On the Origin of Time

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Stephen Hawking's closest collaborator presents the intellectual giant's final reflections on the cosmos, revising the theory that cemented his legacy. A central question Hawking sought to answer was how the universe could create conditions so conducive to life. This inquiry led him to explore the big bang, but his early findings suggested a multiverse with countless bizarre universes, most incapable of supporting life. Collaborating with Thomas Hertog at Cambridge for two decades, they developed a new quantum theory of the cosmos. Their research revealed a deeper evolution where physical laws transform and simplify, leading to a scenario where particles, forces, and even time may not have existed at one point. This insight prompted a revolutionary idea: the laws of physics are not immutable but evolve alongside the universe. The narrative delves into extreme quantum physics, exploring black holes and the big bang, while incorporating advancements in string theory. As Hawking's life neared its end, the duo proposed a radical new Darwinian perspective on the universe's origins. Hertog presents a compelling vision that intricately connects the universe's birth with our existence, profoundly reshaping our understanding of our place in the cosmos and potentially marking Hawking's most significant legacy.