Stephen Hawking is a renowned British physicist and one of the most renowned scientists in the world. In his youth, he was diagnosed with lateral sclerosis. This severe, incurable disease gradually immobilized Stephen. Doctors believed he would likely survive only a few more years. But despite his illness and paralysis, Stephen Hawking remained active in science and made discoveries until his death. He joked and debated with colleagues, traveled, and even experienced weightlessness.