Stephen
Hawking, the most renowned scientist after Einstein, narrates a coincidence
that he was born exactly 300 years later, i.e. 8th Jan, 1942 after Galileo
died, i.e., 8th Jan 1942. It dawned upon me to find another coincidence, that I
was born on 50th birthday of Stephen Hawking, i.e.,8th Jan 1992 :D.
He has
brilliantly linked science(physics to be specific) and mathematics with the
real life social and humanitarian problems, thus bridging the gap between elite
scientist and common man.
He has
been able to present the science in a very engrossing and lucid way. The big questions he deals 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 wasn't
expecting concrete solutions for these questions, but Stephen Hawking is able
to explain these complicated and highly unpredictable questions in a way that
everyone would understand while providing food for thought and firing the
imagination of the reader.
The
complicated and intellectual stuff is blended with his sharp sense of humor-
comments on Trump, stupidity of human race etc. Initial 4-5 chapters are
science laden. While the last three chapters are crucial for the present world-
the future of our planet, colonization of other planets, and the rise of
artificial intelligence. He charts his strategy to save us. He suggests science
to be the only savior to these problems.
There are
far too many mentions of Star Trek(have put it in checklist) surely underlining
his vision for the future of humanity. Few harmless repetitions are out there
giving a feeling that all the independent essays are just sequenced up, lacking
a coherent compilation. The justification lies in the fact that the essays were
written as independent modules by Stephen Hawking and the book was completed by
his academic colleagues and family member after his demise. The final touch up
might deserve more attention.
To sum
up, the title does justice to the content, a great introductory collection of
essays to big ideas. It is a masterpiece for school students, under graduates
or layman to understand the very basic problems of science and their importance
in life. As he lived his life with
optimism, never give up attitude and a great vision for humanity, he suggested
scientific literacy to be an essential component for future.
I would
recommend this intellectually stimulating book to the leaders of global world,
including politicians to realign their priorities to what matters.
Quotes I
liked from the book:
"If
you look behind every exception person there is an exceptional teacher"
"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."
