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Brief Answers to the Big Questions

'A beautiful little book by a brilliant mind' DAILY TELEGRAPH

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About this listen

 Read by Ben Whishaw and Garrick Hagon, with an afterword read by Lucy Hawking.

The world-famous cosmologist and #1 bestselling author of A Brief History of Time leaves us with his final thoughts on the universe's biggest questions in this brilliant posthumous work.

How did the universe begin? Will humanity survive on Earth? Is there intelligent life beyond our solar system? Could artificial intelligence ever outsmart us?

Throughout his extraordinary career, Stephen Hawking expanded our understanding of the universe and unravelled some of its greatest mysteries. But even as his theoretical work on black holes, imaginary time and multiple histories took his mind to the furthest reaches of space, Hawking always believed that science could also be used to fix the problems on our planet.

And now, as we face potentially catastrophic changes here on Earth - from climate change to dwindling natural resources to the threat of artificial super-intelligence - Stephen Hawking turns his attention to the most urgent issues for humankind.

Wide-ranging, intellectually stimulating, passionately argued, and infused with his characteristic humour, BRIEF ANSWERS TO THE BIG QUESTIONS, the final book from one of the greatest minds in history, is a personal view on the challenges we face as a human race, and where we, as a planet, are heading next.

A percentage of all royalties will go to charity.

(P)2018 Hodder & Stoughton Limited©2018 Stephen Hawking Astronomy & Space Science Cosmology Professionals & Academics Science Science & Technology Solar System Black Hole Inspiring Thought-Provoking Heartfelt Suspenseful Mathematics Astronomy

Critic reviews

A beautiful book from a brilliant mind
Almost everything in Brief Answers is effortlessly instructive, absorbing, up to the minute and - where it matters - witty
The best, most mind-bending sort of physics: black holes, time travel, the origins of the universe
It is that ultra-distinctive voice (modest, profound, sometimes very funny) that knits this book together
All stars
Most relevant
Stephen Hawking was such a wonderful populariser of physics and cosmology, with a knack for explaining the most complicated science in such a way that even a layman like myself could begin to understand it. He was also a voice of reason in a world that often seems lacking in that quality.

This book covers a variety of questions Hawking has been asked, or addressed over the years - is there a God? What came before the big bang? Might AI develop a will of its own and become a threat to mankind? How did life begin? His answers are at once both challenging and informative. At just under five hours this is quite brief, but also fantastically enjoyable - I listened to the whole thing in a single day. I especially enjoyed the brief sections in Professor Hawking's own familiar, assisted, voice. Ben Whishaw was also excellent reading the main text.


"Remember to look up at the stars not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder what makes the universe exist. Be curious". - Stephen Hawking (1942 - 2018)

Look up to the stars, not down at your feet.

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I never read a book of Stephen Hawking before as I thought that his theories might be quite difficult to understand by a person without scientific background. Surprisingly he made everything clear, interesting and touching to read.
It’s a book about physics, and about life; Stephen Hawking’s intelligent, optimistic, brave life, and what he expected human beings would enjoy.
Beautifully read by Ben Whishaw with a clean and tender voice.
Worth listening for everyone, interested or not in Theoretical Physics. The book will make one feel that life is a bonus.

A beautiful book written by one most beautiful mind

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An incredible book by an incredible man, Stephen Hawking goes out with an incredible read. Complex issues told in an easy way. An amazing look into the forecast for the future.

One to read before you die

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I did a Physics degree in the 1980s and whilst I do not pretend to be anywhere near to this man's intellect, I have followed his career via television programs like Horizon.

The book collects together many of his thoughts without pomposity and with his wry humour. The contributors add a lot and its a really easy listen despite dealing with subject matter which is of the highest importance to us all on this little planet of ours.

The endpiece by Lucy is particularly emotional. I never met her father, but I wish I had.

inspiring, thought provoking, touching

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Yes, Stephen Hawking certainly made a contribution and brings perspective to our human challenges. Wonderful, thought provoking and generous

Wonderful. Profound. Human

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