I also think Stephen Hawking is full of himself. I've listened to his lectures and his views are kinda out there. Since it is all theoretical they are about as valid as anyones but he seems to think its his way or the highway. There are many things that Hawking tries to sell as inevitable that are purely grandstanding. NDT seems to be more open minded than any of them. I respect that and admire the humble understanding that humans may not be as smart as we think we are.