Brief Answers to the Big Questions

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

By: Stephen Hawking

Narrated by: Ben Whishaw, Garrick Hagon, Lucy Hawking

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

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

Deep, intelligent, thought provoking

One of the best listens I have experienced over the Christmas period, full of current topics and deep questions, relevant to the future of life on Earth.

Wonderful

Perfect pick as my first Hawking's book.
Great performance and very understandable for a young adult.

I don't have a long attention span so at times I had to rewing a minute to grasp the concept but I enjoyed 100% all of the book.

By the end I was marveled at Stephen Hawking's wonderful empathy and capacity.
Hawking's name is a household term and even though I knew of him, his absence never hit me until now. I couldn't but shed a few tears after having known what a great human being we lost 3 years ago.

Marathoned in one sitting

I'm just really glad I get to be alive at this particular time when I get to learn about the universe from Hawking and people like him. I love this stuff, and this book is written accessibly enough that even I don't have trouble understanding the material (which I would in a school setting). It's inspirational, calming, and existential crisis-worthy at the same time. Wonderful all around.

All you need to know on the universe

A complete map of the work of Hawking and other scientists regarding astro physics and other fields. Explained for someone who has a basic knowledge on the nature of the universe.

Last helping hand

Over the years Stephen Hawkings books have accompanies me on travels or as in this case on long walks. The subject matters were invariably difficult and at times daunting. In this book its the same, but more so. The bigest questions possible and still more than worthwhile. It is impressive to hear how well thought through and clearly stated Prof. Hawkings manages to argue and develop his answers to the questions. The relative brevity in answering the questions, in about half an hour a question, suggests a long preparation in making the case simply, and it makes the book digestible also for an average reader. A realy enjoyable and worthwhile listening and with a sad note, this being the last helping hand Stephen Hawking could give. It is a big help.