Perseverance Would you imagine discovering new and amazing places in our universe, but while having this ability, you are stuck in a decaying body. Stephen Hawking was born on “January 8” (21 Mcdaniel). He grew up with eccentric parents, Frank and Isobel Hawking. Stephen started life as a strange and unique boy. Who became a genius only understanding things that few people have. Thanks to this brilliant mind, he was afflicted with a physically destructive disease, amytrophic lateral sclerosis. A disease that destroys the muscles and bones in your body, which is essential to the breakdown of your physical being. The combination of Stephen Hawking's eccentric childhood, his background and his ability to cope with disability, made him a leader in the scientific world. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay When Stephen was ten years old, he attended a private school called Westminster. Later, Stephen was enrolled in a local private school called St. Albans (White Gribbin 7-8). Students were often afraid of Stephen, because of his chattering fits. His hysterical attacks left him in the lower average of his classes. Over the next few years he became extremely intelligent. Around this time, he began to make friends in what teachers called the group of “bright boys” (White and Gribbin 9). After graduating from high school, Stephen chose to attend Oxford University where he would study cosmology. This decision was not easy. Stephen and his father often argued over what classes he would take (White and Griffin 41). After Stephen graduated from college, he became one of the greatest and most respected scientists of the century. Stephen has been leading the world of science (cosmology) for years. Even before becoming a professional, he was running the company with his knowledge. At college, Stephen was aware of his reputation as a lazy student, but he and the professors knew that he possessed true, natural intelligence (White and Gribbin 54). Stephen led his tutoring group in completing nine problems when they needed (6 students) to complete three (White and Gribbin 48). Stephen fell into depression after being diagnosed with Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Doctors thought the disease would destroy his body within two to three years, but Stephen has persevered to this day. Through his determination and courage he went on to receive numerous honorary degrees, the CBE in 1982 and the Companion of Honor in 1989 (Brief History of Mine). One of Stephen's friends once asked, "How did a man with a progressive wasting illness fight the ravages of his disability to overcome every obstacle in his path and to the end" (White and Gribbin 4)? Stephen Hawking's first major achievement was his General Relativity with Quantum Theory (Brief History of Mine). Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Stephen then wrote a book called A Brief History of Time which was released in April 1988. After completing this book, he toured the world giving lectures. During the 1990s he began research and wrote a second book. His second book was titled Stephen Hawking's Universe and was released in 1997. Stephen is currently traveling the world speaking about his new discoveries and his book. His unique childhood, his background and his ability to cope with disability make him a leader in..