Science is not only a disciple of reason but, also, one of romance and passion.

The line argues against the stereotype of science as purely cold, mechanical rationality. By calling science a “disciple of reason” Hawking affirms its commitment to evidence and logic, but he adds that scientific work is also driven by imagination, wonder, and intense personal investment—“romance and passion.” The pairing suggests that major discoveries often require not just correct method but a willingness to be captivated by questions, to take creative leaps, and to persist through uncertainty. In a broader cultural sense, the quote functions as a defense of science as a deeply human enterprise, continuous with art and storytelling in its emotional and aspirational dimensions.