Why did Stephen Hawking ask a question that he then proceeds to tell US the answer to?

I don't know but I have a better question for him,

Why can't he afford a new better sounding voice? This is 2006!

The answer is not an answer but a question that will have to haunt the human race from now on if we are to survive, with so much destructive power lurking in the background, and so many maniacs at the helm of affairs, It is time for the right thinking people of the world to come out of the closet and start shouting above the din of the madmen who seem to control opinions and actions,the answer is a muted call to arms.I wish he had been louder!

Like half the people here, when they ask a question, they generally already know the answer. As far as Hawking, he gave his own answer so as to provide his own insight.

To create an awareness at least amongst the literates!

And if we manage to grasp the magnitude of the problem, a concerted , cumulative, effort and consensus could perhaps avoid man-made hurdles to survival for 100 years !

They say it's better to appear foolish then to open ones mouth and remove all doubt.

Maybe he was drunk.

He may be a showoff.

Maybe he wanted to recieve the 10 points.

Maybe he is getting altzheimers disease.

I know the man is intelligent, but geezz!

Because he thinks he's smart for being able to ask a question so easy to answer that he could do it himself. I guess, hey, he's helping the environment, frequent talking releases more CO2, so talking with a computer saves the atmosphere.

he being a genius, need to find out if there are others as good as him... he will ask the questions which he already knew the answers...he is just testing out the others.... anyway, he's just a genius, not god !! so even he, will not be able to answer all the questions posted by others !!

there are a lot of people who start with a question when they are explaining something and most always answer themself. Its how they get your attention and make you start thinking

Maybe to make people like you ask questions.

He knew our answers wouldn't be as complete as his own. He's a brilliant teacher ya know.