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A brief history of time

 A brief History of time by Stephen Hawking is a unique attempt by a legendary theoretical physicist to explain complicated scientific theories to us ignorant fools :)

Cosmic Science has been, for centuries, something that "common folks" couldn't fathom with ease. Instead it has always made them perplexed, more than enlightened. It is very curious indeed, when one sees that, the same science the farmers, smiths and tradesmen use so jovially, while solving one's day to day problems, becomes a cause of large aversion and boredom for them when it reaches the cosmic level. I am not trying to simplify things here by generalizing some trades and professions, but still "not to know more than a certain point" is something that is built into the humans. 

Then there are the people who very much thrive by exploring such ideas and concepts. For them discussing these things means life and every second they may spend without exploring the secrets of the universe is considered a waste. 

Dr. Stephen Hawking here in this book tries to lay out the story of time itself, in conformity with the title. He covers many topics, which fascinates people like 'yours truly', that includes planets, stars, solar systems, origins of life, black holes, space travel, time travel, flow of time, big bang, string theory, boundaries of the universe etc.

I didn't understand almost 30% of the book, if I am being honest. But then again Stephen Hawking is talking about the secrets of the universe. So it's okay if some of it goes over your head. But I was able to clear up many of my questions about the universe and fill my mind with many more. I am grateful to him for that.

I don't know if any other legends of today's scientific intelligentsia have undertaken such efforts to explain extremely difficult subjects for popular consumption. The book is quirky, fun and also deeply thought provoking.

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