Une brève histoire du temps. Du Big Bang aux trous noirs (Champs sciences)
8.42 / 10 495K ratings
Classic- Language
- French
- Published
- 2017
- Publisher
- Flammarion
- Pages
- 278
- ISBN
- 9782081404342
In one of the landmark volumes of science writing, Stephen Hawking confronts the most profound questions of existence. How did the universe begin? What is the fundamental nature of space and time? He guides readers through the exotic realms of black holes, quarks, and the "arrows of time," exploring the origins of the cosmos with the Big Bang and considering its ultimate fate. The book tackles the essential building blocks of the universe and the fundamental forces that govern them, from the infinitely large to the infinitesimally small.
Written in accessible, non-technical language, this work translates the most complex theories of cosmology for an audience without a background in physics. Hawking explains the development of scientific thought, from general relativity to quantum mechanics, in a quest to find a complete, consistent, and unified theory that would explain everything in the universe. It is an exploration that aims to provide a clearer understanding of the events around us and our own place within the vastness of the cosmos.
Written in accessible, non-technical language, this work translates the most complex theories of cosmology for an audience without a background in physics. Hawking explains the development of scientific thought, from general relativity to quantum mechanics, in a quest to find a complete, consistent, and unified theory that would explain everything in the universe. It is an exploration that aims to provide a clearer understanding of the events around us and our own place within the vastness of the cosmos.
Original edition
A Brief History of TimeOriginally published in 1988 English Bantam
Other editions (211)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
Our journey begins with humanity's earliest attempts to comprehend the cosmos, tracing the evolution of our understanding from an Earth-centric view to the revolutionary insights of Copernicus and Galileo. We learn how Isaac Newton unveiled the universal laws of motion and gravity, forever changing our perception of how objects move and interact across the vastness of space. His elegant framework allowed for precise predictions of planetary movements, yet even his genius could not fully explain every cosmic anomaly.
Then came Albert Einstein, whose theories of relativity fundamentally reshaped our notions of space and time. He revealed that these are not absolute and separate entities, but rather interwoven dimensions, forming a flexible fabric called spacetime. Gravity, in this new light, is not merely a force pulling objects together, but a curvature in spacetime caused by the presence of mass and energy. Imagine a heavy ball placed on a stretched rubber sheet, causing it to dip; smaller marbles rolling nearby will gravitate towards the ball, not because of a direct pull, but because of the distortion in the sheet. This elegant concept explained phenomena that had baffled scientists for centuries.
The narrative then plunges into the grand story of the universe's origin: the Big Bang. Evidence for this explosive beginning is presented, including the redshift of distant galaxies, indicating an ever-expanding universe, and the faint, pervasive glow of cosmic microwave background radiation, the lingering afterglow of that primordial fireball. From an incredibly hot and dense state, the universe burst forth, expanding and cooling, giving rise to all the matter and energy we observe today.
As we delve deeper, the enigmatic realm of black holes emerges. These are regions where gravity is so intense that nothing, not even light, can escape their clutches. We explore their formation from the collapse of massive stars and the concept of the event horizon, the point of no return. Yet, these cosmic devourers are not entirely black. A revolutionary idea suggests that due to quantum effects near their edges, black holes can emit radiation, slowly shrinking and eventually evaporating over vast stretches of time, a phenomenon now known as Hawking radiation.
The exploration continues into the bewildering world of quantum mechanics, governing the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales. Concepts like the uncertainty principle, which dictates that we cannot precisely know both the position and momentum of a particle simultaneously, challenge our classical intuitions. The universe, at its most fundamental level, operates on probabilities and paradoxes, a stark contrast to the deterministic clockwork of Newton's universe.
Finally, we confront profound questions about the universe's ultimate fate and the very nature of time itself. Does time flow in a single direction, always forward, and if so, why? This "arrow of time" is linked to the increasing disorder, or entropy, of the universe. We ponder various models for the universe's end: will it continue expanding forever, leading to a cold, empty "heat death," or will gravity eventually halt its expansion and pull everything back into a "Big Crunch"? The quest for a unified theory, a single framework that reconciles general relativity and quantum mechanics, remains the ultimate ambition, for such a theory would unveil the deepest secrets of existence and allow us to truly understand why the universe is as it is.
Then came Albert Einstein, whose theories of relativity fundamentally reshaped our notions of space and time. He revealed that these are not absolute and separate entities, but rather interwoven dimensions, forming a flexible fabric called spacetime. Gravity, in this new light, is not merely a force pulling objects together, but a curvature in spacetime caused by the presence of mass and energy. Imagine a heavy ball placed on a stretched rubber sheet, causing it to dip; smaller marbles rolling nearby will gravitate towards the ball, not because of a direct pull, but because of the distortion in the sheet. This elegant concept explained phenomena that had baffled scientists for centuries.
The narrative then plunges into the grand story of the universe's origin: the Big Bang. Evidence for this explosive beginning is presented, including the redshift of distant galaxies, indicating an ever-expanding universe, and the faint, pervasive glow of cosmic microwave background radiation, the lingering afterglow of that primordial fireball. From an incredibly hot and dense state, the universe burst forth, expanding and cooling, giving rise to all the matter and energy we observe today.
As we delve deeper, the enigmatic realm of black holes emerges. These are regions where gravity is so intense that nothing, not even light, can escape their clutches. We explore their formation from the collapse of massive stars and the concept of the event horizon, the point of no return. Yet, these cosmic devourers are not entirely black. A revolutionary idea suggests that due to quantum effects near their edges, black holes can emit radiation, slowly shrinking and eventually evaporating over vast stretches of time, a phenomenon now known as Hawking radiation.
The exploration continues into the bewildering world of quantum mechanics, governing the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales. Concepts like the uncertainty principle, which dictates that we cannot precisely know both the position and momentum of a particle simultaneously, challenge our classical intuitions. The universe, at its most fundamental level, operates on probabilities and paradoxes, a stark contrast to the deterministic clockwork of Newton's universe.
Finally, we confront profound questions about the universe's ultimate fate and the very nature of time itself. Does time flow in a single direction, always forward, and if so, why? This "arrow of time" is linked to the increasing disorder, or entropy, of the universe. We ponder various models for the universe's end: will it continue expanding forever, leading to a cold, empty "heat death," or will gravity eventually halt its expansion and pull everything back into a "Big Crunch"? The quest for a unified theory, a single framework that reconciles general relativity and quantum mechanics, remains the ultimate ambition, for such a theory would unveil the deepest secrets of existence and allow us to truly understand why the universe is as it is.
What other readers say
Liked
Many readers praise A Brief History of Time for its ambitious scope and the author's ability to tackle profound scientific questions about the universe's origin, expansion, and fate. Reviewers found the book informative, engaging, and a valuable journey through the history of science, from ancient concepts to modern theories like relativity, quantum mechanics, and black holes. Despite the complex subject matter, many appreciated the author's generally approachable and simple writing style, often noting the absence of mathematical equations (beyond the most famous one) and the occasional inclusion of humor. For some, it served as an excellent refresher or even a primer, broadening their understanding of cosmic evolution and fundamental physics concepts. The book is lauded for its concise yet resourceful explanations, offering a fascinating glimpse into the universe and stimulating the imagination. Several readers were particularly struck by the book's philosophical undertones, finding that it thoughtfully addresses the relationship between science and the concept of a creator without being dismissive.
Disliked
Despite its accessible intent, a recurring criticism is the book's inconsistent difficulty. Many readers found themselves struggling to fully grasp the material, particularly in sections dealing with more advanced concepts like quantum mechanics or imaginary time, which were often presented too briefly. The book's target audience is frequently questioned, as it sometimes assumes a level of background knowledge that general readers may not possess, leading to confusion and the feeling that significant portions went over their heads. Some reviewers felt the narrative lacked coherence or flow, with the author occasionally jumping between concepts without sufficient explanation. Philosophical digressions were also a point of contention for some, who found the author's opinions on topics like God or the certainty of theories to be either unsubstantiated or overly assertive. Additionally, a few noted that some of the theories discussed, while groundbreaking at the time of writing, have since been surpassed or are incomplete, making the book somewhat dated as an introduction to the absolute latest in modern physics.
In short
Overall, A Brief History of Time is widely considered a significant and important work, but one that presents a considerable challenge for many. It is frequently cited as a "bought but unread" bestseller, highlighting the gap between its popular appeal and its actual comprehensibility for a broad audience. While it offers valuable insights and can inspire a deeper interest in physics and cosmology, it often requires significant effort, multiple readings, or supplementary research to fully appreciate. The book is best suited for readers who already possess a basic understanding of scientific principles and a strong curiosity about the universe's grand questions. It is highly recommended for science enthusiasts, those with a foundational knowledge of physics, or individuals who are prepared to engage with complex ideas and are not discouraged by the prospect of rereading or seeking external clarification. For such readers, it can be a truly rewarding and mind-expanding experience, even if complete assimilation of every concept proves elusive.
No reviews yet. Be the first.