arbitrary but rather constrained by the essence of things. This notion challenges our perception of reality, pushing us to explore the limits of what can be achieved and venture into the depths of our understanding. Whether we agree with essentialism or embrace a more contingent view, the concept that things cannot defy their nature and make themselves impossible remains a compelling point to ponder.