How did Hawking view life after his early death diagnosis?

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Hawking saw the diagnosis as a reason to value the present and keep working.

After being diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease at age 21, Stephen Hawking said he was not terrified by it. Instead, he said the illness made him enjoy life in the present more than before and helped him make progress with his research.
He said the diagnosis changed his outlook on daily life.

Hawking described living with “a cloud hanging over my future,” but said he was surprised to find more enjoyment in the present. That shift came after the diagnosis left him paralysed at 21.
He linked the diagnosis to progress in his research.

He said that after becoming ill, he “began to make progress with my research.” The account presents this as part of how he responded to the disease, rather than letting it stop his work.
He did not see death as something to fear.

Hawking said he had lived with the prospect of an early death for 49 years. His words were clear: “I'm not afraid of death, but I'm in no hurry to die. I have so much I want to do first.”
He kept living fully despite his physical condition.

The account portrays him as continuing to enjoy life even as his body failed. It says the fragility of his life taught him not to let anything get in his way, while his mind remained active and productive.

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How did Hawking view life after his early death diagnosis?

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