Review of "A Brief History of Time" by Stephen Hawking

5/5 stars: Awe-inspiring

A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking is a textbook, summary, and the ultimate guide to the most current theories and concepts in astrophysics and astronomy. Stephen Hawking is a theoretical physicist who attended University College, Oxford, and spent his life working, researching, and teaching at various other universities. His work attempts to explain the imperfections, harmonies, and phantasmagorical complexities in which both the smallest particles and forces connect to the far back history of the big bang to the ultimate collapse of the universe.

In addition to having recently read one of his other well-known books, The Theory of Everything, I read A Brief History of Time a few years ago, and after rereading it I was just as surprised at some of the incredibly interesting and mind-bending theories as I was the first time I read it. After setting up the basics of space in the first few chapters of his book, he then transitions into more theoretical theories.

He explains the concept of uniting space and time into one four-dimensional (three dimensions for space and one for time) fabric of the universe called spacetime. He discusses black holes and possible time travel through a spacetime continuum loophole called a wormhole. He describes the one direction of time and how it relates to the universe's accelerating expansion.

I think that the reason this book is important is not for everyone to understand it perfectly, but rather for everyone to gain a profound appreciation for the complexities of the universe and the feeling of being connected to something larger than yourself.

Through his books and research, Stephen Hawking joins the other great scientists of the last few centuries. He makes his complicated research accessible and understandable for everyone. Hawking states it perfectly at the start of his book when he answers the question of why the journey of figuring out how the universe works is necessary. He says, “Humanity’s deepest desire for knowledge is justification enough for our continuing quest” (pg 14), and this rings true in the hearts of all whom his work inspires, including me.