The level of fame or recognition of individuals can be subjective and can vary depending on various factors such as time, cultural context, and personal interests. That being said, Stephen Hawking and Jordan Peterson have both gained considerable recognition in their respective fields, but for different reasons.
Stephen Hawking, a theoretical physicist, achieved widespread fame due to his groundbreaking work on black holes, cosmology, and his book "A Brief History of Time." Hawking's scientific contributions, coupled with his personal story of battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) while continuing to make significant scientific advancements, made him a prominent figure in popular science. He had a unique ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to the general public, which further increased his fame.
Jordan Peterson, on the other hand, gained prominence as a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology. He became well-known for his controversial views on topics such as political correctness, gender identity, and free speech. Peterson's rise to fame can be attributed to his provocative speaking style, engaging in public debates, and his best-selling book "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos."
When it comes to the comparison with figures like Sigmund Freud, Charles Darwin, and Friedrich Nietzsche, it's important to consider historical context and the evolution of media and communication. Freud, Darwin, and Nietzsche made significant contributions in their respective fields, but their fame and recognition grew in a different era with different media landscapes. They achieved recognition through their writings, academic circles, and influence on subsequent generations of thinkers and scholars.
However, it's worth noting that figures like Freud, Darwin, and Nietzsche continue to be highly regarded and influential in their fields, and their ideas have had a profound impact on psychology, biology, and philosophy, respectively. Their contributions are still widely studied and discussed by academics and enthusiasts in these fields.
Ultimately, the level of fame or recognition an individual achieves is influenced by a variety of factors, including their contributions, the cultural climate of their time, their ability to communicate their ideas effectively, and the public's interest in their work.