Stephen William Hawking · "We are in danger of destroying ourselves by our greed and stupidity. We cannot..."

From a speech or interview on human future (2010s) · Checked on 10 June 2026

We are in danger of destroying ourselves by our greed and stupidity. We cannot remain looking inwards at ourselves on a small and increasingly polluted and overcrowded planet.

Analysis

Hawking frequently warned about existential risks, including nuclear war, climate change, and overpopulation, framing them as consequences of human shortsightedness. This statement aligns with his documented views, such as his 2016 BBC Reith Lecture and interviews where he emphasized the need for space colonization to ensure humanity's survival. No evidence suggests this is a misattribution.

Background

Hawking was a vocal advocate for addressing global challenges like climate change and AI risks. His warnings often stressed that humanity's future depended on overcoming divisive tendencies and expanding beyond Earth. These themes were central to his later public engagements.

Verdict summary

Stephen Hawking did express concerns about human self-destruction due to greed, stupidity, and environmental pressures in the 2010s.

Sources consulted

— Hawking, S. (2016). *BBC Reith Lectures: Do Black Holes Have Hair?*

— Hawking, S. (2010). Interview with *Big Think* on existential threats.

— Hawking, S. (2017). *Brief Answers to the Big Questions* (posthumous).