Perhaps the biggest question that Stephen Hawking sought to answer in his life was how the Universe could have created conditions hospitable to life. Thus, he ended up studying the origins of the Universe from the Big Bang. However, his early work faced the mathematical prediction that many Big Bangs create a multiverse, most of which would be extremely unlikely to host life.

Hawking, a professor in the Department of Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge, along with his friend and close collaborator Thomas Hertog developed a new theory for the Universe that could justify the emergence of life. Delving into the quantum physics of cosmic holograms and daring to approach our deepest roots far back in time, they were astonished to discover a deeper level of evolution in which the very laws of physics transform and simplify until particles, forces, and even time itself disappear. This led them to a revolutionary idea: the laws of physics are not immutable but are born and co-evolve as the Universe they govern takes shape. As Hawking approached the end of his life, the two collaborators published their theory, proposing a radical new Darwinian perspective on the origins of our Universe.

The book offers a new vision for the birth of the Universe that will fundamentally transform the way we think about our place in the order of the Universe, and may ultimately prove to be Hawking's greatest scientific legacy.

What they said about the book

• "Thomas Hertog, like his mentor and colleague Stephen Hawking, never hesitated to be ambitious in framing theories about the Universe. This sweeping book offers an accessible overview of what we know in cosmology as well as some bold ideas to navigate the unknown. It serves as an introduction to Hawking's final theory, as well as a glimpse into even broader theories that may follow." — Sean Carroll, Professor of Theoretical Physics, California Institute of Technology

• "A beautifully written, captivating account of both the physics and the personalities involved in Hawking's visionary quest to understand the Universe. Thomas Hertog provides us with a thrilling insider's perspective." — Neil Turok, Professor of Theoretical Physics, University of Edinburgh and Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics

• "Why is our Universe the way it is? How did it begin? How might it end? Hertog explored these overwhelming questions in collaboration with Hawking, thereby achieving a privileged perspective on how, against daunting physical odds, Stephen's imprisoned spirit yielded astonishing insights even in his final years. This exceptionally well-written book offers a view into a remarkable personality, into the creative process generally, and into the scope and limits of our current understanding of our Universe." — Martin Rees, Crafoord Prize in Astronomy, Astronomer Royal of the United Kingdom

• "Hawking's final theory is clearly explained in this extremely accessible book. The author Thomas Hertog, one of Stephen's closest collaborators, gives us a vivid picture of Hawking not only as a brilliant physicist but also as an astonishingly determined human being." — Dr. Graham Farmelo, Fellow of the University of Cambridge, Associate Professor of Physics at Northeastern University

• "An exciting picture of one of humanity's deepest quests from one of its most profound scientists." — Christophe Galfard, PhD in Physics supervised by Stephen Hawking

• "Hawking and Hertog seek to shape a new philosophy of physics. [...] The concepts and arguments presented here are genuinely shocking. […] Their book On the Origin of Time is incredibly rewarding." — The Times