Stephen Hawking was one of the most brilliant and renowned scientists of our time. He was a theoretical physicist and cosmologist who made unique contributions to our understanding of the universe and the nature of black holes. Despite being diagnosed with a unique debilitating disease at the age of 21, Hawking went on to have a highly successful career, publishing numerous original papers and books and becoming a renowned public figure.

Hawking's scientific contributions were wide-ranging and numerous, but perhaps his most notable work was on black holes. In 1974, he and fellow physicist Roger Penrose published a paper demonstrating that black holes are a natural consequence of the laws of physics. This work revolutionized the field of cosmology and helped to establish the field of black hole physics.

In addition to his scientific contributions, Hawking was also known for his ability to explain complex scientific concepts to a lay audience. His book "A Brief History of Time" was a bestseller for over four years and helped to popularize the subject of cosmology to a wide audience.

Despite his physical limitations, Hawking continued to work and lecture until his death in 2018. He leaves behind a legacy of scientific discoveries and popularized knowledge about the universe that is not only valuable to scientists and academics, but to all of humanity. His contributions to science will continue to be studied and admired for years to come.

In addition, his inspiring attitude towards the life and the willingness to face adversity and not to give up made an impact on people's lives and served as a reminder that people can achieve great things despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds.

Overall, Stephen Hawking's gift to the world was his unparalleled intellect, his ability to explain complex scientific concepts in a way that was accessible to all, and his determination to continue to make contributions to science despite facing significant physical challenges. His legacy will live on through his scientific discoveries, writings, and the inspiration he provided to people around the world.