A Brief History of Time

“A Brief History of Time” reads like the Biblical equivalent of the origin story for those whose world view is grounded in science. Separating the author’s recent scandalous associations from this book I can only focus on what he has to say about how the universe works and as a summarization of the efforts by many to advance human understanding. In that sense it is a refreshingly simplified and cohesive breakdown of the physical principles that control existence. To be clear I mean simple in the broadest possible picture that can be seen by all. You won’t finish this book and start giving lectures on Quantum Physics or String Theory. You will, however, finish it and know why we have these theories and how they help fill in the parts of the history of the universe that we don’t know. That wider understanding gives the reader a view into what remains to be discovered and the challenges that lie in front of that search. For me it raised a broader question of what more knowledge of how things work serves or undermines our understandings of ourselves. Maybe even more complex a take on that idea is what does scientific discovery do to bolster or dismantle religious views. For me there is a beautiful simplicity in the ordered understanding of the universe beyond the stories we ascribe to it. Beliefs and tales born out of fear mostly but also hope. In the scientific view, I see only hope even when it seems that our own agency cannot conquer the tremendous forces out there. Hope because we can maybe focus on fixing the immediate problems when we step into the freedom of knowing how the rest takes care of itself.

Explains very complicated subject matter in a rather simple way…. But of course ,what else can we expect from a genius!

This book is really good for those interested in the universe. Now that I’m done with this one I’m going to check out his other books.

Hawking definitely challenges the average person’s ability to stretch their imagination and perspective to a scope not often reached. It’s a wonderful and informative read.

I like this book it is made by the smartest man ever but a little bit of advice to the now dead hawking it’s not a very good idea to make fun of religious people when most of the earth population is made up of it.

One of the best books that explains the complexities of our universe in an extremely digestible manner. The elegance of the writing is evident from the very beginning. Without getting into mathematical depths Stephen Hawking is able to simplify the reasoning behind some of the most fundamental principles in the world of quantum physics, theory of relativity and black holes! Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Good!

Outstanding work and incredible information.

I enjoyed reading this book although it took me some time as there is quite a bit to absorb. I appreciate that while Hawking is a well known atheist he actually spends very little time discussing God. In fact, it is not until the last chapter that he really has anything to say about God at all. Even then he doesn’t draw the conclusion that God had nothing to do with the creation of the universe. Hawking seems content to let the reader draw his own conclusions. I can’t say that after reading this book I am now an expert on the origins of the universe, and that’s okay. That was never the point of the book to begin with. Hawking simply sets up a road map showing where the current theories of physics came from and possible destinations as to where science in general and physics in particular is taking us. I can see me reading more of Hawking’s books should the opportunity present itself.

You don’t have to be a physics geek or a member of mensa to appreciate the brilliant mind behind this book. Read this book if you want a greater understanding the universe, time and what makes it all go around. When you’re done reading it, you may find yourself going back a month or two later to pick up a thread, that’s how good it is. Hawking had a great mind, a strong spirit, and a sense of humility that will leave you laughing in parts. He lost as many bets as he won and some of the payouts were scandalously funny.