Of Strong Will and Profound Ideas

For the last half-century, and many years prior, scientists have studied the universe. Theories upon theories have been formulated in an effort to answer the ultimate question: How did the universe begin?

The article, Stephen Hawking Is Making His Comeback, pays tribute to a man and a dream to find the answers to our universe. Simply, the man's will in unchallengeable. Having been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease in 1963, his mindset has not lessened, if anything it has grown substantially.

Imagine losing control of your body. Imagine struggling with the main functions that you've used every day to get out of bed, take a shower, or get dressed. Imagine being one of the most brilliant minds in the world with these problems.

HOW DOES ONE HANDLE the problem of solving the mysteries of the universe, while incapable of using a pen or pencil? HOW DOES ONE HANDLE the constant drive to explore knowledge and test theory in a subject few find remotely understandable? HOW DOES ONE HANDLE combining relativity, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics to suggest an unproven theory with only the mind as a tool for research?

This article is definitely inspiring. The fact that he is still around is a testament to his will and his purpose as a physicist. An average person with a tenth of Hawking's strength could not amount to what he achieves on a daily basis.

(i) Lede (20%): I think the lede is quite strong, I feel like I'm in that place, and more importantly I feel as though I am being introduced to someone very special. It's easy to read, easy to get into. I'd give the lede a 18 out of 20 mainly because there was really a stabbing grabber, but it remains great as it is.

(ii) Content (20%): As far as content goes, this deserves a 20 out of 20. No questions seemed left unanswered and there is such a wealth of his history as well as the history of his research, that it feels complete.

(iii) Organization (20%): Love it. I thought it was very refreshing to have the conclusion tie into the lede after a lengthy 10 page article. The article seems very well rounded, and things play out as the actual happenings occurred in history. 20 out of 20.

(iv) Quality of writing (20%): I think the quality of writing in this piece keeps up with the quality of the work and person described. Transitions and quotes are introduced with nice fluidity. The article reads well and doesn't require a rest although it gets heavy at points. The writing fully encompasses his journey and triumph, so I believe it's an easy 20 out of 20.

(v) Clarity of exposition (20%):The entire article portrays a man in a deep struggle with disease and unimaginable questions to answer. The writing is thick in spots and extremely scientific. For the most part, the writing is legible to the average person, but in some areas there could possibly be room for a more understandable analogy. 18 out of 20.

96/100 Article..in my opinion.