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Stephen Hawking Turned Down Knighthood

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the camelot-is-a-silly-place dept.

schliz writes "Professor Stephen Hawking has revealed that he turned down the offer of a knighthood over 10 years ago. The scientist has released correspondence showing that he was approached with the offer of a knighthood but refused it on principle. Professor Hawking has also revealed correspondence showing harsh criticism of what he sees as the UK government's mismanagement of science funding. He is particularly critical of the merger of the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council and the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils."

9 of 201 comments (clear)

  1. What do you get with knighthood? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Lots of women? The ability to do +2 damage? What's the deal and why would someone want it?

    1. Re:What do you get with knighthood? by Kingrames · · Score: 5, Funny

      You get to move one space to the left or right whenever you walk forward.

      The chicks love it.

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      If you can read this, I forgot to post anonymously.
    2. Re:What do you get with knighthood? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      His wheelchair will now be able to strafe.

  2. You want some Knighthoood? by Recovering+Hater · · Score: 5, Funny
    "We want you to be our Knight Professor Hawking."

    (robot voice)"No, you can keep it. I will not risk valorous death for someone who mismanages the government funding of my chosen profession.

    "No, you don't understand..."

    (loud robot voice)"I SAID KEEP IT!"

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    My humor is probably your flamebait
  3. I hate when that happens by SEWilco · · Score: 5, Funny

    He is particularly critical of the merger of the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council and the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils.
    Yeah, I hate it when someone creates a PPARCCCLRC.
    1. Re:I hate when that happens by ettlz · · Score: 4, Funny

      STFC. Depending on who you ask, this means "Swindon Town Football Club" (STFC offices are in Swindon), or "Screw The Fucking Collider".

  4. That's a COVER STORY! by Bogtha · · Score: 3, Funny

    The truth is that he has fallen out of favour with the government since Torchwood uncovered evidence that he is working with Davros.

    Personally, I think the government shouldn't be in the business of giving out meaningless awards and I would refuse one on that basis.

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    Bogtha Bogtha Bogtha
  5. Re:source of knighthood vs source of funding by kestasjk · · Score: 5, Funny

    Generally knighthoods and other honours are given out based on recommendations by ministers of the current government, the queen actually has very little say in the matter - she controls the Order of the Garter completely however. Are you saying the Queen isn't personally appreciative of Hawking's work on the mathematics behind black holes? Are you saying she doesn't read Nature and publish papers on quantum loop gravity and super-symmetry all day?! Then what the hell does she do with all her time and wealth?!
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  6. Informative response... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    Bet this doesn't get modded up, but here goes:

    In 1865 the holder of the Christ Church Mathematical Lectureship, one Charles Dodgson, published an amazing childrens book, 'Alice in Wonderland' under the pen name of Lewis Caroll.

    The book was a great success, and Queen Victoria was one of his fans. Greatly appreciative, she arranged for an audience with 'Caroll', and insisted that she be provided with a copy of the next book this author would write.

    Imagine her surprise when, next year, she was sent a copy of a complex technical book on Symbolic Logic!