Stephen Hawking, who has died aged 76, was Britain's most famous modern day scientist, a genius who dedicated his life to unlocking the secrets of the Universe.

Born on January 8, 1942 - 300 years to the day after the death of the father of modern science, Galileo Galilei - he believed science was his destiny. But fate also dealt Hawking a cruel hand. Most of his life was spent in a wheelchair crippled by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of motor neurone disease that attacks the nerves controlling voluntary movement.

Remarkably, Hawking defied predictions he would only live for a few years, overcoming its debilitating effects on his mobility and speech that left him paralysed and able to communicate only via a computer speech synthesiser.

<a href="http://www.asiaone.com/world/scientist-stephen-hawking-has-died-aged-76" target="_blank">Read the full article here.</a>

Click through the photos to read 11 great quotes from Stephen Hawking.

“We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the Universe. That makes us something very special.” 

“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change. ” 

“My expectations were reduced to zero when I was 21. Everything since then has been a bonus."

“My goal is simple. It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all.” 

“The universe doesn't allow perfection.” 

“There is a fundamental difference between religion, which is based on authority, and science, which is based on observation and reason. Science will win because it works.” 

“Although I cannot move and I have to speak through a computer, in my mind I am free.” 

“If time travel is possible, where are the tourists from the future?” 

“I'm not afraid of death, but I'm in no hurry to die.” 

“People who boast about their I.Q. are losers.” 

“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it. If you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don't throw it away.” 

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Stephen Hawking, who has died aged 76, was Britain's most famous modern day scientist, a genius who dedicated his life to unlocking the secrets of the Universe. Born on January 8, 1942 - 300 years to the day after the death of the father of modern science, Galileo Galilei - he believed science was his destiny. But fate also dealt...

11 great quotes from Stephen Hawking