Hawking felt amused when people patronized him.

Explanation:
1. Context: The context of the question is Stephen Hawking, a renowned physicist and author, who had a motor neuron disease that gradually paralyzed him.
2. Definition: To patronize someone means to treat them with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority. It involves condescending or talking down to someone.
3. Hawking's Condition: Hawking's physical condition often led people to underestimate his intellectual capabilities. Many people assumed that because he was disabled, he must be mentally impaired or in need of sympathy.
4. Amusement: Hawking's amusement at people patronizing him can be understood in two ways:
a) Intellectual Superiority: Hawking was a highly intelligent person despite his physical limitations. He had a brilliant mind and made significant contributions to the field of theoretical physics. When people patronized him, it amused him because he knew he was intellectually superior to their assumptions.
b) Breaking Stereotypes: By being amused, Hawking possibly aimed to challenge societal stereotypes and expectations associated with disabilities. He wanted to prove that disabilities do not define a person's intelligence or potential, and that it is wrong to underestimate someone based on their physical condition.
5. Coping Mechanism: Amusement may have served as a coping mechanism for Hawking. Rather than feeling hurt or offended by people's patronizing behavior, he chose to find it amusing. This allowed him to maintain his self-esteem and not let others' misconceptions affect his confidence or sense of self.
6. Sense of Control: Feeling amused may have also given Hawking a sense of control over how others perceived him. Instead of feeling helpless or victimized, he could assert his intellectual prowess by finding humor in people's patronizing attitudes.
7. Overcoming Obstacles: Hawking's ability to find amusement in challenging circumstances demonstrates his resilience and determination. Despite facing physical limitations, he refused to let others' perceptions limit his potential or diminish his self-worth.

In conclusion, Stephen Hawking felt amused when people patronized him because it allowed him to assert his intellectual superiority, challenge societal stereotypes, cope with his condition, maintain a sense of control, and overcome obstacles.