The Economic Times

Quote of the day by Stephen Hawking: 'I think computer viruses should count as life. I think it says something about human nature...' How the first artificial life's invention shows a darker reality of human behaviour

Stephen Hawkings 1994 remark that computer viruses could be considered a form of life remains one of his most thought-provoking observations because it links technology, biology, and human nature. Hawking argued that computer viruses resemble biological viruses in their ability to replicate and spread through host systems, while also reflecting on the fact that humanitys first self-replicating creation was largely destructive. The quote highlights both the possibilities and risks of technological innovation.