What Quotes From A Brief History Of The Time Are Most Famous?

2025-08-28 02:34:42 81

5 Answers

Claire
Claire
2025-08-29 15:38:45
Late one rainy evening I dug 'A Brief History of Time' out from a pile of half-read books and found myself underlining lines that stuck like little lanterns. Two passages people quote endlessly are these: "If we find the answer to that, it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason — for then we would know the mind of God." and "We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the Universe. That makes us something very special." Those sentences always catch me—part humility, part audacious hope.

Another line I love because it’s cheeky and unforgettable is: "If time travel is possible, where are the tourists from the future?" It reads like Hawking smiling as he nudges readers to think clearly yet playfully about big questions. Rereading these, I felt both comforted and provoked, the way a late-night conversation with a curious friend does. If you haven’t read 'A Brief History of Time' in a while, flip to those passages and see which ones feel alive to you now.
Oliver
Oliver
2025-08-29 20:52:19
Some of the most quoted fragments from 'A Brief History of Time' function almost like philosophical one-liners that slip easily into everyday speech. One is the bold line about understanding the cosmos being akin to "knowing the mind of God," which captures Hawking’s framing of science as a quest for ultimate explanation. Another, more humorous and skeptical, is the time-travel jest: "If time travel is possible, where are the tourists from the future?" That one often pops up in debates about paradoxes and speculative ideas.

Then there’s the quietly astonishing observation about our place in the cosmos—"We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the Universe." I find that sentence both grounding and oddly uplifting: it acknowledges our smallness while celebrating our curiosity. Those three lines, taken together, show why the book bridges pop culture and serious thought: they’re compact, memorable, and provoke more questions than they settle.
Selena
Selena
2025-08-31 12:06:28
On my commute I often flip through 'A Brief History of Time' and the lines I see quoted most are the ones that sound like tiny philosophical grenades. The cheeky favorite—"If time travel is possible, where are the tourists from the future?"—gets shared a lot because it’s short and funny, but smart. Then there’s the ambitious, almost poetic claim about finding the ultimate explanation being like "knowing the mind of God," which always sparks heated chats about science and meaning.

I also return to the humble-but-brave passage about humans being "an advanced breed of monkeys" who nonetheless can understand the universe. For everyday motivation, that one is golden: it’s a reminder that curiosity matters, even if we’re small. Makes me want to reread whole chapters and argue with friends over coffee.
Liam
Liam
2025-08-31 15:23:22
Growing up on sci-fi and late-night documentaries made 'A Brief History of Time' feel like a bridge between wonder and math for me. The most famous lines from the book are the ones that get reposted in memes and lecture slides: the famous, slightly theological flourish—"If we find the answer to that, it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason—for then we would know the mind of God"—and the modest-yet-grand: "We are just an advanced breed of monkeys... But we can understand the Universe." Those capture Hawking’s mix of humility and ambition.

People also love his sense of humor; the "Where are the tourists from the future?" quip about time travel is iconic. What I appreciate is how those quotes act as invitations: they make complex physics feel like a conversation instead of a locked door. When I teach friends basics of cosmology, those lines always open the chat and make the heavy stuff less intimidating.
Yasmin
Yasmin
2025-09-03 02:42:29
I keep a dog-eared copy of 'A Brief History of Time' on my shelf and the short lines that circulate most are the ones that stick in my head: "We are just an advanced breed of monkeys... But we can understand the Universe," the cheeky "If time travel is possible, where are the tourists from the future?", and the striking: "If we find the answer to that, it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason—for then we would know the mind of God." Each one shows different faces of Hawking—wry, awe-filled, and philosophical. They’re the phrases I quote to friends when the conversation turns to meaning or the strange beauty of science.
View All Answers
Scan code to download App

Related Books

Brief Was the Love
Brief Was the Love
"Dr. Shaw! Ms. Sherwood has suffered a massive hemorrhage due to complications from childbirth! She has fallen into a coma and needs an emergency blood transfusion!" "Dr. Shaw! Ms. Lunsford is vomiting from anemia! She needs a blood transfusion immediately!" "Dr. Shaw! The blood bank just declared an emergency! We only have enough blood to save one of the patients right now!" Eugene Shaw stares broodingly at the pale and motionless Lilian Sherwood. Slowly, his hands clench into fists. "Stop all treatment for Ms. Sherwood! Have all the remaining blood in the blood bank transfused to Aurelie!" Lilian curls up in pain. Her mind is blank, but she hangs on to Eugene's every word. She hears him choose Aurelie Lunsford. Her pupils suddenly dilate as the doctor next to her sobs anxiously. "But Dr. Shaw, Ms. Sherwood's condition is more critical than Ms. Lunsford's! She should be your priority, especially since she's carrying your child!" Eugene turns, eyes slightly bloodshot, "She's a medical professional! Saving lives is her duty. I believe she would've made the same choice." Lilian is in disbelief. Tears spill from her eyes, bitter and mocking. Eugene makes his selfishness sound so noble. She regrets everything. If given another chance, she will definitely leave him at all costs! She draws her last despairing breath, and her hand droops limply. Eugene kneels before her hospital bed in panic, tears in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Lilian. I have no choice but to save her!"
26 Chapters
My Famous Mate
My Famous Mate
THIS STORY IS CURRENTLY ON HOLD UNTIL THE BEAUTIFUL SILENCE AND HIS YOUNG LUNA (EXCLUSIVELY ON DREAM E) ARE COMPLETE Book 1 of the Famed Mate series Amina Jordan is a well known actress in Hollywood. When a crazy stalker breaks into her home, she and her manager John, agree it would be best to move and hire personal security. So Amina moves to a whole different state and hires a man to be her personal body guard. This man seems to be excellent at his job, but what will happen when she starts to fall for him? Beau Morris was supposed to be the Alpha of the Blood Rivers Pack. However his parents Beta betrayed them and killed his parents while making it look like a rogue attack. Beau was able to escape and go into hiding. Now he's needs money to survive and takes a security job. Only what happens when the woman who hires him is his mate?
10
12 Chapters
My famous Alpha
My famous Alpha
"Sorry, but I can't wait any longer, baby. I need to fuck you right now and I am going to do it right here". Her outfit had a zipper that went all the way down between her legs, making it possible for him to unzip it from the bottom and upwards, getting access to her pussy without taking it off, and she wondered if he had planned this. "Baby those damn leggings are in the way, so you can either take off all your clothes or I’ll rip them to pieces". He whispered against her neck, after zipping her outfit open at the crotch. She had already been turned on from the vibrations and being so close to him, but his voice made her go crazy. "Please just rip them, I want you". He smiled at her, grabbing her leggings on both sides of the seam, splitting the crotch open with one hard pull, making her gasp. Amelia isn’t picky, she just knows what she wants and doesn’t want in a man, which is why she had only one boyfriend, that he turned out to be a cheating bastard hasn’t helped. Until she meets mister right, sweet, handsome, a model and singer and a werewolf. Connor Edon is an Alpha, but spends most of his time away from the pack, as a celebrity, letting his twin brother Weston be Alpha while he sends home the money needed. He had not expected to ever meet his mate, and definitely not in the form of a blonde Danish girl he runs into on a holiday. Will Amelie be able to accept the truth about her lover and handle his sometimes dominating wolf behaviour ? And will the wild and Independent Alpha be able to settle with a human girl.
10
108 Chapters
History of Tara and Dustin
History of Tara and Dustin
I'm a dreamer.... I have been dreaming about my best friend for as long as I can remember..... A first kiss has been saved for him.... Now I am 21 years old with secrets and a fake world around me. Can I keep it all from crumbling down? Can I keep the past where it belongs?
Not enough ratings
8 Chapters
Time
Time
"There's something so fascinating about your innocence," he breathes, so close I can feel the warmth of his breath against my lips. "It's a shame my own darkness is going to destroy it. However, I think I might enjoy the act of doing so." Being reborn as an immortal isn't particularly easy. For Rosie, it's made harder as she is sentenced to live her life within Time's territory, a powerful Immortal known for his callous behaviour and unlawful followers. However, the way he appears to her is not all there is to him. In fear of a powerful danger, Time whisks her away throughout his own personal history. But going back in time has it's consequences; mainly which, involve all the dark secrets he's held within eternity. But Rosie won't lie. The way she feels toward him isn't just their mate bond. It's a dark, dangerous attraction that bypasses how she has felt for past relationships. This is raw, passionate and sexy. And she can't escape it.
9.6
51 Chapters
Billionaire's Famous Doctor Fiancée
Billionaire's Famous Doctor Fiancée
Six years ago, she saved his life. And for six years he had searched desperately for her, but it was as if she had vanished from the face of the earth. Just as he was about to suspect that it was all a dream, she unexpectedly walked up to him and said, "I am Andrea Aguero, your fiancée." *** Andrea Aguero, the world-famous mysterious doctor, went on a journey alone, carrying a souvenir, to fulfill her grandmother's last wish by finding her arranged fiancé. Deep down, she secretly hoped the man would reject her. But when she actually meets him, things get out of hand! *** Andrea swallowed and looked up at Sebastian, then asked, "Mr. Munoz? Will you marry me?" She was still anticipating the man's rejection. "What if I'm not interested?" Inwardly ecstatic, Andrea managed to maintain a calm exterior and said, "That is my grandmother's intention, but if you are not willing, I will not force you to marry me.I will return the pendant to you and the marriage contract will be null and void." The words were spoken with great politeness - excellent, mission accomplished! But suddenly Sebastian moved closer to her, a small smile playing on his lips. "But... my family is extremely strict about integrity, and since my grandfather has already made this deal, it would be disrespectful for me to refuse, and my refusal would make it appear that my family doesn't keep its word." This statement immediately put Andrea on high alert, her eyebrows furrowing as she asked, "So..." "So...let's get married." Sebastian dropped a bomb in a quiet tone. How could that be!
8.7
153 Chapters

Related Questions

What Is The Book A Brief History Of Time About

3 Answers2025-06-10 10:16:13
I remember picking up 'A Brief History of Time' out of sheer curiosity, and it completely blew my mind. The book dives into the biggest questions about the universe—how it began, black holes, the nature of time, and whether there's a grand theory that explains everything. Stephen Hawking makes these complex ideas accessible, even for someone like me who isn’t a physics expert. He talks about the Big Bang, how stars live and die, and even touches on time travel in a way that’s both thrilling and easy to follow. It’s not just a science book; it’s a journey through the cosmos that makes you feel tiny yet connected to everything. The way he breaks down concepts like relativity and quantum mechanics without drowning in equations is pure genius. By the end, I felt like I had a clearer picture of why we’re here and how the universe works, even if it’s still full of mysteries.

What Controversies Surround 'A Brief History Of Time'?

5 Answers2025-06-14 13:46:07
'A Brief History of Time' is a groundbreaking book, but it's not without its share of controversies. Some critics argue that Hawking oversimplified complex concepts, making them accessible but potentially misleading. The book's lack of mathematical equations was both praised and criticized—some felt it diluted the science, while others appreciated the approachability. There's also debate about whether Hawking's theories, like the 'no boundary' proposal, were presented as more definitive than they truly are, leaving room for scientific skepticism. Another point of contention is the book's religious implications. Hawking's stance on the universe requiring no creator sparked backlash from religious groups, who saw it as an attack on faith. Meanwhile, some scientists felt he didn't adequately address competing cosmological theories, giving undue weight to his own ideas. The book's commercial success also led to accusations of pop-science sensationalism, with purists arguing it prioritized marketability over rigor. Despite these debates, its cultural impact is undeniable.

Who Wrote A Brief History Of The Time And What Is Its Focus?

5 Answers2025-08-28 14:46:42
I still get a little thrill picturing myself, notebook in lap, trying to sketch the universe after reading 'A Brief History of Time'. Stephen Hawking is the one who wrote it, and he packed a surprisingly gentle tour through some of the biggest questions: the Big Bang, black holes, general relativity, quantum mechanics, and the elusive nature of time itself. He aimed the book at curious readers who aren't mathematicians, so instead of pages of equations he uses analogies and narrative to explain things like singularities, the arrow of time, and whether the universe has a beginning or an edge. There's also an underlying quest in the book — Hawking's search for a unified theory that would tie together gravity and quantum physics. I loved how it makes you feel like you're overhearing a brilliant person thinking out loud, and it pushed me to follow up with his later works and popular science pieces. If you enjoy big-picture thinking and little mental experiments about space and time, this is a classic that still sparks conversation.

Why Is 'A Brief History Of Time' Considered A Classic?

2 Answers2025-06-14 15:25:19
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve revisited 'A Brief History of Time', and each time, it feels like stepping into a conversation with a friend who’s just as passionate about the universe as I am. The way Hawking breaks down colossal concepts—black holes, the Big Bang, relativity—into something digestible without dumbing it down is nothing short of genius. It’s not a textbook; it’s a journey. He writes with this quiet confidence, like he’s sitting across from you at a café, sketching equations on a napkin. The book doesn’t just explain science; it makes you *feel* the awe of spacetime bending or galaxies colliding. That’s why it stuck around. It’s for everyone—the curious teenager, the overwhelmed undergrad, the retiree who never lost their wonder. What cements its classic status, though, is how it tackles the *big* questions. Why does time move forward? Is the universe infinite? Hawking doesn’t shy away from the philosophical weight of these ideas. He connects quantum mechanics to human existence, weaving in nods to Einstein and Newton without name-dropping just to sound smart. The chapter on arrow of time still gives me chills—how he ties entropy to our everyday experience, like milk mixing into coffee. It’s relatable. And that’s the magic. He took a field that often feels cold and detached and injected it with warmth and curiosity. Even now, decades later, it’s the book I gift to anyone who says they ‘don’t get’ science. Because Hawking proved you don’t need a PhD to marvel at the cosmos.

Are There Film Adaptations Of A Brief History Of The Time?

5 Answers2025-08-28 15:29:49
I still get a little giddy anytime someone asks about film versions of 'A Brief History of Time' because the story of the book and Stephen Hawking’s life has been told on screen in a few different, interesting ways. The most direct film with the same title is the 1991 documentary 'A Brief History of Time' directed by Errol Morris. It’s not a Hollywood sci‑fi remake of the book’s ideas, but a contemplative documentary that mixes interviews with Hawking, family members, and visual sequences that try to give cinematic life to concepts like black holes and the Big Bang. Philip Glass’s music gives the piece this hypnotic quality that stuck with me. If you want Hawking’s own voice and an attempt to translate the book’s wonder into images, that’s the place to start. That said, there are also dramatic films inspired by Hawking’s life—most famously 'The Theory of Everything' (2014), which is adapted from Jane Hawking’s memoir and focuses on their relationship and his early career. And the BBC film 'Hawking' (2004) dramatizes his younger years. None of those are strict film adaptations of the science in the book, but they give rich human context to why the book mattered.

Where Can I Find Summaries Of A Brief History Of The Time?

5 Answers2025-08-28 12:01:35
I still get a little giddy thinking about the day I first tried to actually understand 'A Brief History of Time' and then hunted for a digestible summary. If you want chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, Wikipedia has a solid overview that’s free and quick — look up the page for 'A Brief History of Time' and scroll to the contents and chapter summaries. Goodreads and Amazon reader reviews also often contain concise synopses and reader takeaways that highlight the main ideas without heavy jargon. For a more guided, study-style route, try Blinkist or Audible for condensed audio summaries that focus on the core concepts (useful when I’m commuting). University course pages and lecture notes sometimes post summaries of Hawking’s key arguments — search sites for PDF syllabi or lecture slides. If you want richer context, check respected newspapers’ book reviews from when the book released (The New York Times, The Guardian) — they often summarize and critique it at the same time. Finally, if you enjoy videos, there are excellent YouTube explainers (PBS Space Time, Veritasium, and some dedicated book-summary channels) that walk through Hawking’s big ideas with visuals. I usually mix a short article with a video so the abstract physics gets anchored in a nice mnemonic image.

Who Wrote The Book A Brief History Of Time?

3 Answers2025-06-10 04:31:46
I've always been fascinated by books that explore the mysteries of the universe, and 'A Brief History of Time' is one of those masterpieces that left a lasting impression on me. The author, Stephen Hawking, was a brilliant physicist who had a unique ability to explain complex concepts in a way that even non-scientists could grasp. His work on black holes and the nature of time revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos. Reading this book felt like having a conversation with a genius who genuinely wanted to share his knowledge with the world. Hawking's legacy lives on through his contributions to science and his ability to inspire curiosity in millions of readers.

Who Is The Author Of The Book A Brief History Of Time

3 Answers2025-06-10 13:55:53
I’ve always been fascinated by science books that break down complex ideas into something anyone can understand. 'A Brief History of Time' is one of those gems that made me fall in love with cosmology. The author, Stephen Hawking, is a legend in the field—his brilliance and ability to explain black holes, the Big Bang, and time itself in such an engaging way is unmatched. I first picked up this book after watching documentaries about him, and his writing style just clicked with me. It’s not every day you find a scientist who can make physics feel like a thrilling adventure story. His work has inspired so many people, including me, to look at the universe with wonder.
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status