Dec. 5, 2018
By Robert Caamano
Editor
Stephen Hawking is renowned for his contributions to the scientific community despite his significant disability. On March 14, the legendary scientist passed away, prompting his family to auction off his belongings to support those with his condition and to continue the growth of science in his name.
At the young age of 21, Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. This rare disease only affects one out of 50,000 people per year and causes a gradual decrease in muscle size.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, only about 10 percent of people live more than 10 years with this disorder. Stephen Hawking defied the odds, living to the age of 76.
In an online auction that began on Oct. 31, Hawking’s daughter Lucy Hawking sold many of his possessions including his motorized wheelchair and doctoral thesis. While the wheelchair was expected to raise around $19,200, it sold for roughly $381,550. His thesis also exceeded its estimated price threefold, selling for nearly $751,900.
Science teacher Mr. Collins said the Hawking’s belongings are of great value to collectors.
“A wheelchair’s a wheelchair…. It’s a utilitarian device, but someone’s obviously buying it for the meaning it has, and if [the wheelchair] is worth it to that person, then that’s excellent,” Collins said. “The wheelchair was a symbol of the disease he overcame and represents how he was able to do so much work with a disease that kills people much earlier in life than he lived.”
While senior Brian Arroyave said the auctioning began too early after Hawking’s death, he recognizes that the money could be used to educate the public and help those who have ALS.
“Selling the chair at [approximately] $400,000 is a good price because Stephen accomplished so much in the world of science,” Arroyave said. “We lost a very valuable man, and I believe we should do everything to remember his legacy.”
The money raised in the auction went to the Stephen Hawking Foundation and the Motor Neuron Disease Association. The Stephen Hawking Foundation was established by Hawking himself in order to promote growth of Cosmology, Astrophysics and Fundamental Particle Physics in schools and universities. The Motor Neuron Disease Association is a British charity created to support those who have ALS and research its effects and possible cures.
Junior Will Chock said he would not want to buy Hawking’s wheelchair. However, he said he understands why some people would want to do so.
“If I had the money to buy these belongings, I probably would not because there could be better uses for the money,” Chock said. “Even though he was an amazing individual, I believe that there are more important things in the world to spend the money on.”
In addition to Hawking’s wheelchair and thesis, a collection of Hawking’s medals got $387,360, his bomber jacket sold for $52,200 and a script from an episode of “The Simpsons”—an animated series in which Hawking made four cameo appearances—went for $8,160. A copy of Hawking’s landmark book “A Brief History of Time” that was
“signed” with Hawking’s thumbprint raised $89,750, far exceeding its estimated $3,900 auction selling price.
Collins ranks Hawking as one of the most influential scientists of all time and said he symbolizes the triumph over adversity.
“As far as scientists being famous goes, he was definitely a rockstar,” Collins said. “Everyone knows who he is. He’s iconic.”
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