I went to see The Theory of Everything last night. I was really looking forward to is as I'd seen it advertised weeks ago, but was a bit worried that it wouldn't live up to my expectations. But I loved it. I've always been fascinated by brilliant minds. I can't even begin to understand the physics behind it, but as a life story Stephen Hawking is pretty amazing.
50 years ago, he was given 2 years to live. He's now in his 70s and has no plans to retire.
He had a loving family, friends who looked after him and man handled him up the stairs, a great sense of humour, a tutor who saw his potential and nurtured it, a brilliant mind and crazy amounts of determination as we know he achieved great things in the face of terrible odds. It's scary to think that his wife had taken the option to switch off his ventilator A Brief History of Time would never have been written.
The film shows the strain in his relationship with his first wife. This is partly down to his physical problems, but is also down to differing religious beliefs, difficulties with having carers in the house and difficulties a coping with Stephen's new found fame. According to Wikipedia Hawkings thinks of himself as "a scientist first, popular science writer second, and, in all the ways that matter, a normal human being with the same desires, drives, dreams, and ambitions as the next person"
It just goes to show that with the right support and a great attitude from the individual great things can be achieved. Wikipedia also state that he has been criticised for not being a better advocate for disability rights. However, no one can argue he is a great role model. He gets on with his life and achieved amazing things.
I work with people who have had brain injuries and help them return to work. Whilst some employers can only see a disability, there are many people who see the potential in people and see the benefit to their business. If you want to check out what I do go to
www.workinmind.co.uk
留言