Early Wednesday morning the world lost one of the greatest minds in human history. Stephen Hawking, theoretical physicist, cosmologist, author, and overall rock star in the realm of science, passed away at the age of 76 at his home in Cambridge, England. Hawking, who lived an extraordinary life despite his battle with ALS, inspired generations to look to the stars and see the universe differently. Click through for some of his most inspiring quotes.

[Photo via Getty]