On the Origin of Time

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A new theory of the universe, developed over twenty years by Stephen Hawking and his collaborator Thomas Hertog, addresses the profound question of how the universe could create conditions suitable for life. Hawking's earlier theory on the Big Bang faced challenges when it suggested a multiverse, comprising numerous bizarre universes, many incapable of supporting life. In their research at Cambridge, Hawking and Hertog delved into the Big Bang, discovering that physical laws could transform and simplify, leading to the dissolution of particles, forces, and even time itself. This insight culminated in a groundbreaking idea: the laws of physics are not fixed but evolve alongside the universe. Their journey, marked by a deep friendship, explored extreme physics, black holes, and advancements in string theory. As Hawking's life came to a close, the duo published a final paper proposing a radical perspective on the universe's origins, challenging conventional notions of our place in the cosmos. This work serves as the legacy of their remarkable journey.