I bought the anniversary edition of ‘THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING’ by Stephen Hawking recently. It is published in India by Jaico Publishing house. A ordered this book which was initially published in 2006 because someone I respect for her scientific knowledge told me to read it. And frankly, I can only tell her – Thank you.
This book is a compilation of seven straight forward essays that explain most complex scientific theories and concepts in the almost childlike simplicity. It is just superb, and I wish that more and more people read the book.
I enjoyed reading it, though not many arguments stuck with me or I can use them in any discussion confidently, while reading the experience was of awe and wow.
THE BOOK
It zeroes on to the ‘Birth’ of the Universe. It uses all arguments to debate if the Universe has not existed forever. If there was the moment of singularity or ‘birth’ some 15 billion years ago. He dives into arguments as to what makes us believe this or contradicts it. What is the second law of thermodynamics and how it helps debate the birth of the Universe. Is the Universe contracting, expanding or is on a yo-yo trip of expansion and contraction? Is our Universe boundaryless? Do we live in an infinite universe- which has no start and finish? Why does the Universe seem the same in all directions? Was it a case of simultaneous big-bangs, and why is anything that happened before the big-bang is of no use or importance?
In theory, with our current knowledge, we accept that the Universe can create itself out of nothing and did not need any external ‘creator’. Does it not counter every religious knowledge and definition of God? Does the Universe has a 4th dimension? Are black holes really black? And in duality and polarity – explains why we have reason to believe that the total energy in the Universe should equate to ZERO.
It in many places in ‘The Theory of Everything’, he refers to the idea of one all-encompassing theory. A theory that will work under the framework of all of physics, quantum mechanics and thermodynamics. A unified approach explains the laws of the Universe. But, our quest for this THEORY OF EVERYTHING is still on. And that makes me say that PERFECTION is a myth. Perfection can not exist in the chaotic randomised world we live in.
FINAL SAY
Hope the above ignites your curiosity ( unless you know the answer) and interest in the book ‘THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING’. It is an excellent read, and for me, it was much better than any fiction- it was what we call page-turner for me. But will you like it or not- is a big question only you can answer. Because unless you are in this field, knowing whatever is said in the book will not make any difference to your life.
If you are curious kind of person with a scientific bent of mind and interested in such things like Universe and its birth- go for it.
( While reading ‘The Theory of Everything’, I came to know of a movie by the same name based on the life of Stephen Hawking that was also nominated for Oscar. Now I better watch it someday).
THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING- the origin and fate of the Universe by STEPHEN HAWKING- published by JAICO. INR 199. Pages 131. One of the better use of INR 199.
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