Brief Answers to the Big Questions

by Stephen Hawking Narrated by Sachin Suresh

Overview

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Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

It’s a book every thinking person worried about humanity’s future should read. . . . Hawking’s parting gift to humanity.”—NPR
 
“[Hawking is] a symbol of the soaring power of the human mind.”—The Washington Post
 
“Hawking’s final message to readers . . . is a hopeful one.”—CNN
 
“[Brief Answers to the Big Questions offers] brisk, lucid peeks into the future of science and of humanity.”—The Wall Street Journal
 
“Hawking pulls no punches on subjects like machines taking over, the biggest threat to Earth, and the possibilities of intelligent life in space.”—Quartz
 
“Brief Answers is effortlessly instructive, absorbing, up to the minute and—where it matters—witty.”—The Guardian
 
“This beautiful little book is a fitting last twinkle from a new star in the firmament above.”—The Telegraph

Library Journal - Audio

02/01/2019

Hawking presents answers to a few big questions such as what are black holes, where did the universe come from, will humanity survive, and does God exist? His answers are fairly brief and understandable to someone with the basics of physics or cosmology; however, most listeners will skip over the occasional mathematical formula and just assume he has it right. Hawking was working on this book at the time of his death in 2018; it was completed by his colleagues and family. This work focuses on the basics and is relatively short, so it is ideal for listeners as an introduction to Hawking's 1988 best seller A Brief History of Time. The audiobook is ably read by Ben Whishaw (Mary Poppins Returns), with snippets of Hawking's familiar mechanical voice between chapters. VERDICT This work is for those interested in cosmology and physics, but because of the popularity of the author it would likely be of interest to a broader audience. Still, the level of attention required means it is not ideal for casual listening.—Eric D. Albright, Tufts Univ. Lib., Boston

DECEMBER 2018 - AudioFile

The distinctive computer voice of the late Stephen Hawking makes several cameos in this audio, which was cobbled together from speeches and notes and completed after his death in 2018. Each of the “big questions” Hawking answers—about the existence of God, the origin of the universe, the probability of alien life, and the risks of artificial intelligence, to name a few—is introduced by Hawking’s daughter, Lucy, who adds a personal connection. The heavy lifting, however, is superbly handled by British actor Ben Whishaw, whose voice is as graceful as Hawking’s writing. Despite the philosophical heft of the material, Whishaw’s delivery is warm, inviting, and wise. This is an approachable summary of the final thoughts of one of our generation’s great popularizers of science. D.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940193440925
Publisher:	Storyside IN
Publication date:	05/15/2022
Edition description:	Unabridged
Language:	Marathi

Read an Excerpt

People have always wanted answers to the big questions. Where did we come from? How did the universe begin? What is the meaning and design behind it all? Is there anyone out there? The creation accounts of the past now seem less relevant and credible. They have been replaced by a variety of what can only be called superstitions, ranging from New Age to Star Trek. But real science can be far stranger than science fiction, and much more satisfying.

I am a scientist. And a scientist with a deep fascination with physics, cosmology, the universe and the future of humanity. I was brought up by my parents to have an unwavering curiosity and, like my father, to research and try to answer the many questions that science asks us. I have spent my life travelling across the universe, inside my mind. Through theoretical physics, I have sought to answer some of the great questions. At one point, I thought I would see the end of physics as we know it, but now I think the wonder of discovery will continue long after I am gone. We are close to some of these answers, but we are not there yet.

The problem is, most people believe that real science is too difficult and complicated for them to understand. But I don’t think this is the case. To do research on the fundamental laws that govern the universe would require a commitment of time that most people don’t have; the world would soon grind to a halt if we all tried to do theoretical physics. But most people can understand and appreciate the basic ideas if they are presented in a clear way without equations, which I believe is possible and which is something I have enjoyed trying to do throughout my life.

It has been a glorious time to be alive and doing research in theoretical physics. Our picture of the universe has changed a great deal in the last fifty years, and I’m happy if I have made a contribution. One of the great revelations of the space age has been the perspective it has given humanity on ourselves. When we see the Earth from space, we see ourselves as a whole. We see the unity, and not the divisions. It is such a simple image with a compelling message; one planet, one human race.

I want to add my voice to those who demand why we must ask the big questions immediate action on the key challenges for our global community. I hope that going forward, even when I am no longer here, people with power can show creativity, courage and leadership. Let them rise to the challenge of the sustainable development goals, and act, not out of self-interest, but out of common interest. I am very aware of the preciousness of time. Seize the moment. Act now.

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