Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Dr. Stephen Hawking, who passed away last week at the age of 76. Stephen Hawking was a brilliant student of the universe, a giant of the world stage, an inspiration to me personally and to us all. Through his discoveries about black holes and quantum mechanics, Professor Hawking challenged humankind to ponder the mysteries of the cosmos. He was curiosity personified, having once remarked: ``My goal is simple. It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all.'' Yet Professor Hawking, who was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, at the age of 21, also personified the unconquerable human spirit. He took on the challenges of his disability with unparalleled tenacity and a trademark sense of humor, all the while reminding us ``to look up at the stars and not down at your feet.'' Mr. Speaker, in short, he was a force of nature. He made a difference. ____________________”