On the Origin of Time

On the Origin of Time, authored by Thomas Hertog in collaboration with the legendary physicist Stephen Hawking, presents an extraordinary new theory of the universe, one that has been in development for over twenty years. This book embarks on a fascinating journey to uncover how our universe could have evolved to create conditions so perfectly hospitable for life. It delves deeply into some of the most profound questions in cosmology, exploring the birth and evolution of the cosmos through the lens of quantum physics and string theory.

The story begins with Stephen Hawking’s quest to understand the mysteries behind the origins of the universe. Early in his career, Hawking encountered a significant predicament: the mathematical models he developed predicted countless big bangs, resulting in a multiverse with a myriad of different universes, most of which were too bizarre to support life. This impasse set the stage for a revolutionary exploration.

In the theoretical physics department at Cambridge, Hawking and Thomas Hertog joined forces, collaborating intensely over the course of two decades. Together, they ventured into the enigmatic realms of quantum physics, peering into the intricate mechanics of black holes and beyond. As their research progressed, they unearthed a surprising discovery: a deeper level of cosmic evolution where the physical laws themselves transform and simplify, eventually leading to a state where particles, forces, and even time begin to diminish and fade away.

This ground-breaking revelation birthed a radical new perspective on the cosmos. Their theory proposed that the laws of physics are not fixed, but rather they emerge and evolve in tandem with the universe they govern. This Darwinian approach to cosmology revolutionises our understanding of the universe's inception, suggesting that the physical laws co-evolve as the universe progresses.

On the Origin of Time takes readers on an exhilarating quest to comprehend questions that extend beyond our universe. Drawing on the latest advancements in string theory and the extreme quantum physics of black holes, Hertog provides an accessible yet profound narrative that challenges our conventional views of the cosmos. As Hawking’s final days approached, the pair published their pioneering theory, which may ultimately be considered one of Hawking's most significant legacies.

This book not only presents a transformational theory about the origins and evolution of the universe but also invites readers to ponder their place within the cosmic order. On the Origin of Time is a captivating read for anyone intrigued by the mysteries of the universe, Stephen Hawking’s unparalleled contributions to physics, and the ongoing quest to understand the cosmos on a fundamental level.