‘Look up at the stars’ and more quotes from Stephen Hawking's brilliant mind

One hundred and thirty-nine years after one of the world's greatest physicists was born, another passed away.

World-renowned physicist, cosmologist, professor, and author Stephen Hawking died on March 14 — the birthday of celebrated German physicist Albert Einstein — at the age of 76. Hawking's discoveries and theories have significantly advanced our understanding of black holes, galaxies, and even the universe itself.

He was also one of the world's longest-surviving patients of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), having been diagnosed with the disease when he was 21.

In addition to being a brilliant scientist, he provided the world with wealth of brilliant quotes. Here are 12 of his most unforgettable insights on life, death, science, and the universe.

1. On winning the Special Fundamental Physics Prize, in a 2012 email to The Guardian:

"No one undertakes research in physics with the intention of winning a prize. It is the joy of discovering something no one knew before."

2. Taken from "Stephen Hawking’s Universe" (1985) by John Boslough:

"My goal is simple. It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all."

3. On the subject of his favorite superhero, at the opening of a Cambridge center in 2016:

"If I had to choose a superhero to be, I would pick Superman. He's everything that I'm not."

4. At the Sydney Opera House in 2015, in response to the question "What do you think is the cosmological effect of Zayn leaving One Direction and consequently breaking the hearts of millions of teenage girls across the world?":

5. From "Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking" (2010):

"Next time someone complains that you have made a mistake, tell him that may be a good thing. Because without imperfection, neither you nor I would exist."

6. On why he maintained a cheerful disposition, in a 2004 Q&A:

“Life would be tragic if it weren't funny.”

7. In the same 2004 Q&A, when asked what his IQ was:

"I have no idea. People who boast about their IQ are losers."

8. In a 2008 speech at George Washington University:

9. On disability, from a 2011 article in The New York Times:

"My advice to other disabled people would be, concentrate on things your disability doesn't prevent you doing well, and don't regret the things it interferes with. Don't be disabled in spirit, as well as physically."

10. From his book "The Universe in a Nutshell" (2001):

“It surprises me how disinterested we are today about things like physics, space, the universe and philosophy of our existence, our purpose, our final destination. Its a crazy world out there. Be curious.”

11. On fearing death, in a 2015 interview with The Guardian:

"I have lived with the prospect of an early death for the last 49 years. I'm not afraid of death, but I'm in no hurry to die. I have so much I want to do first."

12. At a lecture on black holes at the Royal Institution in London in 2016, in commemoration of his 74th birthday:

— graphics by Jannielyn Ann Bigtas / AT, GMA News