Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

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."

6 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.

      --
      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!"

    --
    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.
  4. 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?!
    --
    // MD_Update(&m,buf,j);