[EGreg]

Did anyone start reading this comment expecting the usual downvotes and controversy?

And then realized after a few paragraphs that this is Stephen Hawking writing it? Be honest.

I just think there has been such a transition from books to online comments and forums that everything is picked apart and commented by a far larger group of people than in the past.

The man was a legend. His books were inspiring. Can today's blog posts and tweets be the same going forward? Just some thoughts I had while I read that.

RIP Steven Hawking, inspiration to millions!

[gkya]

Reading the first sentences I thought that'd become that weird semi-philosophical speech on death which you hear from some people in funerals. Internet is too big to digest, and in a blog or comment there is not much things which can prove you that the writer has some authority on what he's saying, whereas the name of a known scientist on an actual paper book that costs money to print is authority.