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Brief Answers to the Big Questions
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Science & Technology (2018)Stephen Hawking was recognized as one of the greatest minds of our time and a figure of inspiration after defying his ALS diagnosis at age twenty-one. He is known for both his breakthroughs in theoretical physics as well as his ability to make complex concepts accessible for all, and was beloved for his mischievous sense of humor. At the time of his death, Hawking was working on a final project: a book compiling his answers to the "big" questions that he was so often posed--questions that ranged beyond his academic field.
Within these pages, he provides his personal views on our biggest challenges as a human race, and where we, as a planet, are heading next. Each section will be introduced by a leading thinker offering his or her own insight into Professor Hawking's contribution to our understanding.
Within these pages, he provides his personal views on our biggest challenges as a human race, and where we, as a planet, are heading next. Each section will be introduced by a leading thinker offering his or her own insight into Professor Hawking's contribution to our understanding.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2018
About the author
Stephen Hawking
220 books12.4k followersStephen William Hawking was an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author who was director of research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge. Between 1979 and 2009, he was the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge, widely viewed as one of the most prestigious academic posts in the world.
Hawking was born in Oxford into a family of physicians. In October 1959, at the age of 17, he began his university education at University College, Oxford, where he received a first-class BA degree in physics. In October 1962, he began his graduate work at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where, in March 1966, he obtained his PhD degree in applied mathematics and theoretical physics, specialising in general relativity and cosmology. In 1963, at age 21, Hawking was diagnosed with an early-onset slow-progressing form of motor neurone disease that gradually, over decades, paralysed him. After the loss of his speech, he communicated through a speech-generating device initially through use of a handheld switch, and eventually by using a single cheek muscle.
Hawking's scientific works included a collaboration with Roger Penrose on gravitational singularity theorems in the framework of general relativity, and the theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, often called Hawking radiation. Initially, Hawking radiation was controversial. By the late 1970s, and following the publication of further research, the discovery was widely accepted as a major breakthrough in theoretical physics. Hawking was the first to set out a theory of cosmology explained by a union of the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. He was a vigorous supporter of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics.
Hawking achieved commercial success with several works of popular science in which he discussed his theories and cosmology in general. His book A Brief History of Time appeared on the Sunday Times bestseller list for a record-breaking 237 weeks. Hawking was a Fellow of the Royal Society, a lifetime member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. In 2002, Hawking was ranked number 25 in the BBC's poll of the 100 Greatest Britons. He died in 2018 at the age of 76, having lived more than 50 years following his diagnosis of motor neurone disease.
Hawking was born in Oxford into a family of physicians. In October 1959, at the age of 17, he began his university education at University College, Oxford, where he received a first-class BA degree in physics. In October 1962, he began his graduate work at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where, in March 1966, he obtained his PhD degree in applied mathematics and theoretical physics, specialising in general relativity and cosmology. In 1963, at age 21, Hawking was diagnosed with an early-onset slow-progressing form of motor neurone disease that gradually, over decades, paralysed him. After the loss of his speech, he communicated through a speech-generating device initially through use of a handheld switch, and eventually by using a single cheek muscle.
Hawking's scientific works included a collaboration with Roger Penrose on gravitational singularity theorems in the framework of general relativity, and the theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, often called Hawking radiation. Initially, Hawking radiation was controversial. By the late 1970s, and following the publication of further research, the discovery was widely accepted as a major breakthrough in theoretical physics. Hawking was the first to set out a theory of cosmology explained by a union of the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. He was a vigorous supporter of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics.
Hawking achieved commercial success with several works of popular science in which he discussed his theories and cosmology in general. His book A Brief History of Time appeared on the Sunday Times bestseller list for a record-breaking 237 weeks. Hawking was a Fellow of the Royal Society, a lifetime member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. In 2002, Hawking was ranked number 25 in the BBC's poll of the 100 Greatest Britons. He died in 2018 at the age of 76, having lived more than 50 years following his diagnosis of motor neurone disease.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,099 reviews
October 27, 2024
A great book by a great man. I had heard the name Stephen Hawking but never read any of his theories. Simply for the very reason, the something coming from the smartest men of the previous 2 generations would be overly complicated and beyond my understanding. What I discovered in this book is Stephen Hawking. He was just a great man as we was a scientist, but an incredible teacher as well. His method of writing allows people like, who have a passing interest in but only a vacation of his ability in science to understand his work. This skill can not be understated as if the most knowledgeable person in the world can not communicate their knowledge it is listed with them. Sort of like sending it into a black hole.
The book is easily readable, Hawking' s dry wit and sense of humour makes reading and learning from it a pleasure. The metaphors in this book allowed me to grasp the basics of even the most complicated theories easily. Though I differ from him from a belief perspective, I do respect his ideas, and I think like any great teacher, Hawking would have welcomed this difference of opinion as a show of curiosity towards finding the truth.
I am sure his views and more in-depth theories will go a long way towards solving many of the great worldwide problems highlighted in this book that we face today.
I would recommend this book to any. It is a great read, and I don't thingl9ved hj anyone can read this book without learning something from it or seeing something a different way. Also, it gives a great insight into Stephen Hawking as a person for people who know him best or colleagues of his, but from his own writing style. He has a great sense of humour and amazing determination. This is a great final word and goodbye to a man ķ theories will inspire many and live on far into the future. One day, some of these theories might even become scientific laws one day.
The book is easily readable, Hawking' s dry wit and sense of humour makes reading and learning from it a pleasure. The metaphors in this book allowed me to grasp the basics of even the most complicated theories easily. Though I differ from him from a belief perspective, I do respect his ideas, and I think like any great teacher, Hawking would have welcomed this difference of opinion as a show of curiosity towards finding the truth.
I am sure his views and more in-depth theories will go a long way towards solving many of the great worldwide problems highlighted in this book that we face today.
I would recommend this book to any. It is a great read, and I don't thingl9ved hj anyone can read this book without learning something from it or seeing something a different way. Also, it gives a great insight into Stephen Hawking as a person for people who know him best or colleagues of his, but from his own writing style. He has a great sense of humour and amazing determination. This is a great final word and goodbye to a man ķ theories will inspire many and live on far into the future. One day, some of these theories might even become scientific laws one day.
June 17, 2019
Quick book answering some Big Questions while learning a bit more about Stephen Hawking.
Is there a God?
Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
Is time travel possible?
Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?
It was great - recommend the audiobook too!
Is there a God?
Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
Is time travel possible?
Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?
It was great - recommend the audiobook too!
May 30, 2024
Nu pot pretinde că stăpînesc vocabularul unui fizician teoretic, așa încît nu am priceput unele sintagme. În pofida științei mele aproximative, răspunsurile la cele 10 întrebări fundamentale mi s-au părut limpezi. De ce trebuie să le punem? Așa, pur și simplu, pentru că sîntem ființe foarte curioase, fiindcă avem meteahna de a ne mira și dorința de a cunoaște. Iar dorința e o excelentă justificare a căutării noastre.
Voi lua întrebările pe rînd și voi rezuma răspunsurile așa cum le-am înțeles.
1. Există Dumnezeu? Datele fizicii și întreaga cosmologie arată că universul a apărut din nimic, mai precis, dintr-o „singularitate” (un punct de o densitate infinită, p.99). Dumnezeu e o ipoteză inutilă. Din păcate pentru specia umană, „nimeni nu a creat universul și nu ține nimeni în mîini soarta noastră” (p.52). Trebuie să ne descurcăm singuri.
2. Cum a început totul? Cu o singularitate (p.61). Hawking nu a acceptat această ipoteză cu plăcere. Autorul invocă și în acest capitol așa-zisul „principiu antropic”. Dacă universul ar fi avut alte constante fizice și chimice, conștiința nu s-ar fi ivit. Pornind de la faptul că numai aici a apărut o conștiință, ea poate fi văzută ca finalitatea evoluției. O formulare a a acestui argument: „Principiul antropic spune că universul trebuie să fie într-o măsură mai mare sau mai mică exact așa cum este, pentru că, dacă ar fi altfel, atunci nu ar exista nimeni care să-l observe” (p.65). Unii au crezut că principiul antropic e o „dovadă” a existenței lui Dumnezeu, a faptului că evoluția urmează un plan prescris. Nu poate fi.
3. Există și altă viață inteligentă în univers? Puțin probabil. Dacă există, am fi aflat deja.
4. Putem prezice viitorul? E vorba, firește, de viitorul lumii fizice. Principiul de incertitudine complică infinit răspunsul. Credința lui Laplace că viitorul poate fi prezis cu maximă rigurozitate nu e realizabilă (p.91).
5. Ce se află în interiorul unei găuri negre? Numai Dumnezeu poate ști. Destul de imprecis spus, o gaură neagră este o stea care s-a micșorat pînă la dimensiunea zero. Acolo cîmpul gravitațional este atît de puternic, încît lumina nu mai poate evada din hăuri.
6. E posibilă călătoria în timp? Nu. Ar contrazice legile fizicii. Pentru a călători în timp, omul are nevoie de o navă cu o viteză mai mare decît cea a luminii (p.119). Prin urmare, „legile fizicii conspiră ca să împiedice călătoria în timp” (p.128).
7. Vom supraviețui pe Pămînt? Greu de spus. Hawking e îngrijorat. O catastrofă ecologică (dacă nu una nucleară), apariția superinteligenței rebele par inevitabile. Omul trebuie să se gîndească la o modalitate de a evada de pe Pămînt (p.134).
8. Ar trebui să colonizăm spațiul? Neapărat. Resursele sînt tot mai puține.
9. Ne va depăși inteligența artificială? Într-o carte anterioară, Hawking minimaliza problema: „calculatorul actual nu depășește inteligența unei rîme”. Nu mai e deloc așa. Și nu mai e mult pînă cînd intelectul uman va fi depășit de IA. Stephen Hawking crede că acest fapt se va petrece în următoarea sută de ani. Ce se va întîmpla dacă inteligența artificială „va dezvolta o voință proprie”? (p.162). De ce ar respecta preceptele etice? Superinteligența (despre care filosoful suedez Nick Bostrom a scris o carte foarte interesantă, în 2014) este o amenințare redutabilă.
10. Cum modelăm viitorul? Prin imaginație și creativitate (p.173). Din păcate, „asistăm la o revoltă globală împotriva experților” (p.174). Așadar, problema nu e cum să-l modelăm, problema e dacă mai avem un viitor...
O carte instructivă și folositoare.
P. S. Am întîlnit probleme de corectură la pp. 34, 56, 77, 139.
Voi lua întrebările pe rînd și voi rezuma răspunsurile așa cum le-am înțeles.
1. Există Dumnezeu? Datele fizicii și întreaga cosmologie arată că universul a apărut din nimic, mai precis, dintr-o „singularitate” (un punct de o densitate infinită, p.99). Dumnezeu e o ipoteză inutilă. Din păcate pentru specia umană, „nimeni nu a creat universul și nu ține nimeni în mîini soarta noastră” (p.52). Trebuie să ne descurcăm singuri.
2. Cum a început totul? Cu o singularitate (p.61). Hawking nu a acceptat această ipoteză cu plăcere. Autorul invocă și în acest capitol așa-zisul „principiu antropic”. Dacă universul ar fi avut alte constante fizice și chimice, conștiința nu s-ar fi ivit. Pornind de la faptul că numai aici a apărut o conștiință, ea poate fi văzută ca finalitatea evoluției. O formulare a a acestui argument: „Principiul antropic spune că universul trebuie să fie într-o măsură mai mare sau mai mică exact așa cum este, pentru că, dacă ar fi altfel, atunci nu ar exista nimeni care să-l observe” (p.65). Unii au crezut că principiul antropic e o „dovadă” a existenței lui Dumnezeu, a faptului că evoluția urmează un plan prescris. Nu poate fi.
3. Există și altă viață inteligentă în univers? Puțin probabil. Dacă există, am fi aflat deja.
4. Putem prezice viitorul? E vorba, firește, de viitorul lumii fizice. Principiul de incertitudine complică infinit răspunsul. Credința lui Laplace că viitorul poate fi prezis cu maximă rigurozitate nu e realizabilă (p.91).
5. Ce se află în interiorul unei găuri negre? Numai Dumnezeu poate ști. Destul de imprecis spus, o gaură neagră este o stea care s-a micșorat pînă la dimensiunea zero. Acolo cîmpul gravitațional este atît de puternic, încît lumina nu mai poate evada din hăuri.
6. E posibilă călătoria în timp? Nu. Ar contrazice legile fizicii. Pentru a călători în timp, omul are nevoie de o navă cu o viteză mai mare decît cea a luminii (p.119). Prin urmare, „legile fizicii conspiră ca să împiedice călătoria în timp” (p.128).
7. Vom supraviețui pe Pămînt? Greu de spus. Hawking e îngrijorat. O catastrofă ecologică (dacă nu una nucleară), apariția superinteligenței rebele par inevitabile. Omul trebuie să se gîndească la o modalitate de a evada de pe Pămînt (p.134).
8. Ar trebui să colonizăm spațiul? Neapărat. Resursele sînt tot mai puține.
9. Ne va depăși inteligența artificială? Într-o carte anterioară, Hawking minimaliza problema: „calculatorul actual nu depășește inteligența unei rîme”. Nu mai e deloc așa. Și nu mai e mult pînă cînd intelectul uman va fi depășit de IA. Stephen Hawking crede că acest fapt se va petrece în următoarea sută de ani. Ce se va întîmpla dacă inteligența artificială „va dezvolta o voință proprie”? (p.162). De ce ar respecta preceptele etice? Superinteligența (despre care filosoful suedez Nick Bostrom a scris o carte foarte interesantă, în 2014) este o amenințare redutabilă.
10. Cum modelăm viitorul? Prin imaginație și creativitate (p.173). Din păcate, „asistăm la o revoltă globală împotriva experților” (p.174). Așadar, problema nu e cum să-l modelăm, problema e dacă mai avem un viitor...
O carte instructivă și folositoare.
P. S. Am întîlnit probleme de corectură la pp. 34, 56, 77, 139.
March 31, 2021
A few years ago, The Times newspaper ran a headline on the front page which said 'Hawking: God Did Not Create Universe'. The article was illustrated. God was shown in a drawing by Michelangelo, looking thunderous. They printed a photo of me, looking smug. They made it look like a duel between us. But I don't have a grudge against God. I do not want to give the impression that my work is about proving or disproving the existence of God. My work is about finding a rational framework to understand the universe around us.
Catechist, atheist, agnostic; I've been there. So naturally, my main interest in this book is that haunting question regarding the existence of a god, the creation of things. I had faith, I don't know where it went; perhaps a part of it went with the books I've read that made it impossible for me to absorb some notions without questioning them. I told a priest once and he looked at me as if I were selling drugs and tickets to strip clubs at school, not without expressing how presumptuous human beings are for wanting to know everything. A similar reaction is mentioned in this book.
Needless remarks aside, a feeble faith tinged with fear - whereas it represents some obvious disadvantages - keeps the mind open. What do you have? The laws of nature or a self-existent and eternal being that created time and space. The complete absence of destiny or someone to blame for lousy decisions. The serenity of dust or the afterlife - on whichever side you get, because you believe or you don't. There is no wager here. There's a chance that an omniscient designer is going to notice that you're believing "just in case". I prefer the afterlife Hawking describes: wishful thinking.
This scientist, key factor in singularities and father of Hawking Radiation, is also the master of analogies. The content of this book is a pedagogic challenge and yet, he makes it approachable. Some ideas and quotes appear more than once throughout the book (those already familiar with Hawking's work may be less enthusiastic about this) but I didn't mind; more resources for me to retain rather complex processes, while there's still light.
Some of the Big Questions and one-sentence quotes:
Is there a God?
If you accept, as I do, that the laws of nature are fixed, then it doesn't take long to ask: what role is there for God?
How did it all begin?
We are the product of quantum fluctuations in the very early universe.
Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
I shall take this [intelligent life] to include the human race, even though much of its behaviour throughout history has been pretty stupid and not calculated to aid survival of the species.
What is inside a black hole?
Black holes are stranger than anything dreamed up by science-fiction writers, but they are firmly matters of science fact.
Is time travel possible?
There was a young lady of Wight
Who travelled much faster than light
She departed one day
In a relative way
And arrived on the previous night.
How do we shape the future?
If you know how something works, you can control it.
The book includes comments of those who knew Hawking: teacher, mentor and friend.
Oct 27, 18
* Also on my blog.
** Photo credit: NASA/CXC/M.Weiss
February 27, 2019
“While there’s life, there is hope.”
Stephen Hawking was such an inspirational man. When he first received his diagnosis, he was ready to give up on life; he was ready to abandon his studies as his body slowly diminished, but with the help of a few friends and loved ones he managed to carry on and complete his work. And, to his surprise, he carried on living beyond what he thought was capable. So, he made the most of every moment as he pursued his academic goals.
“Be brave, be curious, be determined, overcome the odds. It can be done”
He truly was a great man. And the best thing about this book is its simplicity. Stephen Hawking is not dealing with simple things here; he is dealing with complexities that he has spent his life researching and pondering over. Yet, for all that, he makes it approachable and readable to the everyday reader. He knows his audience, and he writes for them, which is fantastic because with a book like this one could easily have become alienated. He was the leading expert in his field of theoretical physics, but he knew exactly how to communicate his ideas to the public.
And that is so important. He considers huge questions in this book. Questions about time travel and alternate universes, but he discusses them in a friendly way. Anybody could read this without getting lost. I really do recommend this one.
It’s a book that will make you think, and it’s a book that will make you appreciate one of the greatest scientists of his generation.
Stephen Hawking was such an inspirational man. When he first received his diagnosis, he was ready to give up on life; he was ready to abandon his studies as his body slowly diminished, but with the help of a few friends and loved ones he managed to carry on and complete his work. And, to his surprise, he carried on living beyond what he thought was capable. So, he made the most of every moment as he pursued his academic goals.
“Be brave, be curious, be determined, overcome the odds. It can be done”
He truly was a great man. And the best thing about this book is its simplicity. Stephen Hawking is not dealing with simple things here; he is dealing with complexities that he has spent his life researching and pondering over. Yet, for all that, he makes it approachable and readable to the everyday reader. He knows his audience, and he writes for them, which is fantastic because with a book like this one could easily have become alienated. He was the leading expert in his field of theoretical physics, but he knew exactly how to communicate his ideas to the public.
And that is so important. He considers huge questions in this book. Questions about time travel and alternate universes, but he discusses them in a friendly way. Anybody could read this without getting lost. I really do recommend this one.
It’s a book that will make you think, and it’s a book that will make you appreciate one of the greatest scientists of his generation.
June 3, 2023
Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking was an English theoretical physicist and cosmologist who's considered one of the most brilliant scientists since Albert Einstein. In addition to making huge contributions to physics, Hawking strove to share his discoveries with the general public, and his book "A Brief History of Time" was a best seller. Moreover, Hawking did most of his research while battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which makes his accomplishments even more remarkable.
In 'Brief Answers to Big Questions', completed after Hawking's death (from his speeches, interviews, essays, notes and lectures), the gifted scientist responds to a number of queries that are relevant to our time.
However it's Hawking's QUESTIONS about relativity and quantum mechanics that will resonate going forward. In the introduction to this book, American theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate Kip Thorne writes: "Newton gave us answers, Hawking gave us questions. And Hawking's questions themselves keep on giving, generating breakthroughs decades later. When ultimately we master the quantum gravity laws and comprehend fully the birth of our universe it may largely be by standing on the shoulders of Hawking."
Kip Thorne is an American theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate, known for his contributions in gravitational physics and astrophysics.
One of Hawking's most important contributions to science was his discovery of 'Hawking Radiation', composed of particles emitted from black holes. It was once thought that NOTHING could escape from a black hole, but this isn't the case. The idea goes as follows: Quantum mechanics implies that space is filled with particles and anti-particles - which are constantly appearing in pairs, separating, them coming together again and annihilating each other. In the presence of a black hole one member of the pair may fall into the black hole, leaving the other member without a partner to engage in mutual annihilation. This particle (or anti-particle) may escape as 'radiation' from the black hole.
Sketches depicting Hawking Radiation
Scientists speculate that, unless a black hole gains mass (by engulfing other objects), it will eventually vanish.
*****
In this book Hawking answers questions he's been asked over the years. I'll give a brief synopsis of his responses, and leave you to read the book if you want more information.
- Is there a God?
No. Everything can be explained by the laws of nature. Matter and energy and space were spontaneously created by the Big Bang.
- What came before the Big Bang?
This is a meaningless question because there was no 'before' the Big Bang. Time (actually spacetime) was created BY the Big Bang. It's like asking 'what is south of the South Pole?'
Spacetime (which is warped by the presence of solid matter) was formed by the Big Bang
There's no 'south' of the South Pole
- Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
We don't know (yet) but Hawking likes to think there are other forms of intelligent life out there. They just haven't contacted Earth....perhaps because they're too far away.
In any case, meeting an advanced civilization would be unadvisable (for us). Remember European settlers and American Indians? If aliens came here it would be like the film 'Independence Day.'
- Can we predict the future?
No. The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle dictates that we can't know both the position and momentum of a particle at the same instant. Thus we can't predict what will happen to a particle (or things made of particles) at a future time. Hawking observes: “No matter how powerful a computer you have, if you put lousy data in you will get lousy predictions out.”
- What is inside a black hole?
A black hole - which is single point of infinite density - is a star that's exhausted its nuclear fuel and collapsed.....but no one REALLY knows what's inside.
- Is time travel possible?
Theoretically yes. If spacetime was warped enough to form a loop, time travel would be possible. However, it time travel WAS possible, someone from the future would probably have come back to visit us already.
In 2009, Hawking held a party for time travelers in his college at Cambridge, for a film about time travel. No one came.😊
- Will we survive on Earth?
Not forever. Nuclear war is a dire threat and there will be a meteorite strike at some point. Moreover, global warming is likely to make Earth uninhabitable, since our climate could become like that of Venus - boiling hot and raining sulfuric acid."
Hawking notes: "One way or another, I regard it as almost inevitable that either a nuclear confrontation or environmental catastrophe will cripple the Earth at some point in the next 1,000 years which, as geological time goes, is the mere blink of an eye. By then I hope and believe that our ingenious race will have found a way to slip the surly bonds of Earth and will, therefore, survive the disaster. The same of course may not be possible for the millions of other species that inhabit the Earth, and that will be on our conscience as a race."
- Should we colonize space?
Yes. In order to survive long term, humans need to colonize other planets. This won't be cheap. Hawking helped initiate a research and engineering project called 'Breakthrough Starshot", which strives to develop spacecraft capable of reaching the star system Alpha Centauri - which is 4.37 light-years (about 26 trillion miles) away.
Hawking believes that in the next hundred years humans will be able to travel to the inner planets of the solar system and in 500 years we will have visited the nearest stars.
Breakthrough Starshot
- What are the prospects that scientists will unite Einstein's theory of relativity and quantum theory to achieve a complete theory of the laws of the universe?
This will happen within the next millennium.
- Will human genetic engineering occur?
Yes. If scientists learn how to do something, SOMEONE will do it.....even if it's illegal.
- Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?
Yes. Computers are likely to overtake human intelligence in the next 100 years. Thus we need to ensure that computers have goals in line with ours. Just to be safe, robotic designs should always incorporate a 'kill switch.'
- What world changing idea would you like to see implemented by humanity?
The development of fusion power to give an unlimited supply of clean energy. It would be an inexhaustible supply of energy without pollution or global warming.
*****
Despite everything, Hawking was an optimistic soul. He advocates that we should: “Be brave, be curious, be determined, overcome the odds. It can be done."
I found the book interesting and informative and would recommend it to people interested in Hawking's view of the 'big questions.'
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
December 11, 2018
Well, this was certainly a bitter-sweet read, knowing it is the last book of Steven Hawking. I wish I'd borrowed the e-book instead of the print because there are so many things I'd have loved to highlight.
In Brief Answers to the Big Questions, Stephen Hawking attempts to answer 10 big questions, such as:
•How did the universe begin?
•Is there a god?
•What is inside a black hole?
•Is it possible to time travel?
•Will AI outsmart us and if so, should we be worried?
These and other questions are answered with brief, simple explanations. Steven Hawking's brilliance shines through on every page. His wittiness is prevalent throughout the book as well (including some wonderful jabs at Donnie-johnnie Trump. Suffice it to say, Mr. Hawking was not a fan!).
I absolutely loved this book. I only wish it could have been longer. Steven Hawking was such a gift to humanity, his genius will live on for as long as there is intelligent life to appreciate his many contributions. I am so sad to have finished this book, but so glad to have read it.
"This is not the end of the story, but just the beginning of what I hope will be billions of years of life flourishing in the cosmos.”
October 22, 2018
Why 3 stars if the book is well-written?
Well, there is NOTHING NEW.
He just said again and again what he always said...
Maybe it should be sold as "Hawking in 90 minutes" or "Hawking for Dummies"...
Yes, his life was really RICH in experiencies, and pain, and fight to overcome an ammount of things that almost nobody could... but...
At the end, I did not feel any "answer", just plain stabilishment cientific thinking.
Not enough for me.
Well, there is NOTHING NEW.
He just said again and again what he always said...
Maybe it should be sold as "Hawking in 90 minutes" or "Hawking for Dummies"...
Yes, his life was really RICH in experiencies, and pain, and fight to overcome an ammount of things that almost nobody could... but...
At the end, I did not feel any "answer", just plain stabilishment cientific thinking.
Not enough for me.
November 14, 2018
In this book Stephen Hawking, possibly the last book written by him, answers some big questions and makes some predictions for the future taking into account the current state of science. How did it all begin? Is there other intelligent life in the universe? Is time travel possible? Obviously, I wasn't expecting solutions for these questions, but Stephen Hawking is able to explain complicated questions in a way that everyone would understand.
Also, I love how Stephen Hawking answers those questions without disregarding other's beliefs.
Also, I love how Stephen Hawking answers those questions without disregarding other's beliefs.
"So remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don't just give up. Unleash your imagination. Shape the future."
July 17, 2023
Brief Answers to the Big Questions was published after Stephen Hawking’s death. It’s an interesting mix of speculation and explanation of the underlying science. The book also does a great job of explaining how Professor Hawking’s study of black holes shed so much light on our understanding of quantum mechanics and science generally. As a collection of various writings, there is some overlap, and it repeats itself a bit. But if you’re looking for me to write a takedown of a legendary scientist who I’ve admired for most of my life, you have come to the wrong place.
Brief Answers to the Big Questions is not A Brief History of Time, but a good read, and a fine entry point if you’ve never read anything before by Professor Hawking. Recommended.
P.S. In the first comment, I have shared the even Briefer Answers to the Big Questions. (But you really should read the book). 😄
Brief Answers to the Big Questions is not A Brief History of Time, but a good read, and a fine entry point if you’ve never read anything before by Professor Hawking. Recommended.
P.S. In the first comment, I have shared the even Briefer Answers to the Big Questions. (But you really should read the book). 😄
June 30, 2019
دوستانِ گرانقدر، زنده یاد «استیون هاوکینگ» در این کتابِ ارزشمند، به زبانی ساده و چکیده وار، مسائلِ فیزیکی، کوانتوم، سیاه چاله ها، کرم چاله ها، سفرِ زمان، سفرهایِ بین ستاره ای، هوشِ مصنوعی و پیدایشِ جهان را شرح داده و برخی از پرسشهایِ مهمِ شما دوستانِ خردگرا و اهلِ دانش در خصوصِ این مسائل را پاسخ داده است... عزیزانم، همیشه برایتان از تعصباتِ مذهبی در ریویوها مثال زده و نوشته ام.. اینبار کافیست تا متنِ مترجم بیشعور و بدسوادِ این کتاب را در موردِ این دانشمندِ بزرگ بخوانید تا پی به این حقیقت ببرید که چگونه تعصبِ کورکورانه و ابلهانه به دین و مذهب، سببِ از بین رفتنِ شعور و انسانیت و خرد میشود... تمامِ اندیشمندان و بزرگان و خردمندان، سرِ تعظیم در برابرِ دانشِ استیون هاوکینگ فرود آورده و خدمات وی در راستایِ رشد و پیشرفتِ دانش، هیچگاه فراموش نخواهد شد... ولی از آنجایی که این مردِ اندیشمند، از راهِ دانش و خرد، اعتقادات و باورهایِ پوشالیِ کسانی همچون مترجمِ ترسو و موهوم پرستِ این کتاب را به فاضلاب ریخته است، این مترجمِ بیشعور، نوشته هایِ این انسانِ خردمند، در موردِ پیدایشِ جهان و موهوم بودنِ داستانهایِ مسخره ای که دین و مذهب در موردِ پیدایشِ هستی گفته اند را غیرعقلانی و غیرمنطقی میداند!!! دقت کنید�� این موجودِ بیخرد، به دلیلِ تعصباتِ احمقانه اش، نظریاتِ این دانشمند را غیرعقلانی خطاب میکند، ولی به موجودی باور دارد که هیچ اثری از آن در تاریخ نبوده و نیست... او که از فیزیک و کوانتوم و سیاه چاله ها سخن میگوید، غیرمنطقی و غیرعقلانی نوشته!! ولی نادانهایِ موهوم پرستی که با شعورِ انسانها بازی کرده اند و باور دارند که یک موجودِ نامرئی، یهویی و به یکباره خوشش آمد و در 6 روز دنیا را ساخت و عمرِ دنیا 6 تا 7 هزار ساله، بر پایۀ عقل و منطق، شر و ورهایشان را میگویند!!!! ببینید دین چه بلایی بر سرِ این موجوداتِ کوتوله شعور و عقده ای آورده است.. خودتان ببینید ما با چه موجوداتی سر و کار داریم.... عزیزانم، اگر قصدِ خواندنِ این کتاب را دارید، فکر میکنم ترجمۀ نشر مازیار با سانسور و تحریفِ کمتری نسبت به انتشاراتِ دیگر، این کتاب را منتشر کرده باشد... البته چاپ انتشارات نو با ترجمه مزدا موحد را مرور نکردم
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فرض کنید شخصی بخواهد رویِ یک تکه زمینِ صاف، تپه ای بسازد.. این تپه را نمایانگرِ جهان هستی فرض میکنیم.. برایِ درست کردنِ این تپه، او چاله ای در زمین حفر میکند و از خاکِ این چاله، تپه را ایجاد میکند.. البته که او با این کار فقط تپه درست نکرده، بلکه چاله ای نیز ایجاد کرده که یک اثرِ منفی در پدید آمدنِ تپه است.. هر آنچه درونِ چاله بوده و حالا نیست، اکنون جزءِ سازندۀ تپه است.. بنابراین کاملاً در تعادل خواهد بود.. این شبیهِ همان اتفاقی است که در آغازِ جهانِ هستی رقم خورد
زمانی که "مه بانگ" (بیگ بنگ) مقدارِ بسیار زیادی انرژیِ مثبت تولید کرد، در عینِ حال به میزانِ یکسان انرژیِ منفی نیز از خود بروز داد.. بدین طریق، همیشه مجموعِ انرژیِ مثبت و منفی به صفر میرسد که این نیز یکی از قوانینِ طبیعت میباشد.... فضا اندوختۀ بزرگی از انرژیِ منفی است، این مقدار به اندازه ای است که با جمعِ انرژیِ مثبت، به صفر برسد
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ساعتی (مچی،دیواری و یا دیجیتال) را تصور کنید که به سمتِ "سیاه چاله" میرود.. هرچه ساعت به سیاه چاله نزدیک و نزدیکتر میشود، زمان کندتر و کندتر میگردد.. حال فرض کنید ساعت واردِ سیاه چاله شود، در اینجا زمان به طورِ کامل می ایستد... ساعت می ایستد، ولی نه به این خاطر که خراب شده است، بلکه داخلِ یک سیاه چاله، اصلاً زمان وجود ندارد... و این دقیقاً همان اتفاقی است که در آغازِ پیدایشِ جهانِ هستی، رقم خورده است... این که پیش از انفجارِ بزرگ چه بوده، پرسشِ اشتباهی میباشد.. چراکه اصلاً زمانی وجود نداشته است.. پیش از مه بانگ، زمان معنا نداشته است.. علتی در پسِ این انفجار قرار ندارد، چراکه زمانی درکار نبوده که بخواهد علتی در آن زمان وجود داشته باشد... مثلِ این میماند که در موردِ لبۀ کرۀ زمین پرسش کنیم.. که لبۀ کرۀ زمین کجاست؟؟ در صورتیکه کرۀ زمین کروی شکل است و اصلاً لبه ای ندارد که جایش را تعیین کنیم
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جهانِ هستی پس از "مه بانگ"، شروع به سرد شدن و انبساط کرد.. ولی برخی مناطق، چگالیِ بیشتری نسبت به مناطقِ دیگر داشتند و کششِ گرانشیِ جرمِ اضافی در آن مناطق، سرعتِ انبساط آنها را کاهش داد و در نهایت متوقف شد.. در عوض با گذشتِ چیزی حدودِ دو میلیارد سال، پس از مه بانگ، کهکشانها و ستارگان شکل گرفتند.. برخی از ستارگانِ نخستین، بزرگتر و داغتر از خورشید بودند و هیدروژن و هلیوم را به عناصرِ سنگین تری مثلِ کربن، اکسیژن و آهن، تبدیل کردند... این رویداد حدودِ چندصد میلیون سال طول کشید.. پس از آن برخی ستارگان با انفجاری که "ابرنواختر" نام دارد، عناصرِ سنگین را به فضا بازگرداندند تا مادۀ خامِ سازندۀ ستارگانِ نسلِ بعدی را شکل دهند
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از هر پنج ستاره، یک ستاره وجود دارد که سیاره ای شبیه به زمین را در پیرامونِ خود دارد که امکانِ حیات در آن وجود داشته باشد.. منظومۀ شمسیِ ما، چهار و نیم میلیون سال پیش (بیش از نه میلیارد سال پس از مه بانگ) از گاز، گرد و غبار و باقیماندۀ ستارگانِ نخستین شکل گرفت
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سیاه چاله ای با ابعادِ یک کوه، در حدودِ ده میلیون مگاوات پرتوِ گاما و اشعۀ ایکس از خود ساطع میکند که برایِ تأمینِ انرژیِ الکتریسیتۀ جهان کافی است... با این وجود، تحتِ کنترل درآوردنِ یک سیاه چاله دشوار است.. نمیتوان آن را در یک نیروگاهِ برق نگاه داشت، زیرا در کفِ زمین فرورفته و در نهایت به مرکزِ زمین میرسد.. اگر چنین سیاه چاله ای داشتیم، تنها راهِ نگاه داشتنِ آن، قرار دادن در مداری پیرامونِ زمین بود... برایِ یافتنِ سیاه چاله هایِ کوچک، تلاشهایِ زیادی صورت گرفته که تا کنون موردی یافت نشده است... و جای تأسف است، چراکه اگر به این مهم دست یافته بودند، من جایزۀ نوبل را دریافت میکردم.. شاید در آینده ما بتوانیم میکرو سیاه چاله هایی در ابعادِ اضافیِ فضا – زمان، بسازیم
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برایِ یک سفرِ فضایی به نزدیکترین ستاره، حداقل هشت سال زمان نیاز است و سفر به مرکزِ کهکشان تقریباً پنجاه هزار سال طول میکشد... اگر سفینۀ فضایی میتوانست با سرعتی تقریباً نزدیک به سرعتِ نور حرکت کند، آن وقت برایِ اشخاصِ حاضر در سفینۀ فضایی، سفر به مرکزِ کهکشان تنها چندسال طول میکشید.. ولی همین هم خیلی نمیتواند مایۀ دلخوشی باشد، چراکه وقتی از این سفر فضایی به زمین بازمیگشتید، تمامی کسانی که میشناختید، از دنیا رفته بودند و هزاران سال پیش به فراموشی سپرده شده بودند
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امیدوارم این ریویو، در جهتِ آشنایی با این کتاب، کافی و مفید بوده باشه... یادِ استیون هاوکینگ، همیشه زنده و گرامی باد
«پیروز باشید و ایرانی»
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فرض کنید شخصی بخواهد رویِ یک تکه زمینِ صاف، تپه ای بسازد.. این تپه را نمایانگرِ جهان هستی فرض میکنیم.. برایِ درست کردنِ این تپه، او چاله ای در زمین حفر میکند و از خاکِ این چاله، تپه را ایجاد میکند.. البته که او با این کار فقط تپه درست نکرده، بلکه چاله ای نیز ایجاد کرده که یک اثرِ منفی در پدید آمدنِ تپه است.. هر آنچه درونِ چاله بوده و حالا نیست، اکنون جزءِ سازندۀ تپه است.. بنابراین کاملاً در تعادل خواهد بود.. این شبیهِ همان اتفاقی است که در آغازِ جهانِ هستی رقم خورد
زمانی که "مه بانگ" (بیگ بنگ) مقدارِ بسیار زیادی انرژیِ مثبت تولید کرد، در عینِ حال به میزانِ یکسان انرژیِ منفی نیز از خود بروز داد.. بدین طریق، همیشه مجموعِ انرژیِ مثبت و منفی به صفر میرسد که این نیز یکی از قوانینِ طبیعت میباشد.... فضا اندوختۀ بزرگی از انرژیِ منفی است، این مقدار به اندازه ای است که با جمعِ انرژیِ مثبت، به صفر برسد
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ساعتی (مچی،دیواری و یا دیجیتال) را تصور کنید که به سمتِ "سیاه چاله" میرود.. هرچه ساعت به سیاه چاله نزدیک و نزدیکتر میشود، زمان کندتر و کندتر میگردد.. حال فرض کنید ساعت واردِ سیاه چاله شود، در اینجا زمان به طورِ کامل می ایستد... ساعت می ایستد، ولی نه به این خاطر که خراب شده است، بلکه داخلِ یک سیاه چاله، اصلاً زمان وجود ندارد... و این دقیقاً همان اتفاقی است که در آغازِ پیدایشِ جهانِ هستی، رقم خورده است... این که پیش از انفجارِ بزرگ چه بوده، پرسشِ اشتباهی میباشد.. چراکه اصلاً زمانی وجود نداشته است.. پیش از مه بانگ، زمان معنا نداشته است.. علتی در پسِ این انفجار قرار ندارد، چراکه زمانی درکار نبوده که بخواهد علتی در آن زمان وجود داشته باشد... مثلِ این میماند که در موردِ لبۀ کرۀ زمین پرسش کنیم.. که لبۀ کرۀ زمین کجاست؟؟ در صورتیکه کرۀ زمین کروی شکل است و اصلاً لبه ای ندارد که جایش را تعیین کنیم
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جهانِ هستی پس از "مه بانگ"، شروع به سرد شدن و انبساط کرد.. ولی برخی مناطق، چگالیِ بیشتری نسبت به مناطقِ دیگر داشتند و کششِ گرانشیِ جرمِ اضافی در آن مناطق، سرعتِ انبساط آنها را کاهش داد و در نهایت متوقف شد.. در عوض با گذشتِ چیزی حدودِ دو میلیارد سال، پس از مه بانگ، کهکشانها و ستارگان شکل گرفتند.. برخی از ستارگانِ نخستین، بزرگتر و داغتر از خورشید بودند و هیدروژن و هلیوم را به عناصرِ سنگین تری مثلِ کربن، اکسیژن و آهن، تبدیل کردند... این رویداد حدودِ چندصد میلیون سال طول کشید.. پس از آن برخی ستارگان با انفجاری که "ابرنواختر" نام دارد، عناصرِ سنگین را به فضا بازگرداندند تا مادۀ خامِ سازندۀ ستارگانِ نسلِ بعدی را شکل دهند
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از هر پنج ستاره، یک ستاره وجود دارد که سیاره ای شبیه به زمین را در پیرامونِ خود دارد که امکانِ حیات در آن وجود داشته باشد.. منظومۀ شمسیِ ما، چهار و نیم میلیون سال پیش (بیش از نه میلیارد سال پس از مه بانگ) از گاز، گرد و غبار و باقیماندۀ ستارگانِ نخستین شکل گرفت
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سیاه چاله ای با ابعادِ یک کوه، در حدودِ ده میلیون مگاوات پرتوِ گاما و اشعۀ ایکس از خود ساطع میکند که برایِ تأمینِ انرژیِ الکتریسیتۀ جهان کافی است... با این وجود، تحتِ کنترل درآوردنِ یک سیاه چاله دشوار است.. نمیتوان آن را در یک نیروگاهِ برق نگاه داشت، زیرا در کفِ زمین فرورفته و در نهایت به مرکزِ زمین میرسد.. اگر چنین سیاه چاله ای داشتیم، تنها راهِ نگاه داشتنِ آن، قرار دادن در مداری پیرامونِ زمین بود... برایِ یافتنِ سیاه چاله هایِ کوچک، تلاشهایِ زیادی صورت گرفته که تا کنون موردی یافت نشده است... و جای تأسف است، چراکه اگر به این مهم دست یافته بودند، من جایزۀ نوبل را دریافت میکردم.. شاید در آینده ما بتوانیم میکرو سیاه چاله هایی در ابعادِ اضافیِ فضا – زمان، بسازیم
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برایِ یک سفرِ فضایی به نزدیکترین ستاره، حداقل هشت سال زمان نیاز است و سفر به مرکزِ کهکشان تقریباً پنجاه هزار سال طول میکشد... اگر سفینۀ فضایی میتوانست با سرعتی تقریباً نزدیک به سرعتِ نور حرکت کند، آن وقت برایِ اشخاصِ حاضر در سفینۀ فضایی، سفر به مرکزِ کهکشان تنها چندسال طول میکشید.. ولی همین هم خیلی نمیتواند مایۀ دلخوشی باشد، چراکه وقتی از این سفر فضایی به زمین بازمیگشتید، تمامی کسانی که میشناختید، از دنیا رفته بودند و هزاران سال پیش به فراموشی سپرده شده بودند
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امیدوارم این ریویو، در جهتِ آشنایی با این کتاب، کافی و مفید بوده باشه... یادِ استیون هاوکینگ، همیشه زنده و گرامی باد
«پیروز باشید و ایرانی»
December 30, 2018
Even though the book was meant to be as exoteric as possible, it is still rather thorough for the general public. To me, the answers were prolix and discursive. Much explaining was done, but I often found myself asking "How's that relevant to the question?".
January 2, 2022
نجوم، فضا و ستارگان... موضوعات مورد علاقه من🥺
استیون هاوکینگ، توی این کتابش راجع به چند سوال مهمِ تاریخِ بشر بحث میکنه:
- چگونه همه چیز شروع شد؟
- آیا در کیهان حیات هوشمند دیگری هم هست؟
- آیا میتوانیم آینده را پیشبینی کنیم؟
- داخل یک سیاهچاله چیست؟
- آیا سفر در زمان ممکن است؟
- آیا انسان جان بهدر خواهد برد؟
- آیا باید برای سکونت به فضا برویم؟
- آیا هوش مصنوعی بر ما چیره خواهد شد؟
اما دقت کنید، قرار نیست به این سوالات جواب داده بشه. هاوکینگ با توجه به تجربیات، درسها و تحقیقاتی که راجع به علم، فضا، آینده، فیزیک و زندگی داشته پاسخهایی احتمالی رو بیان میکنه و فرضیههای متفاوتی رو مورد بحث قرار میده.
پس اگر دنبال جوابی برای این سوالات هستید، سراغ این کتاب نرید چون قرار نیست به پاسخ کامل و جامعی دست پیدا کنید. فقط علم، افکار و تفکراتتون رو گستردهتر میکنه و در حقیقت به حل موضوعات و سوالات بیجواب در آینده کمک میکنه.
البته خیلی از مسائلی که مطرح میشه کاملا جدید هم نیستند فقط همین که از زوایای دیگه به خیلی از مسائل آشنا پرداخته واقعا جذابه...
پس بهتون پیشنهاد میکنم اگر به علم، سوالات بیجواب بشر، ستارگان و فضا علاقمندید حتما این کتاب رو بخونید. پشیمون نمیشید...
جملهای از کتاب که واقعا من رو به فکر فرو برد:
- به یاد داشته باشید که به بالا و به ستارگان نگاه کنید، نه به پایین و پاهایتان.
استیون هاوکینگ، توی این کتابش راجع به چند سوال مهمِ تاریخِ بشر بحث میکنه:
- چگونه همه چیز شروع شد؟
- آیا در کیهان حیات هوشمند دیگری هم هست؟
- آیا میتوانیم آینده را پیشبینی کنیم؟
- داخل یک سیاهچاله چیست؟
- آیا سفر در زمان ممکن است؟
- آیا انسان جان بهدر خواهد برد؟
- آیا باید برای سکونت به فضا برویم؟
- آیا هوش مصنوعی بر ما چیره خواهد شد؟
اما دقت کنید، قرار نیست به این سوالات جواب داده بشه. هاوکینگ با توجه به تجربیات، درسها و تحقیقاتی که راجع به علم، فضا، آینده، فیزیک و زندگی داشته پاسخهایی احتمالی رو بیان میکنه و فرضیههای متفاوتی رو مورد بحث قرار میده.
پس اگر دنبال جوابی برای این سوالات هستید، سراغ این کتاب نرید چون قرار نیست به پاسخ کامل و جامعی دست پیدا کنید. فقط علم، افکار و تفکراتتون رو گستردهتر میکنه و در حقیقت به حل موضوعات و سوالات بیجواب در آینده کمک میکنه.
البته خیلی از مسائلی که مطرح میشه کاملا جدید هم نیستند فقط همین که از زوایای دیگه به خیلی از مسائل آشنا پرداخته واقعا جذابه...
پس بهتون پیشنهاد میکنم اگر به علم، سوالات بیجواب بشر، ستارگان و فضا علاقمندید حتما این کتاب رو بخونید. پشیمون نمیشید...
جملهای از کتاب که واقعا من رو به فکر فرو برد:
- به یاد داشته باشید که به بالا و به ستارگان نگاه کنید، نه به پایین و پاهایتان.
December 16, 2018
Part of the legacy of an exceptional genius, a source of inspiration and a science communicator.
Please note that I have put the original German text to the end of this review. Just if you might be interested.
Hawking understood how to use his life in many ways in exemplary fashion, despite his adverse health, and to research with full vigor. He was an inspiration to millions of people despite all the restrictions. And he used the nimbus as a genius, who is caged in his body, to achieve that goal. The press loved Hawking and he played with the media channels like a virtuoso.
He was for understandable and entertaining science journalism away from the academic ivory tower. Far away from academics who fail because of their inability to explain their theses understandably and rousingly. And feast themselves on their lonely genius instead. Hawking wanted to make science accessible to the masses of people, fueling joy and enthusiasm, inspiring a new generation of researchers. Like other visionaries like Neil de Grasse Tyson, Carl Sagan and many others. The generation of bloggers known in the new media, Youtubers, etc. is inspired by him too.
His unusual life enabled him to gain a reputation he probably would never have attained to that extent. And he was an inspiring model to all procrastinating, passive, blaming, quarreling, ... people in the affluent societies. How ridiculous is it when healthy people wallow in their self-pity or are unable to control their emotions. A quick look at the philanthropy and kindness of an exceptional explorer like Hawking would suffice. To shamefully take consequences and prioritize self-discipline, in order not to stagnate further.
Concerning the ideological aspects of Hawking's work, every reader has to find his own approach. Depending on one´s preferred beliefs, agnosticism, atheism, nihilism, pastafarianism, ... his interpretations have a different status. Hawking's metaphysical hypotheses permeate his work and are relevant to readers who are not only interested in pure science. As well as his political analyzes and warnings.
In addition to inspirational quotes, Hawking also left warnings of various, future dangers. Both should be used in the sense of a productive use of his legacy. The wisdom of his mantras and the pessimism of his warnings of AI and alien intelligences.
The safety of AI depends on two factors: human competence and computer security. That sounds very frightening, but it should work in practice because a lot of infrastructures depends on it. Although similar thoughts revolved around the safety of nuclear weapons: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanisl...
But as long as capable programmers implement sufficient security mechanisms to never provide the AI with too much power and access rights, this danger is eliminated. And if these KIs are sufficiently protected against infiltration and sabotage, its fatal manipulation and misappropriation can be prevented. The only problem is that autonomous physical and purely virtual weapons systems need a lot of self-sufficiency and networking to work "well." Like all logistical, economic and process engineering applications. This will be a balancing act. Hopefully, nobody will stumble over the Terminator.
The extraterrestrial intelligences are a different caliber and no approach is consistent. One can optimistically run to ruin or pessimistically pursue isolationism. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. In Hawking's opinion, we would do well to behave as inconspicuously as possible and quietly evolve as quickly as possible. And in as little space as possible with fewer signals, emissions and detectable activities on just a few planets. This would entail restrictions on the use of new communications capabilities that are yet to be developed, space colonization, asteroid mining, and so on — all key technologies for the further development of humanity. For economic reasons, one will take all risks and expand as far as technically possible forever until it becomes clear which assumption was correct. There is a contradiction between Hawking's urge for space colonization with self-sufficient settlements with independent populations and his warning to be unobtrusive. Both are not possible at the same time. Humanity will gamble and hopefully win.
The dangers of improving humans through genetic engineering and implants are small footnotes in relation to machine apocalypse or alien invasion. China has most likely already begun and everyone else will follow. As always, "It's the economy, stupid." Lapidar and soberly said, there were always hierarchies and society pyramids. It would be hypocritical now to pretend that immediate improvement and gene optimization would make a difference and break the taboo. Much ideology plays into it. The poverty that arises from the lack of distributive justice is the problem. And not whether the one human is breathing with gills underwater and lives 1000 years or forever and the other with fewer enhancements can only live 500 years and can afford a little less intelligence increase. There is no difference to today.
For Hawking, the easily preventable diseases of civilization are incomprehensible. That so many people fail to get up regularly from sitting, eat less and move their lazy posteriors. Instead of just eating from 7 to 22 and not moving at all. Because it really is not rocket technology to get some ambitions not to die earlier because of stupid and preventable reasons.
The criticized hostility to science will become another embarrassing footnote in history. One just has to sit out the time and mindfully avoid dealing with such channels. Prefer to actively participate in the dissemination of knowledge and the passing of the torch to the youth. Because with personified stupidity, ignorance, counseling resistance and lack of learning ability cannot be discussed. Therefore, it would be lost love and waste of time even to seek dialogue with such individuals engaging in those political agendas. Neither of both sides would benefit from it. It´s just a great pity that problems such as declining biodiversity, environmental degradation, global warming,… can only be resolved by a common consensus.
Especially now that research is opening up more doors than ever before, a healthy mix of caution and curiosity is required. One never knows what one awakens. Be it in machines, unstoppable processes or in the vastness of space.
Ein Teil des Vermächtnisses eines Jahrhundertgenies, einer Inspirationsquelle und Wissenschaftskommunikators.
Hawking verstand es, sein Leben trotz widrigen Gesundheitszustandes in vielfacher Weise vorbildhaft zu nutzen und voller Elan zu forschen. Er war trotz aller Einschränkungen eine Inspiration für Millionen Menschen. Und er nutzte den Nimbus als in seinem Körper eingesperrtes Genie geschickt, um dieses Ziel zu erreichen. Die Presse liebte Hawking und er spielte auf ihre wie ein Virtuose.
Er war für einen verständlichen und unterhaltsamen Wissenschaftsjournalismus abseits vom akademischen Elfenbeinturm. Weit weg von Akademikern, die an der Unfähigkeit scheitern, ihre Thesen verständlich und mitreißend erklären zu können. Und sich stattdessen an ihrem einsamen Genie ergötzen. Hawking wollte Wissenschaft für die breite Masse der Menschen zugänglich machen, Freude und Begeisterung schüren und damit eine neue Generation von Forschern inspirieren. Wie andere Visionäre wie Neil de GrasseTyson, Carl Sagan und viele andere. Auch die Generation der in den neuen Medien bekannten Blogger, Youtuber, etc. ist von ihm inspiriert.
Sein ungewöhnliches Leben ermöglichte es ihm, eine Bekanntheit zu erlangen, die er so wahrscheinlich nie in diesem Ausmaß erlangt hätte. Und er war für alle prokrastinierenden, passiven, anderen die Schuld zuschiebenden, hadernden,…Menschen in den Wohlstandsgesellschaften ein Mahnmal. Denn wie lächerlich ist es, wenn gesunde Menschen sich in ihrem eigenen Selbstmitleid suhlen oder unfähig sind, ihre Emotionen zu kontrollieren. Dabei würde ein kurzer Blick auf die Philantrophie und Güte eines Ausnahmeforschers wie Hawking genügen. Um peinlich berührt Konsequenz und Selbstdisziplin zu forcieren, um nicht weiter zu stagnieren.
Hinsichtlich der ideologischen Aspekte in Hawkings Werk muss jeder Leser seine eigene Herangehensweise finden. Je nach präferierten Glauben, Agnostizismus, Atheismus, Nihilismus, Pastafarismus,… haben sie einen anderen Stellenwert. Hawkings metaphysische Hypothesen durchziehen sein Werk und sind für Leser relevant, die nicht nur an der reinen Naturwissenschaft interessiert sind. Gleich wie auch seine politischen Analysen und Warnungen.
Neben inspirierenden Zitaten hinterließ Hawking auch Warnungen vor diversen, zukünftigen Gefahren. Im Sinne einer fruchtbaren Nutzung seines Vermächtnisses sollte beides genutzt werden. Die Weisheit seiner Mantras und der Pessimismus seiner Warnungen vor KIs und außerirdischen Intelligenzen.
Die Sicherheit von KIs hängt an 2 Faktoren: menschlicher Kompetenz und Computersicherheit. Das klingt sehr erschreckend, dürfte in der Praxis aber funktionieren, weil viel Infrastruktur daran hängt. Obwohl man das bei Kernwaffen auch dachte: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanisl...
Aber solange fähige Programmierer ausreichende Sicherheitsmechanismen einbauen, um die KI nie mit zu viel Machtfülle und Zugriffsrechten auszustatten, ist diese Gefahr ausgeräumt. Und wenn diese KIs ausreichend vor Infiltration und Sabotage geschützt sind, lässt sich ihre fatale Manipulation und Zwecksentfremdung verhindern. Das Problem ist nur, dass autonome physische und rein virtuelle Waffensysteme viel Autarkie und Vernetzung benötigen, um "gut" funktionieren zu können. Wie auch alle logistischen, wirtschaftlichen und prozesstechnischen Anwendungen. Das wird ein Balanceakt werden, bei dem hoffentlich niemand über den Terminator stolpert.
Die außerirdischen Intelligenzen sind ein anderes Kaliber und kein Lösungsansatz ist konsistent. Grundsätzlich kann man optimistisch ins Verderben rennen oder pessimistisch Isolationismus betreiben. Jede Option hat für sich Vorteile und Nachteile. Nach Hawkings Meinung täten wir gut daran, uns möglichst unauffällig zu verhalten und still und heimlich möglichst schnell weiter zu evolvieren. Und das auf so wenig Raum wie möglich mit so wenig Signalen, Emissionen und detektierbaren Aktivitäten wie möglich. Das würde Einschränkungen bei dem Einsatz neuer, noch zu entwickelnder Kommunikationsmöglichkeiten, Weltraumkolonisation, Asteroidenbergbau, usw. mit sich bringen. Alles Schlüsseltechnologien für die weitere Entwicklung der Menschheit. Man wird aus ökonomischen Gründen alle Risiken eingehen und so weit wie technisch möglich expandieren. Bis sich zeigt, welche Annahme richtig war. Es besteht ein Widerspruch zwischen Hawkings drängen auf eine Weltraumkolonisation mit autarken Siedlungen mit ausreichender Population und seiner Warnung.
Die Gefahren der Verbesserung des Menschen mittels Gentechnik und Implantaten sind in Relation zu Maschinenapokalypse oder einer Alieninvasion kleine Fußnoten. China hat sehr wahrscheinlich längst damit begonnen und alle anderen werden folgen. Wie immer, "It´s the economy, stupid." Lapidar und nüchtern gesagt gab es immer Hierarchien und Gesellschaftspyramiden. Es wäre jetzt scheinheilig, so zu tun als würde unmittelbare Verbesserung und Optimierung einen Unterschied machen und einen ach so großen Tabubruch darstellen. Viel Ideologie spielt da mit hinein. Die Armut, die aus der mangelnden Verteilungsgerechtigkeit erwächst, ist das Problem. Und nicht, ob der eine Mensch mit Kiemen unter Wasser atmen und 1000 Jahre alt werden und der andere "nur" halb so alt wird und sich etwas weniger Intelligenzsteigerung leisten kann.
Nicht nachvollziehbar sind für Hawking die so leicht zu verhindernden Zivilisationskrankheiten. Dass so viele Menschen es nicht schaffen, regelmäßig vom Sitzen aufzustehen, weniger zu essen und sich zu bewegen. Anstatt nur zu essen und sich gar nicht zu bewegen. Denn es ist wirklich keine Raketentechnik.
Die von ihm kritisierte Wissenschaftsfeindlichkeit wird eine weitere peinliche Fußnote in der Geschichte werden. Man muss die Zeit nur aussitzen und achtsam den Umgang mit derartigen Kanälen meiden. Lieber aktiv an der Verbreitung von Wissen und dem Reichen der Fackel an die Jugend partizipieren. Denn mit Dummheit, Ignoranz, Beratungsresistenz und mangelnder Lernfähigkeit lässt sich nicht diskutieren. Deswegen wäre es verlorene Liebemühe und Zeitverschwendung, mit solchen Individuen und politischen Strömungen überhaupt einen Dialog zu suchen. Keine der Parteien hätte davon irgendeinen Nutzen. Blöd nur, dass Probleme wie zurück gehende Biodiversität, Umweltzerstörung und Klimaerwärmung nur auf Basis eines gemeinsamen Konsens gelöst werden können.
Gerade jetzt, wo die Forschung so viele Türen aufstößt wie noch nie, ist eine gesunde Mischung aus Vorsicht und Neugierde angesagt. Man weiß nie, was man weckt. Sei es in Maschinen, nicht mehr aufzuhaltenden Prozessen oder in den Weiten des Alls.
Please note that I have put the original German text to the end of this review. Just if you might be interested.
Hawking understood how to use his life in many ways in exemplary fashion, despite his adverse health, and to research with full vigor. He was an inspiration to millions of people despite all the restrictions. And he used the nimbus as a genius, who is caged in his body, to achieve that goal. The press loved Hawking and he played with the media channels like a virtuoso.
He was for understandable and entertaining science journalism away from the academic ivory tower. Far away from academics who fail because of their inability to explain their theses understandably and rousingly. And feast themselves on their lonely genius instead. Hawking wanted to make science accessible to the masses of people, fueling joy and enthusiasm, inspiring a new generation of researchers. Like other visionaries like Neil de Grasse Tyson, Carl Sagan and many others. The generation of bloggers known in the new media, Youtubers, etc. is inspired by him too.
His unusual life enabled him to gain a reputation he probably would never have attained to that extent. And he was an inspiring model to all procrastinating, passive, blaming, quarreling, ... people in the affluent societies. How ridiculous is it when healthy people wallow in their self-pity or are unable to control their emotions. A quick look at the philanthropy and kindness of an exceptional explorer like Hawking would suffice. To shamefully take consequences and prioritize self-discipline, in order not to stagnate further.
Concerning the ideological aspects of Hawking's work, every reader has to find his own approach. Depending on one´s preferred beliefs, agnosticism, atheism, nihilism, pastafarianism, ... his interpretations have a different status. Hawking's metaphysical hypotheses permeate his work and are relevant to readers who are not only interested in pure science. As well as his political analyzes and warnings.
In addition to inspirational quotes, Hawking also left warnings of various, future dangers. Both should be used in the sense of a productive use of his legacy. The wisdom of his mantras and the pessimism of his warnings of AI and alien intelligences.
The safety of AI depends on two factors: human competence and computer security. That sounds very frightening, but it should work in practice because a lot of infrastructures depends on it. Although similar thoughts revolved around the safety of nuclear weapons: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanisl...
But as long as capable programmers implement sufficient security mechanisms to never provide the AI with too much power and access rights, this danger is eliminated. And if these KIs are sufficiently protected against infiltration and sabotage, its fatal manipulation and misappropriation can be prevented. The only problem is that autonomous physical and purely virtual weapons systems need a lot of self-sufficiency and networking to work "well." Like all logistical, economic and process engineering applications. This will be a balancing act. Hopefully, nobody will stumble over the Terminator.
The extraterrestrial intelligences are a different caliber and no approach is consistent. One can optimistically run to ruin or pessimistically pursue isolationism. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. In Hawking's opinion, we would do well to behave as inconspicuously as possible and quietly evolve as quickly as possible. And in as little space as possible with fewer signals, emissions and detectable activities on just a few planets. This would entail restrictions on the use of new communications capabilities that are yet to be developed, space colonization, asteroid mining, and so on — all key technologies for the further development of humanity. For economic reasons, one will take all risks and expand as far as technically possible forever until it becomes clear which assumption was correct. There is a contradiction between Hawking's urge for space colonization with self-sufficient settlements with independent populations and his warning to be unobtrusive. Both are not possible at the same time. Humanity will gamble and hopefully win.
The dangers of improving humans through genetic engineering and implants are small footnotes in relation to machine apocalypse or alien invasion. China has most likely already begun and everyone else will follow. As always, "It's the economy, stupid." Lapidar and soberly said, there were always hierarchies and society pyramids. It would be hypocritical now to pretend that immediate improvement and gene optimization would make a difference and break the taboo. Much ideology plays into it. The poverty that arises from the lack of distributive justice is the problem. And not whether the one human is breathing with gills underwater and lives 1000 years or forever and the other with fewer enhancements can only live 500 years and can afford a little less intelligence increase. There is no difference to today.
For Hawking, the easily preventable diseases of civilization are incomprehensible. That so many people fail to get up regularly from sitting, eat less and move their lazy posteriors. Instead of just eating from 7 to 22 and not moving at all. Because it really is not rocket technology to get some ambitions not to die earlier because of stupid and preventable reasons.
The criticized hostility to science will become another embarrassing footnote in history. One just has to sit out the time and mindfully avoid dealing with such channels. Prefer to actively participate in the dissemination of knowledge and the passing of the torch to the youth. Because with personified stupidity, ignorance, counseling resistance and lack of learning ability cannot be discussed. Therefore, it would be lost love and waste of time even to seek dialogue with such individuals engaging in those political agendas. Neither of both sides would benefit from it. It´s just a great pity that problems such as declining biodiversity, environmental degradation, global warming,… can only be resolved by a common consensus.
Especially now that research is opening up more doors than ever before, a healthy mix of caution and curiosity is required. One never knows what one awakens. Be it in machines, unstoppable processes or in the vastness of space.
Ein Teil des Vermächtnisses eines Jahrhundertgenies, einer Inspirationsquelle und Wissenschaftskommunikators.
Hawking verstand es, sein Leben trotz widrigen Gesundheitszustandes in vielfacher Weise vorbildhaft zu nutzen und voller Elan zu forschen. Er war trotz aller Einschränkungen eine Inspiration für Millionen Menschen. Und er nutzte den Nimbus als in seinem Körper eingesperrtes Genie geschickt, um dieses Ziel zu erreichen. Die Presse liebte Hawking und er spielte auf ihre wie ein Virtuose.
Er war für einen verständlichen und unterhaltsamen Wissenschaftsjournalismus abseits vom akademischen Elfenbeinturm. Weit weg von Akademikern, die an der Unfähigkeit scheitern, ihre Thesen verständlich und mitreißend erklären zu können. Und sich stattdessen an ihrem einsamen Genie ergötzen. Hawking wollte Wissenschaft für die breite Masse der Menschen zugänglich machen, Freude und Begeisterung schüren und damit eine neue Generation von Forschern inspirieren. Wie andere Visionäre wie Neil de GrasseTyson, Carl Sagan und viele andere. Auch die Generation der in den neuen Medien bekannten Blogger, Youtuber, etc. ist von ihm inspiriert.
Sein ungewöhnliches Leben ermöglichte es ihm, eine Bekanntheit zu erlangen, die er so wahrscheinlich nie in diesem Ausmaß erlangt hätte. Und er war für alle prokrastinierenden, passiven, anderen die Schuld zuschiebenden, hadernden,…Menschen in den Wohlstandsgesellschaften ein Mahnmal. Denn wie lächerlich ist es, wenn gesunde Menschen sich in ihrem eigenen Selbstmitleid suhlen oder unfähig sind, ihre Emotionen zu kontrollieren. Dabei würde ein kurzer Blick auf die Philantrophie und Güte eines Ausnahmeforschers wie Hawking genügen. Um peinlich berührt Konsequenz und Selbstdisziplin zu forcieren, um nicht weiter zu stagnieren.
Hinsichtlich der ideologischen Aspekte in Hawkings Werk muss jeder Leser seine eigene Herangehensweise finden. Je nach präferierten Glauben, Agnostizismus, Atheismus, Nihilismus, Pastafarismus,… haben sie einen anderen Stellenwert. Hawkings metaphysische Hypothesen durchziehen sein Werk und sind für Leser relevant, die nicht nur an der reinen Naturwissenschaft interessiert sind. Gleich wie auch seine politischen Analysen und Warnungen.
Neben inspirierenden Zitaten hinterließ Hawking auch Warnungen vor diversen, zukünftigen Gefahren. Im Sinne einer fruchtbaren Nutzung seines Vermächtnisses sollte beides genutzt werden. Die Weisheit seiner Mantras und der Pessimismus seiner Warnungen vor KIs und außerirdischen Intelligenzen.
Die Sicherheit von KIs hängt an 2 Faktoren: menschlicher Kompetenz und Computersicherheit. Das klingt sehr erschreckend, dürfte in der Praxis aber funktionieren, weil viel Infrastruktur daran hängt. Obwohl man das bei Kernwaffen auch dachte: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanisl...
Aber solange fähige Programmierer ausreichende Sicherheitsmechanismen einbauen, um die KI nie mit zu viel Machtfülle und Zugriffsrechten auszustatten, ist diese Gefahr ausgeräumt. Und wenn diese KIs ausreichend vor Infiltration und Sabotage geschützt sind, lässt sich ihre fatale Manipulation und Zwecksentfremdung verhindern. Das Problem ist nur, dass autonome physische und rein virtuelle Waffensysteme viel Autarkie und Vernetzung benötigen, um "gut" funktionieren zu können. Wie auch alle logistischen, wirtschaftlichen und prozesstechnischen Anwendungen. Das wird ein Balanceakt werden, bei dem hoffentlich niemand über den Terminator stolpert.
Die außerirdischen Intelligenzen sind ein anderes Kaliber und kein Lösungsansatz ist konsistent. Grundsätzlich kann man optimistisch ins Verderben rennen oder pessimistisch Isolationismus betreiben. Jede Option hat für sich Vorteile und Nachteile. Nach Hawkings Meinung täten wir gut daran, uns möglichst unauffällig zu verhalten und still und heimlich möglichst schnell weiter zu evolvieren. Und das auf so wenig Raum wie möglich mit so wenig Signalen, Emissionen und detektierbaren Aktivitäten wie möglich. Das würde Einschränkungen bei dem Einsatz neuer, noch zu entwickelnder Kommunikationsmöglichkeiten, Weltraumkolonisation, Asteroidenbergbau, usw. mit sich bringen. Alles Schlüsseltechnologien für die weitere Entwicklung der Menschheit. Man wird aus ökonomischen Gründen alle Risiken eingehen und so weit wie technisch möglich expandieren. Bis sich zeigt, welche Annahme richtig war. Es besteht ein Widerspruch zwischen Hawkings drängen auf eine Weltraumkolonisation mit autarken Siedlungen mit ausreichender Population und seiner Warnung.
Die Gefahren der Verbesserung des Menschen mittels Gentechnik und Implantaten sind in Relation zu Maschinenapokalypse oder einer Alieninvasion kleine Fußnoten. China hat sehr wahrscheinlich längst damit begonnen und alle anderen werden folgen. Wie immer, "It´s the economy, stupid." Lapidar und nüchtern gesagt gab es immer Hierarchien und Gesellschaftspyramiden. Es wäre jetzt scheinheilig, so zu tun als würde unmittelbare Verbesserung und Optimierung einen Unterschied machen und einen ach so großen Tabubruch darstellen. Viel Ideologie spielt da mit hinein. Die Armut, die aus der mangelnden Verteilungsgerechtigkeit erwächst, ist das Problem. Und nicht, ob der eine Mensch mit Kiemen unter Wasser atmen und 1000 Jahre alt werden und der andere "nur" halb so alt wird und sich etwas weniger Intelligenzsteigerung leisten kann.
Nicht nachvollziehbar sind für Hawking die so leicht zu verhindernden Zivilisationskrankheiten. Dass so viele Menschen es nicht schaffen, regelmäßig vom Sitzen aufzustehen, weniger zu essen und sich zu bewegen. Anstatt nur zu essen und sich gar nicht zu bewegen. Denn es ist wirklich keine Raketentechnik.
Die von ihm kritisierte Wissenschaftsfeindlichkeit wird eine weitere peinliche Fußnote in der Geschichte werden. Man muss die Zeit nur aussitzen und achtsam den Umgang mit derartigen Kanälen meiden. Lieber aktiv an der Verbreitung von Wissen und dem Reichen der Fackel an die Jugend partizipieren. Denn mit Dummheit, Ignoranz, Beratungsresistenz und mangelnder Lernfähigkeit lässt sich nicht diskutieren. Deswegen wäre es verlorene Liebemühe und Zeitverschwendung, mit solchen Individuen und politischen Strömungen überhaupt einen Dialog zu suchen. Keine der Parteien hätte davon irgendeinen Nutzen. Blöd nur, dass Probleme wie zurück gehende Biodiversität, Umweltzerstörung und Klimaerwärmung nur auf Basis eines gemeinsamen Konsens gelöst werden können.
Gerade jetzt, wo die Forschung so viele Türen aufstößt wie noch nie, ist eine gesunde Mischung aus Vorsicht und Neugierde angesagt. Man weiß nie, was man weckt. Sei es in Maschinen, nicht mehr aufzuhaltenden Prozessen oder in den Weiten des Alls.
November 14, 2019
Brilliant, wise, fun, and simple! yet a bit repetitive.
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Just imagine Hawking was your teacher at school, were you going to pick the same major? were you doing the same job you have now? were you looking at the universe the same way you have been looking so far? I have a pile of friends who have grown a hatred for science merely because of the fact that their teachers couldn't simply explain and illuminate the stuff that Hawking has covered in his books.
In this book, he answers 10 questions and some of them have been brought up in his other books, yet this book is the extract of his work and could be recommended to anyone who wants to start reading Hawking.
I have summarized the first two questions in the following pic, which were the most important ones to me. The rest of the questions somehow depend on humans and their behaviour, which I personally am so pessimist about.
I would love to be as hopeful as Hawking, but let's get real, take a look around, no promising sign! Look at the role models of younger generations, look at the number of followers on Kim Kardashian's Instagram page... I mean seriously 150 million people?? man this fucked up world is doomed! Even Hawking's dead :(
matching soundtrack:
day one/Hans Zimmer
P.s: I almost got 10 years older due to reuploading the pic, I can't help it, if you want a high-quality one just let me know
---------------------------------------
Just imagine Hawking was your teacher at school, were you going to pick the same major? were you doing the same job you have now? were you looking at the universe the same way you have been looking so far? I have a pile of friends who have grown a hatred for science merely because of the fact that their teachers couldn't simply explain and illuminate the stuff that Hawking has covered in his books.
In this book, he answers 10 questions and some of them have been brought up in his other books, yet this book is the extract of his work and could be recommended to anyone who wants to start reading Hawking.
I have summarized the first two questions in the following pic, which were the most important ones to me. The rest of the questions somehow depend on humans and their behaviour, which I personally am so pessimist about.
I would love to be as hopeful as Hawking, but let's get real, take a look around, no promising sign! Look at the role models of younger generations, look at the number of followers on Kim Kardashian's Instagram page... I mean seriously 150 million people?? man this fucked up world is doomed! Even Hawking's dead :(
matching soundtrack:
day one/Hans Zimmer
P.s: I almost got 10 years older due to reuploading the pic, I can't help it, if you want a high-quality one just let me know
January 5, 2019
This is my first book of 2019. As a thought-provoking book from one of the leading thinkers till recent times, a good way to start the year. I have previously read his “A brief history of time” and “The grand design” both of which I liked for presenting serious science in a very readable form. This book released after Stephen Hawking’s death does not disappoint, and is a great compilation of the most important topics Hawking dealt with in his lifetime – and these topics are also those most of us are extremely curious about. There are a couple of good forewords from Eddie Redmayne who played him in the movie “The theory of everything” and scientist Kip Thorne, who writes of his inspiration from Stephen Hawking’s life on his work on gravitational waves. The afterword by his daughter Lucy is touching including mentioning the impact he had on people as could be seen by the large crowds which quietly lined the street on his passing.
The first topic in the is – “Is there a God?”. Hawking’s views on this are already public, and also included in the movie based on his life. The point he makes is that religion describes God as some kind of a superhuman whom we can discuss/debate with and be judged by (some traditions such as Advaita Vedanta do not do that though). He goes on to discuss how time itself started with the big bang and the universe, and well-defined laws of nature mean there is nothing for a God to do. You may agree, partly agree or disagree with his views, but he certainly offers a lot of food for thought. The next topic is on how it all started with the big bang. While all the answers are yet not there, Hawking is confident that physics will crack the puzzle of how the universe sprang from nothing. There is already a lot of progress made such as with M-theory.
The section on black holes is probably the most detailed and it is also a bit dense in parts. This is probably the area Stephen Hawking has contributed the most, and I suppose that explains the level of detail. The discussion is fascinating – do black holes retain context and information of what goes in? How do they come about, and how can study them?
In the discussions around climate change, and in fleeting references in other sections as well, Hawking stresses that we are being very irresponsible with respect to Planet Earth, and people in power had better pay attention to this. The other sections on space travel, AI make for interesting reading as well.
This book is certainly a tribute to Stephen Hawking’s curiosity, passion for science and intellectual genius. A great book to start the year – very intellectually stimulating.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
The first topic in the is – “Is there a God?”. Hawking’s views on this are already public, and also included in the movie based on his life. The point he makes is that religion describes God as some kind of a superhuman whom we can discuss/debate with and be judged by (some traditions such as Advaita Vedanta do not do that though). He goes on to discuss how time itself started with the big bang and the universe, and well-defined laws of nature mean there is nothing for a God to do. You may agree, partly agree or disagree with his views, but he certainly offers a lot of food for thought. The next topic is on how it all started with the big bang. While all the answers are yet not there, Hawking is confident that physics will crack the puzzle of how the universe sprang from nothing. There is already a lot of progress made such as with M-theory.
The section on black holes is probably the most detailed and it is also a bit dense in parts. This is probably the area Stephen Hawking has contributed the most, and I suppose that explains the level of detail. The discussion is fascinating – do black holes retain context and information of what goes in? How do they come about, and how can study them?
In the discussions around climate change, and in fleeting references in other sections as well, Hawking stresses that we are being very irresponsible with respect to Planet Earth, and people in power had better pay attention to this. The other sections on space travel, AI make for interesting reading as well.
This book is certainly a tribute to Stephen Hawking’s curiosity, passion for science and intellectual genius. A great book to start the year – very intellectually stimulating.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
February 10, 2020
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★ This is the book that I decided to start my year with and I am glad that I did so. I have been meaning to read more non-fiction and more science books and I believe that this was a very good choice! It was my first exposure to Hawking as an author and I certainly want to read his other book (which I already own) later this year.
★ As the name implies, the book asks ten grand questions and then try to answer them briefly and simply and if you are curious to what these questions are then here is a small list of them:
1. Is there a God?
2. How did it all begin?
3. Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
4. Can we predict the future?
5. What is inside a black hole?
6. Is time travel possible?
7. Will we survive on Earth?
8. Should we colonize space?
9. Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?
10. How do we shape the future?
★ I think there are 2 things regarding those questions and answers that I should mention and that you should know if you ever decided that you want to read the book: The first thing is that the author does not hold back and he tries to explain everything and he sometimes opposes the religion so you have to read this with an open-mind. The second thing is that the language was scientific but it was as simple as it could be. I have to be honest and admit that I did not understand 100% of what was written as I am also not a physicists but a physician! I think that it is okay though because it was written by one of the world’s smartest authors (quite literally) and I am not one of the world’s smartest readers!
★ I found this book to be real eye-opening and it made me ask questions, it has been 2 weeks since I finished it but I am still thinking about it! The way the questions were tackled was very logical and you could tell Hawking knows how we think! I was amazed by how humble and funny he was as a human being (Even when he addressed his personal life and health issues) and the journey through this book was really inspiring! I may not agree with all his ideas but I sure respect him as a human and as a man of science!
★ Summary: If you are looking for a great science non-fiction book then do no more because Stephen Hawking got you covered with his last book! The book answers ten questions although sometimes it spins in circle before doing so. The writing was easier than expected and the book was a pleasant surprise! I have already recommended it to a couple of friends and I know it will be the catalyst to a few heated-debates with said friends! R.I.P. Stephen Hawking!
You can get more books from Book Depository
“Be brave, be curious, be determined, overcome the odds. It can be done”
★ This is the book that I decided to start my year with and I am glad that I did so. I have been meaning to read more non-fiction and more science books and I believe that this was a very good choice! It was my first exposure to Hawking as an author and I certainly want to read his other book (which I already own) later this year.
★ As the name implies, the book asks ten grand questions and then try to answer them briefly and simply and if you are curious to what these questions are then here is a small list of them:
1. Is there a God?
2. How did it all begin?
3. Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
4. Can we predict the future?
5. What is inside a black hole?
6. Is time travel possible?
7. Will we survive on Earth?
8. Should we colonize space?
9. Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?
10. How do we shape the future?
★ I think there are 2 things regarding those questions and answers that I should mention and that you should know if you ever decided that you want to read the book: The first thing is that the author does not hold back and he tries to explain everything and he sometimes opposes the religion so you have to read this with an open-mind. The second thing is that the language was scientific but it was as simple as it could be. I have to be honest and admit that I did not understand 100% of what was written as I am also not a physicists but a physician! I think that it is okay though because it was written by one of the world’s smartest authors (quite literally) and I am not one of the world’s smartest readers!
★ I found this book to be real eye-opening and it made me ask questions, it has been 2 weeks since I finished it but I am still thinking about it! The way the questions were tackled was very logical and you could tell Hawking knows how we think! I was amazed by how humble and funny he was as a human being (Even when he addressed his personal life and health issues) and the journey through this book was really inspiring! I may not agree with all his ideas but I sure respect him as a human and as a man of science!
“While there’s life, there is hope.”
★ Summary: If you are looking for a great science non-fiction book then do no more because Stephen Hawking got you covered with his last book! The book answers ten questions although sometimes it spins in circle before doing so. The writing was easier than expected and the book was a pleasant surprise! I have already recommended it to a couple of friends and I know it will be the catalyst to a few heated-debates with said friends! R.I.P. Stephen Hawking!
You can get more books from Book Depository
December 27, 2018
"Unleash your imagination. Shape the future."
I loved loved loved this book. I have always been fascinated by science and astronomy and I have never read anything by Stephen Hawking, and this book was absolutely fascinating and thought provoking to me. I loved hearing his theories about our future and I agree with a lot about what he has to say about religion and how human fascination with science and space travel is so important for our future. I really agree with that statement about having all our eggs in one basket and how it's important for us to find a new home.
Here is an amazing quote where Stephen Hawking explains better than I could ever attempt to why I'm not a religious person: “Science is increasingly answering questions that used to be the province of religion. Religion was an early attempt to answer the questions we all ask: why are we here, where did we come from? Long ago, the answer was almost always the same: gods made everything. The world was a scary place, so even people as tough as the Vikings believed in supernatural beings to make sense of natural phenomena like lightning, storms or eclipses. Nowadays, science provides better and more consistent answers, but people will always cling to religion, because it gives comfort, and they do not trust or understand science.”
I loved this book. I will admit some if it went way over my head with the mathematics and equations and quantum physics but I did my best and I feel like I learned a lot while reading this. RIP Stephen Hawking.
I loved loved loved this book. I have always been fascinated by science and astronomy and I have never read anything by Stephen Hawking, and this book was absolutely fascinating and thought provoking to me. I loved hearing his theories about our future and I agree with a lot about what he has to say about religion and how human fascination with science and space travel is so important for our future. I really agree with that statement about having all our eggs in one basket and how it's important for us to find a new home.
Here is an amazing quote where Stephen Hawking explains better than I could ever attempt to why I'm not a religious person: “Science is increasingly answering questions that used to be the province of religion. Religion was an early attempt to answer the questions we all ask: why are we here, where did we come from? Long ago, the answer was almost always the same: gods made everything. The world was a scary place, so even people as tough as the Vikings believed in supernatural beings to make sense of natural phenomena like lightning, storms or eclipses. Nowadays, science provides better and more consistent answers, but people will always cling to religion, because it gives comfort, and they do not trust or understand science.”
I loved this book. I will admit some if it went way over my head with the mathematics and equations and quantum physics but I did my best and I feel like I learned a lot while reading this. RIP Stephen Hawking.
August 8, 2021
* هرگز واقعا نمیدانیم اکتشاف علمی بزرگ بعدی از کجا میآید و چه کسی عامل آن خواهد بود. گشودنِ دروازههای شعف و اعجاب اکتشافات علمی و ایجاد روشهای بدیع و در دسترس به قصد داشتن بزرگترین گروهِ مخاطبان جوانِ ممکن، احتمالِ یافتن و الهام دادن به آینشتاین بعدی را بسیار افزایش خواهد داد. هر که میخواهد باشد.
پس به یاد داشته باشید، به بالا و به ستارگان نگاه کنید و نه به پایین و پاهایتان. سعی کنید از آنچه میبینید سر درآورید و دربارهی آنچه وجودِ عالم را ممکن کرده فکر کنید.
کنجکاو باشید.
هر قدر هم زندگی به نظر دشوار برسد، همیشه کاری هست که بتوانید، بکنید و در آن موفق باشید. مهم این است که تسلیم نشوید. خیال خود را مهار گسیخته کنید. آینده را شکل دهید.
پ.ن: هنگام خوندن این کتاب به مرز تشنج رسیدم و باید بگم که بسی خفن بود.
از اون کتابای علمیه خفن که از یک جملهاش هم نمیشد، گذشت.
اتمام در دوران گذراندن کرونا و قرنطینه..
۱۷ مرداد ۱۴۰۰
ساعت ۲۱:۲۷
پس به یاد داشته باشید، به بالا و به ستارگان نگاه کنید و نه به پایین و پاهایتان. سعی کنید از آنچه میبینید سر درآورید و دربارهی آنچه وجودِ عالم را ممکن کرده فکر کنید.
کنجکاو باشید.
هر قدر هم زندگی به نظر دشوار برسد، همیشه کاری هست که بتوانید، بکنید و در آن موفق باشید. مهم این است که تسلیم نشوید. خیال خود را مهار گسیخته کنید. آینده را شکل دهید.
پ.ن: هنگام خوندن این کتاب به مرز تشنج رسیدم و باید بگم که بسی خفن بود.
از اون کتابای علمیه خفن که از یک جملهاش هم نمیشد، گذشت.
اتمام در دوران گذراندن کرونا و قرنطینه..
۱۷ مرداد ۱۴۰۰
ساعت ۲۱:۲۷
November 29, 2018
Dare I say this book felt like an unnecessary addition to Hawking's work this soon after his death?
I get it, when someone with the stature of Hawking passes away, the demand for a book is there. And since I believe Hawking to be an extraordinary person, what objection could there be for this release?
My main gripe is the editing. It's beyond my grasp how such a wide-spread book could be edited so poorly, making it feel rushed and cheap. There are a lot of sentences and entire paragraphs being repeated in different chapters. None of which feel right, they could've easily be skipped over or paraphrased in different ways. Other than that, this book gives people who were already familiar with Hawking's beliefs nothing new. Yet the book is very much about those beliefs. I would've understood the appeal of a more personal memoir as a quick posthumous work, but I'm not quite clear what the target audience is in this case.
Despite all that, it's Hawking, it's inspiring, it's at times thought provoking. I think the final chapters concerning A.I., space colonisation and the problems humanity faces in this and coming centuries are where this work shines.
I get it, when someone with the stature of Hawking passes away, the demand for a book is there. And since I believe Hawking to be an extraordinary person, what objection could there be for this release?
My main gripe is the editing. It's beyond my grasp how such a wide-spread book could be edited so poorly, making it feel rushed and cheap. There are a lot of sentences and entire paragraphs being repeated in different chapters. None of which feel right, they could've easily be skipped over or paraphrased in different ways. Other than that, this book gives people who were already familiar with Hawking's beliefs nothing new. Yet the book is very much about those beliefs. I would've understood the appeal of a more personal memoir as a quick posthumous work, but I'm not quite clear what the target audience is in this case.
Despite all that, it's Hawking, it's inspiring, it's at times thought provoking. I think the final chapters concerning A.I., space colonisation and the problems humanity faces in this and coming centuries are where this work shines.
June 22, 2019
One of the best pop-science books I've ever read. Wonderful afterword by his daughter. Black holes are cool as shit.
October 22, 2018
Having always had much admiration for the way Stephen Hawking has lived his life, overcoming adversity to become one of the brightest stars in our sky (pun absolutely intended), I was intrigued to see what his last contribution would bring with it. One of the things I most appreciate about him and his books is that he makes often complex and complicated topics accessible to everyday individuals such as myself - those without a background or degree in the sciences, and here he explores some of the biggest and most important unanswered questions (hence the title) in a way that is understandable to all and doesn't require expert or previous knowledge on said topics.
I am sad that no more of his fantastic works can now be published, and I have huge respect for him as although he certainly had some challenging obstacles to overcome he has contributed so much to what we now know which is more than most of us will achieve in this life - the word inspirational is what immediately comes to mind. A thoroughly engaging, intriguing and enjoyable romp through Hawking's opinion on age-old, philosophical questions right through to some of those at the forefront of current affairs. Rest in peace, Professor Hawking!
I am sad that no more of his fantastic works can now be published, and I have huge respect for him as although he certainly had some challenging obstacles to overcome he has contributed so much to what we now know which is more than most of us will achieve in this life - the word inspirational is what immediately comes to mind. A thoroughly engaging, intriguing and enjoyable romp through Hawking's opinion on age-old, philosophical questions right through to some of those at the forefront of current affairs. Rest in peace, Professor Hawking!
April 29, 2022
5 Stars for Brief Answers to the Big Questions (audiobook) by Stephen Hawking read by Ben Whishaw, Garrick Hagon and Lucy Hawking.
This is Stephen Hawking’s last book. He was working on this project when he died. It’s archival answers to a number of big questions that he had been asked. It’s always wonderful to hear what that a brilliant mind has to say on these topics. But for me the best part of the book is Lucy Hawking talking about her dad.
This is Stephen Hawking’s last book. He was working on this project when he died. It’s archival answers to a number of big questions that he had been asked. It’s always wonderful to hear what that a brilliant mind has to say on these topics. But for me the best part of the book is Lucy Hawking talking about her dad.
February 22, 2021
آسوده بخواب که ما هم خوابیم!ا
امروز که این رو مینویسم 3 سول (شبانه روز مریخی معادل 4 روز زمینی) از نشستن موفقیتآمیز "پرسویرنس" روی مریخ میگذره. هدف این مریخنورد جست و جو برای نشانههایی از حیات میکروبی و احیانا نشانههای از حیات پیشرفتهتر، در گذشتههای بسیار دور روی این سیاره هستش. اگر تخمینهای هاوکینگ رو در نظر بگیریم، انتظار میره بشر پایگاههای استخراجی و تحقیقاتی خودش رو تا 2050 روی ماه و تا 2100 روی مریخ دایر کنه. حقیقت اینه که سیاره ما وضعیت خوبی نداره و حدود 30 سال زمان داریم تا از رسیدن به نقطه بیبازگشت اجتناب کنیم.
ما چه بخوایم و چه نخوایم، نسل مهم و تعیین کنندهای هستیم. رفتارهای ما و افکار ما تاثیر قابل توجهی روی "فرصت باقیمانده برای حیات روی زمین" داره. ما در آستانه ورود به عصر هوش مصنوعی، مهندسی ژنتیک، رایانش کوانتومی و کلونیزه کردن سیارات هستیم. تهدیدها بینهایت جدی و فرصتها بینهایت فوقالعاده هستن. ما باید به دقت انتخاب کنیم. از همین جهت استیفن هاوکینگ معتقد بود لازمه تا همه مردم درک درستی از نظریات جدید علمی داشته باشن تا بتونن درست انتخاب کنن.
آخرین نوشتههای استیفن هاوکینگ فقید، در واقع توضیحاتی حول 10 سوال مهم و بعضا بنیادی بشر هستش که در یک مجلد جمعآوری شده. هدف این کتاب، بیشتر توضیح ساده و دقیق موقعیت فعلی ما بین آنچه که میدانیم و آنچه که نمیدانیم هستش و تمام تلاشش همون ارتقای سطح دانش عمومیه، نه ارائه آخرین دستاوردهای علمی. از این جهت، بنظرم کتاب بسیار عالی هستش و خوندنش رو توصیه میکنم به همه. هر چند یکم تکرار داشت که البته زیاد نبود.
پ.ن: بشر از دیرباز در پی فهمیدن جواب "از کجا آمده ام، آمدنم بهر چه بود" بوده. و همیشه و به فراخور ابزارهایی که داشته سعی کرده یک جوابی به این سوالها بده. علم در کمال فروتنی پیش میره و دیر یا زود به همه سوالات بشر پاسخ خواهد داد. نگاه علم رو به آینده است. در حالی که همه اعتقادات و ایدئولوژیهای بشر همیشه نگاهی رو به گذشته دارن. گذشته جذابه چون روشن و قطعیه. در حالی که آینده ترسناک و نامعلومه. پر از اضطراب و سوالات بیجوابه. نگاه به آینده داشتن شجاعت میخواد. شک، عدم قطعیت و دلآشوبی، مکافات ذهن کنجکاو و پرسشگره. هیچ راه دیگهای نیست.
امروز که این رو مینویسم 3 سول (شبانه روز مریخی معادل 4 روز زمینی) از نشستن موفقیتآمیز "پرسویرنس" روی مریخ میگذره. هدف این مریخنورد جست و جو برای نشانههایی از حیات میکروبی و احیانا نشانههای از حیات پیشرفتهتر، در گذشتههای بسیار دور روی این سیاره هستش. اگر تخمینهای هاوکینگ رو در نظر بگیریم، انتظار میره بشر پایگاههای استخراجی و تحقیقاتی خودش رو تا 2050 روی ماه و تا 2100 روی مریخ دایر کنه. حقیقت اینه که سیاره ما وضعیت خوبی نداره و حدود 30 سال زمان داریم تا از رسیدن به نقطه بیبازگشت اجتناب کنیم.
ما چه بخوایم و چه نخوایم، نسل مهم و تعیین کنندهای هستیم. رفتارهای ما و افکار ما تاثیر قابل توجهی روی "فرصت باقیمانده برای حیات روی زمین" داره. ما در آستانه ورود به عصر هوش مصنوعی، مهندسی ژنتیک، رایانش کوانتومی و کلونیزه کردن سیارات هستیم. تهدیدها بینهایت جدی و فرصتها بینهایت فوقالعاده هستن. ما باید به دقت انتخاب کنیم. از همین جهت استیفن هاوکینگ معتقد بود لازمه تا همه مردم درک درستی از نظریات جدید علمی داشته باشن تا بتونن درست انتخاب کنن.
آخرین نوشتههای استیفن هاوکینگ فقید، در واقع توضیحاتی حول 10 سوال مهم و بعضا بنیادی بشر هستش که در یک مجلد جمعآوری شده. هدف این کتاب، بیشتر توضیح ساده و دقیق موقعیت فعلی ما بین آنچه که میدانیم و آنچه که نمیدانیم هستش و تمام تلاشش همون ارتقای سطح دانش عمومیه، نه ارائه آخرین دستاوردهای علمی. از این جهت، بنظرم کتاب بسیار عالی هستش و خوندنش رو توصیه میکنم به همه. هر چند یکم تکرار داشت که البته زیاد نبود.
پ.ن: بشر از دیرباز در پی فهمیدن جواب "از کجا آمده ام، آمدنم بهر چه بود" بوده. و همیشه و به فراخور ابزارهایی که داشته سعی کرده یک جوابی به این سوالها بده. علم در کمال فروتنی پیش میره و دیر یا زود به همه سوالات بشر پاسخ خواهد داد. نگاه علم رو به آینده است. در حالی که همه اعتقادات و ایدئولوژیهای بشر همیشه نگاهی رو به گذشته دارن. گذشته جذابه چون روشن و قطعیه. در حالی که آینده ترسناک و نامعلومه. پر از اضطراب و سوالات بیجوابه. نگاه به آینده داشتن شجاعت میخواد. شک، عدم قطعیت و دلآشوبی، مکافات ذهن کنجکاو و پرسشگره. هیچ راه دیگهای نیست.
November 22, 2020
Бих искал да има повече такива книги . Особенно в такъв тежък момент през който минава човечеството днес виждаме колко е важно технологиите , науката , да решават и ще дават отговори на много въпроси , които ще ни движат напред .
October 17, 2018
A total page-turner, this book is quite remarkable it gives you a sense of a personal interview between Dr. Hawking and the reader.
The Big questions are:
Is there a God?
How did it all begin?
Is time travel possible?
What is inside of a black hole?
Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?
How do we shape the future?
Should we colonize space?
Can we predict the future?
Will we survive on earth?
I highly recommend this book.
The Big questions are:
Is there a God?
How did it all begin?
Is time travel possible?
What is inside of a black hole?
Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?
How do we shape the future?
Should we colonize space?
Can we predict the future?
Will we survive on earth?
I highly recommend this book.
May 6, 2023
“Asking what came before the Big Bang is … like asking what is south of the South Pole?”
If he isn’t the greatest intellect of the last century, I’m certainly not certain who I’d put in front of him. In any event, his thoughts on some of the most pressing, most confusing, most challenging, and most urgent philosophical, scientific and cultural questions are certainly worth reading. Is there a God? What is inside a black hole and can we travel in time? Should we be pursing colonization of space? What is the future of artificial intelligence? How did the universe begin?
Eminently readable, compelling, provocative and informative, BRIEF ANSWERS TO THE BIG QUESTIONS belongs on the reading list of any well-informed and concerned citizen of planet Earth.
Paul Weiss
If he isn’t the greatest intellect of the last century, I’m certainly not certain who I’d put in front of him. In any event, his thoughts on some of the most pressing, most confusing, most challenging, and most urgent philosophical, scientific and cultural questions are certainly worth reading. Is there a God? What is inside a black hole and can we travel in time? Should we be pursing colonization of space? What is the future of artificial intelligence? How did the universe begin?
Eminently readable, compelling, provocative and informative, BRIEF ANSWERS TO THE BIG QUESTIONS belongs on the reading list of any well-informed and concerned citizen of planet Earth.
Paul Weiss
February 28, 2021
Libro muy interesante sobre las preguntas que nos hacemos todos o casi todos.
Desde el origen del universo, si hay vida inteligente, vivir fuera de la tierra, la IA (inteligencia artificial)...
El lenguaje es claro y sencillo y se puede aprender algo de este libro.
Didáctico.
Leeré más de este científico y escritor.
# 26. Un libro con un oxímoron en el título. Reto Popsugar 2021
Desde el origen del universo, si hay vida inteligente, vivir fuera de la tierra, la IA (inteligencia artificial)...
El lenguaje es claro y sencillo y se puede aprender algo de este libro.
Didáctico.
Leeré más de este científico y escritor.
# 26. Un libro con un oxímoron en el título. Reto Popsugar 2021
March 4, 2021
In short, we are doomed.
“The human race does not have a very good record of intelligent behavior.”
When I was at school, I used to appreciate the classes I really liked - math, English, and literature, and neglected the ones that didn't interest me. I wish I liked physics then. Well, I blame the teachers now.
When each of us thinks about what we can do in life, chances are, we can do it because of a teacher. Behind every exceptional person, there is an exceptional teacher. Today, we need great teachers more than ever.”
Physics was especially the most boring lesson, not because I didn't understand it, no. Every time there was nobody ready for the class, the teacher would call me, because she knew I was always ready. The problem is, the science class teachers didn't manage to make you feel fascinated about the matter, there was no spark. I wish there was...
Anyway, I am now trying to fill in the blanks, and what I am reading nowadays was not in our textbooks for sure. I am surprised how a person starts to appreciate more important things and questions in life when one is of mature years.
So remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up. Unleash your imagination. Shape the future."
P.S. It was very interesting to see how the life of the same man was described by 3 different people: Hawking himself in the introduction - scientifically, his wife in the Traveling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen - emotionally, and his daughter in the Afterword. The latter made me teary. It was the most loving obituary I've ever read.
“The human race does not have a very good record of intelligent behavior.”
When I was at school, I used to appreciate the classes I really liked - math, English, and literature, and neglected the ones that didn't interest me. I wish I liked physics then. Well, I blame the teachers now.
When each of us thinks about what we can do in life, chances are, we can do it because of a teacher. Behind every exceptional person, there is an exceptional teacher. Today, we need great teachers more than ever.”
Physics was especially the most boring lesson, not because I didn't understand it, no. Every time there was nobody ready for the class, the teacher would call me, because she knew I was always ready. The problem is, the science class teachers didn't manage to make you feel fascinated about the matter, there was no spark. I wish there was...
Anyway, I am now trying to fill in the blanks, and what I am reading nowadays was not in our textbooks for sure. I am surprised how a person starts to appreciate more important things and questions in life when one is of mature years.
So remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up. Unleash your imagination. Shape the future."
P.S. It was very interesting to see how the life of the same man was described by 3 different people: Hawking himself in the introduction - scientifically, his wife in the Traveling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen - emotionally, and his daughter in the Afterword. The latter made me teary. It was the most loving obituary I've ever read.
April 3, 2023
An exceptional and accessable insight into the mind of Stephen Hawking.
“So remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up. Unleash your imagination. Shape the future.”
I think that I have read this on three or four occasions, and every one of these times I have been left in awe by some of the theories and insights within this book. Hawking tackles a number of profound and complicated questions, all the while giving real-world examples and explanations for a number of topics which are truly mind-bending and awe-inspiring.
Even if you only have a passing interest in science or cosmology, this is worth checking out.
“So remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up. Unleash your imagination. Shape the future.”
I think that I have read this on three or four occasions, and every one of these times I have been left in awe by some of the theories and insights within this book. Hawking tackles a number of profound and complicated questions, all the while giving real-world examples and explanations for a number of topics which are truly mind-bending and awe-inspiring.
Even if you only have a passing interest in science or cosmology, this is worth checking out.
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